Ranking the NL East teams by who is losing the most in free agency this offseason

With the World Series officially under way the Atlanta Braves are inching ever closer towards getting their offseason started up. As a reminder, five days after the final game of the World Series teams can officially begin talks with free agents.

We know about all the big names the Braves are set to have to battle to retain, but how about their NL East rivals? Which teams will have to replace this offseason, and which are set up to have a quiet winter? Below we'll be ranking the five NL East teams based off how much each team is losing in free agency.

Miami Marlins

To the surprise of no one the rebuilding Miami Marlins won't be losing many veterans in free agency this offseason. The organization brought in new leadership in the front office last offseason, and as a result turned in an abysmal 2024.

They have nine total free agents including a couple of former Braves in Yonny Chirinos and Cristian Pache. The group is headlined by Nick Gordon who turned in a .227/.258/.369 slash line, -0.8 fWAR and 69 wRC+ in 260 at-bats last season.

Washington Nationals

The young Washington Nationals are further along in their rebuild than the Marlins, but they too aren't losing much in free agency. With top prospects James Wood and Dylan Crews both reaching the majors last season Washington could look to surround them with more talent this offseason.

Among the pending free agents for Washington there are some names you've heard of. Trevor Williams was solid when he was on the mound last season and Joey Gallo played in a ton of games for the club. Alongside them they will lose a couple bullpen arms in Jordan Weems and Jacob Barnes.

However, the Nationals do get a net positive in their free agent class this year. There is no doubt the front office is celebrating the end of one of the worst contracts in recent baseball history. Patrick Corbin is set to hit free agency once again as his six-year $140 million contract is finally off the books.

Philadelphia Phillies

Next we arrive at the first of the three playoff teams from the NL East division. The Phillies have a lot of money and years tied up into their superstar players littered throughout the roster. As expected none of those guys are remotely close to free agency, so the Braves will sadly see a lot more Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, etc. in 2025.

However, the Phillies are set to lose a couple of key relievers unless they find some cash to retain them. The first is Carlos Estevez who was acquired from the Angels this past trade deadline. Philadelphia's most important looming free agent is reliever Jeff Hoffman, who has been nails in the bullpen since he came to Philadelphia in 2023.

Last season Hoffman posted a 2.17 ERA, 2.52 FIP, 2.80 xFIP, and 2.0 fWAR in just over 66 innings for the Phillies. At 31 years-old Hoffman is sure to get a decent payday for high-leverage relievers.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have eight players total who we know will be free agents this offseason. They also have another four who have club options for next season, although we expect most of those to be excerised.

The loss for Atlanta hits the hardest in the rotation as they are set to lose a lot of innings from the 2024 staff. Of course most notably beloved Brave Max Fried, who figures to command one of the largest contracts this winter.

Then you get to veteran Charlie Morton who we are still awaiting his decision on retirement. Had A.J. Minter entered this offseason healthy he would've figured to cash in with a big payday, but his hip injury may just be enough to bring him back to Atlanta on a cheaper one-year prove it deal.

New York Mets

Finally we arrive at the NL East team that advanced the furthest in the playoffs in 2024. The Metropolitans gave their fans an incredible October, so we're sure the fanbase is hoping for an active winter from the front office.

However, if the Mets want to make a splash they may need to first focus on retaining the talent they are set to have floating around in free agency. Luis Severino and veteran Jose Quintana pitched a ton of important innings for the Mets this postseason, and their departure could create a huge void in the rotation.

J.D. Martinez, Jesse Winker, Jose Iglesias, and Harrison Bader were important veterans who each had their moments in New York's magical 2024. Then you get to a plethora of bullpen arms they are set to lose. This quartet of names include: Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, Ryne Stanek, and Drew Smith.

Sean Manaea has a player option for $13.5 million and that feels like an easy decline after he pitched himself into a long-term deal thanks to his underrated 2024 season. Then you get to the biggest bear of them all. The polar bear in fact.

Pete Alonso, who was thought to be a trade deadline candidate, found himself producing numerous magical moments in the 2024 postseason. Now the polar bear is set to cash-in somewhere this offseason. Right-handed power is a hot commodity, and Alonso's has had at least 34 home runs in each full 162 game season since arriving in the big leagues.

Each NL East team will be looking to make the offseason moves necessary in order to give themselves the best chance at winning the division. However, some teams are going to have more pieces to replace than others in what's sure to be an exciting and wild year of free agency.

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