Who Are Some Teams to Watch for the NL Pennant in 2026?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Early Line Live

National League Teams Poised for Improvement in the Upcoming Season

In discussions about the potential movers in the National League for the upcoming season, the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves are drawing particular attention. The Giants, who have notably improved their roster, are predicted to exceed their win total of 81.5 from last year. However, expectations for them to transform from a non-playoff team to a top contender might be overly optimistic. While they are expected to perform better than last season, a monumental leap remains unlikely.

On the other hand, the Atlanta Braves are identified as the team that might make a significant jump, despite their struggles last year, notably due to injuries. Key players like Spencer Strider and Auni Swallenbach faced injuries affecting their playtime. Austin Riley, another pivotal player, also didn't perform up to expectations. Yet, the Braves boast a talented roster with many players secured on long-term contracts, suggesting strong underlying potential if they can maintain a healthy squad.

Overall, both the Giants and Braves are seen as teams to watch, with the Braves particularly noted for their potential to significantly outperform last year’s achievements, provided they avoid the injury setbacks that plagued their previous season.