By: Mike Rifkin
The 2023 MLB season is upon us. Here is a National League preview.
The National League is loaded with talent. The reigning National League Champion Phillies bolstered their lineup by adding Trea Turner and tried to solidify their pitching with the additions of Taijuan Walker and Craig Kimbrel. The Padres signed ace Yu Darvish and third baseman Manny Machado to extensions, bringing in shortstop Xander Bogaerts and DH Nelson Cruz. They will also get back star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. in April after he was suspended for PEDS. The Cardinals have two-thirds of the NL MVP finalists in Nolan Arenado and the reigning MVP, Paul Goldschmidt. They also added Willson Contreras from the Cubs. The New York Mets added reigning AL CY Young Award Winner Justin Verlander to pair with former teammate Max Scherzer. Then there are the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been the class of the National League over the years.
One team that I’m genuinely curious about is the Milwaukee Brewers. They led the NL Central most of last season until they faltered late in the second half. The Cubs and Giants were active in the free-agent market. The Marlins and Diamondbacks have a chance to surprise some people this season with their talent. It is about looking to the future for the Pirates, Reds, and Nationals. Then there’s the curious case of the Rockies. Their owner said they were shooting for .500, but if Kris Bryant is healthy for the whole year and their pitching takes the next step, they could be better, but the top half of the NL is powerful.
DIVISION WINNERS
EAST – BRAVES – The Braves have won the East for five consecutive years. They will get battles from the Mets and Phillies, but until proven otherwise, they will repeat.
CENTRAL – CARDINALS – I don’t think the Cardinals get enough credit as most of the top teams of the National League. But I think they can win the Central going away.
WEST – PADRES – If there was a year for the Padres to overtake the Dodgers, it’s this year. The Padres are too talented not to win the West.
WILDCARDS: METS, PHILLIES, DODGERS
AWARDS :
MOST IMPROVED TEAM: CHICAGO CUBS – I know many people could be high on the Giants and Diamondbacks, but I loved the offseason the Cubs had. If Cody Bellinger can recapture his MVP form, the Cubs could challenge the Cardinals in the National League.
MVP : RONALD ACUNA JR
CY YOUNG: YU DARVISH
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: OLI MARMOL
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: CORBIN CARROLL
NLCS: PADRES DEF BRAVES IN SIX GAMES
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