New York Mets: How they stack up against the NL East

Atlanta Braves

The reigning National League East champions are looking to raise another banner in 2020. After winning 97 games last season, the Braves are still one of the best teams in baseball.

Young slugger Ronald Acuna Jr. finished in the top five for the NL MVP last season. Pitcher Mike Soroka finished second behind Alonso for Rookie of the Year. This young team is very talented and will be a problem for the National League for a long time.

Losing Josh Donaldson as a free agent puts a hole in the middle of Atlanta’s batting order. Donaldson hit 34 home runs with 97 RBI for the Braves and was a big part of their success. They hope Acuna, Freddie Freeman and recently acquired Marcell Ozuna could make up for Donaldson’s production.

It’s not just his offensive production that will be missed. Donaldson is one of the best third basemen and it’s unclear who will play there now for the Braves. Johan Camargo is the favorite to man the hot corner. After a good 2018, he struggled with reduced playing time last season.

The Braves also let two pitchers, Dallas Kuechel and Julio Teheran, walk in free agency. To fill the void they picked up a cheaper veteran in Cole Hamels. ATL also signed former Mariners’ ace Felix Hernandez who they are hoping can return to his all-star form. Even if the team’s production drops, they will still be among the best teams in baseball.