2023 NL East Preview
The 2023 MLB season begins on 3/30, but spring training is already in full effect. The Atlanta Braves won the NL East last season by beating the Mets in the last series between these two teams. The Mets, Braves, and Phillies all made the postseason, and the Phillies represented the NL in the World Series.
Let’s take a look at the odds of winning the NL East this season.
Odds to win the NL East
| Team | Odds to Win Division | Season Win Total |
| New York Mets | +130 | 94.5 |
| Atlanta Braves | +140 | 94.5 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +370 | 88.5 |
| Miami Marlins | +3000 | 76.5 |
| Washington Nationals | +20000 | 60.5 |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
The NL East was the most competitive division in baseball last year, with the Braves and Mets each finishing with 101 wins. Still, the third-place Phillies made the biggest splash by advancing to the World Series. New York has opened as the +130 favorite to capture the division in 2023, followed by Atlanta (+140) and Philadelphia (+370).
The Mets’ Opening Day payroll, including luxury tax penalties, is projected to be around $468 million. And that’s after letting Jacob deGrom, Chris Bassitt, Taijuan Walker, Seth Lugo, and Trevor Williams walk during the winter. Philadelphia arguably made the biggest offseason acquisition by bringing in All-Star shortstop Trea Turner.
Miami’s Sandy Alcántara won the NL Cy Young last season, but the Marlins struggled to produce runs in support of their exciting pitching staff. Miami scored the fewest runs in the National League last year. Washington finished with the worst record in baseball last season (55-107), and oddsmakers are not expecting much of an improvement. At DraftKings, the Nationals’ regular season win total has opened at 60.5, which is tied for the lowest projection for the upcoming season.
2023 NL East Bets to Consider
Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets, NL Rookie of the Year (+1800) – Alvarez is the No. 13 prospect in baseball, and he is expected to have a major role with the Mets this season.
Aaron Nola, Philadephia Phillies, NL Cy Young (+1200) – Aaron Nola finished 4th in Cy Young voting last season, but I do not think we have seen the very best of him yet. Nola should certainly be in consideration to win this award.
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