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Writer's pictureAJ Gonzalez

2024 MLB Preview: National League

ATLANTA BRAVES

The Braves dominated throughout the season and Ronnie Acuna Jr. became Mr. 40/70 (40 HR and 70 SB). Unfortunately, for the second straight season, they ran into their personal kryptonite in the Philadelphia Phillies. Double A is making moves to push Atlanta into another World Series title. It's up to them to get over the hump.


MIAMI MARLINS

The Fishmen continue their ascent to a bright future. However, the architect of this project, Kim Ng, left the organization for.....wait, what? It was smooth sailing for them until this. I mean, it could be better this season, or are the Marlins headed back to another fire sale? Oh, boy.


NEW YORK METS

Well, Daddy Cohen learned his lesson to not throw money at old arms. The Mets still have a roster that can compete for a division title or a NL pennant. They do have that Pete Alonso dilemma of re-signing him in this upcoming off-season. Daddy Cohen does have the capital to get done. Right??????


PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

After Game 5 of the NLCS, the Phillies were riding high and waiting for their ticket to the Fall Classic. What happened next resembled a Shakespearean tragedy. Philly loses the next two games at home to the ultimate underdog. They didn't do much this off-season, maybe they are still in shock.


WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The Nats actually exceeded expectations and at one point had the same number of wins as the Mets and Mariners. The rebuild could go smooth if Dylan Crews develops into a superstar. They are probably lucky Soto didn't agree to that extension. Also, what are they doing with Stephen Strasburg?


CHICAGO CUBS

The Cubs are trying to field a playoff contender as they signed Cody Bellinger and stole manager Craig Counsell from the Brewers. Chicago has a team that can capture a NL Central title, but still has some miles away from being a World Series contender. If you are counting, it's been seven years since their last World Series championship.


CINCINNATI REDS

The Reds are going to be good. I'm not sure if this year is their breakout, but Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Noelvi Marte and Rhett Lowder will give the team some optimism for the future. Now, let's see if ownership can keep their mouth on the shut mode so Cincy fans can enjoy it.


MILWAUKEE BREWERS

The Brew Crew are suffering through an internal implosion. David Stearns leaving abruptly, the bill to renovate American Family Field, their lack of trying to keep Corbin Burnes and their manager, Wisconsin born and bred, fleeing to their division rival. It's going to be a rough year for the Brewers.


PITTSBURGH PIRATES

The Bucs started off hot and noted cheapskate Bob Nutting decided to open the wallets to extend Bryan Reynolds. Then, they came back to Earth. Well, it's a start. Can they continue the momentum or are they staring at the clock until Paul Skenes makes his awaited debut in the big leagues?


ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

I expected a dropoff, but holy heck, this was a big dropoff. I expect the Cardinals to bounce back, especially with the starting pitching that they signed during the off-season. Can we say contenders for the division title? It's a possibility.


COLORADO ROCKIES

At times, I wonder if this franchise just goes through the motions. Kris Bryant admitted that he regrets signing with the team. Well, looks like I have a team to rebuild in franchise mode when The Show 24 comes out. Owner Dick Monfort needs to find a mirror and look directly at it.


LOS ANGELES SUPER! DODGERS

The Dodgers were swept in the playoffs, so they decided to open the many vaults of cash to give to Shohei and Yamamato. They acquired Tyler Glasnow and Teoscar Hernandez also. Don't plan the victory parade just yet, let them play the games first.


SAN DIEGO PADRES

The end has come. Juan Soto and Josh Hader are gone and they are scrambling to figure out who they are. The Pads will play with a heavy heart this season as their owner, Peter Seider, passed away. San Diego could battle for a division title, but their rivals up north will see that doesn't happen.


SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

The Giants didn't get the big free agents that they were coveting for the last couple years, but they didn't sit around. Acquiring Robbie Ray, Jorge Soler and Matt Chapman gives San Francisco some hope to, at least, challenge for a division title. Like the PADRES, their rivals to the south are not letting that happen.


Well, that was the preview of both leagues as Jerseygate continues to run rampant around MLB and the pitch ⏰ has grown on me. Could be a fantastic 2024 season.


What's that? I forgot one team? Trust me, I didn't. In due time, my friends.


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