As annoying as it is for Atlanta Braves fans, the Mets finally figured out how to do some things right this offseason after they were on track for an all-time terrible winter. It was bad enough that they added Bo Bichette and at least that move could be seen as a defensive downgrade. Now that they finally figured out that they needed a functional rotation and traded for Freddy Peralta, New York looks as formidable as ever despite the players they lost this offseason. However, not all of the news around the division is bad for the Braves.
The Phillies were the team to beat heading into the offseason and they did do the one thing they absolutely had to do in re-signing Kyle Schwarber. However, a closer look at their roster combined with the sheer lack of actual upgrades this offseason leads one to believe that Philly's competitive window could be closing right in front of our eyes.
Phillies' inaction this offseason is giving the Braves a golden opportunity
Now, re-signing Schwarber and bringing back JT Realmuto are not bad moves per se. Schwarber is coming off a career year and Realmuto is still very good behind the plate. However, that those are the Phillies' two marquee moves is indicative of an issue with their roster that is going to catch up with them very soon and that is age.
Schwarber is 32 which, as basically a DH only guy, isn't the end of the world. However, Realmuto has a lot of miles on him behind the plate at 34 years old and he is already not the same offensive force he once was. Zack Wheeler is 35 and coming off a pretty serious thoracic outlet surgery and he is joined by the fading Aaron Nola (32), Trea Turner (32), Bryce Harper (33), Adolis Garcia (32), and Taijuan Walker (34). Not all of these guys are going to show their age immediately, but several of them have already shown signs (in regression or with injuries) that Father Time is closing in and it isn't going to get any easier from here.
On top of an aging roster, they did just lose one of their best pitchers in Ranger Suarez which is no small deal. It's likely that the Phillies are banking on Andrew Painter becoming a stud, but asking him to carry the load for the rest of the senior citizens is a lot to ask of a kid that has already dealt with a major arm injury.
For the Braves, this is a real chance to pull back ahead of the Phillies, because they don't look particularly scary right now. The Mets are a different sort of problem, but at least Philly seems like they screwed this offseason up and left the door open.