Phillies Lead the NL, Braves Struggle with Injuries; 2026 Outlook

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National League East Recap and Expectations

The Philadelphia Phillies led the National League East last season with an impressive 96-win performance, closely followed by the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite high expectations, the Atlanta Braves struggled significantly, finishing the season at 76-86. Recurrent injuries, particularly to pitchers such as Aunha, Strider, Schmidt Shover, and Chris Sale, destabilized the team, making it challenging to maintain a consistent lineup. Key players like Austin Riley and Ozzie Albees also faced health issues, contributing to the Braves’ underperformance.

The New York Mets showed promise early in the season but faltered by September, finishing just four games above .500. Despite a challenging season, the Mets are positioned to make substantial strides following strategic offseason changes. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins ended the season with a near .500 record, driven by a strong finish and highlighted performances from players like Kyle Stowers. Despite not being traditional contenders, the Marlins showed potential to challenge other teams more robustly than in previous years.

Conversely, the Washington Nationals faced a disappointing season, marked by significant player trades and a lackluster performance, despite having a pipeline of talent. The Nationals' management decisions, particularly in trading away talents like MacKenzie Gore and failing to maintain a competitive payroll, were criticized widely. Looking ahead, the dynamics within the National League East suggest a highly competitive season, with potential for the Braves, Mets, and Phillies to make substantial postseason impacts if they remain healthy.