Major League Baseball’s official Opening Day is on Thursday, March 27, featuring 14 games starting at 3 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Dodgers will kick off the season by celebrating their World Series win at Chavez Ravine, entering 2025 as strong contenders to defend their title. In the National League, teams like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres are poised to challenge the Dodgers for the championship this season.
American League Preview: Can the revamped Yankees make it back to the World Series?
In the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers aim to maintain their divisional dominance, although the Chicago Cubs, bolstered by the addition of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, could pose a threat.
Here’s a breakdown of each NL team’s key strategies for success in the upcoming season:
**National League East**
**Atlanta Braves**
1. Be playoff-ready: The Braves will begin the season without Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr., who are recovering from injuries. Atlanta must ensure these key players are fully prepared for the pivotal postseason push later in the year.
2. Strengthen depth: While the bench may be thin, the Braves have a history of making impactful roster moves. Adding players like outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, who has a track record of solid performance, can provide valuable contributions throughout the season.
3. Focus on own game: With a balanced schedule reducing divisional matchups, the Braves should concentrate on maximizing their own performance rather than worrying about competitors like the Phillies and Mets. Despite challenges, Atlanta boasts a talented roster that can excel when fully healthy, making them a formidable force in the division.
*Source: Adapted from original text by Jesse Yomtov*
**Miami Marlins**
1. Alcantara’s return: Ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is poised to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season. His return to form is crucial for the Marlins’ pitching rotation.
2. Edwards’ impact: Shortstop Xavier Edwards, a key offensive player, is expected to set the tone for the Marlins as their leadoff hitter. His consistent on-base performance and speed can significantly boost the team’s scoring potential.
3. Nurture prospects: Miami’s young talents have the potential to shine this season, contributing to the team’s growth and success. Developing promising prospects can elevate the Marlins’ competitiveness in the NL.
*Source: Adapted from original text*
Over the past five seasons, the Marlins have been in a rebuilding phase, trading away established players like Pablo Lopez, Luis Arraez, Trevor Rogers, and Jazz Chisholm for prospects. The success of these prospects is crucial for the team’s future. Pitcher Ryan Weathers, outfielder Kyle Stowers, and third baseman Connor Norby need to step up and fill the void left by the departed players. – Steve Gardner
New York Mets: The Mets made headlines in the offseason by signing Juan Soto to a monumental 15-year, $765 million deal. Joining forces with NL MVP runner-up Francisco Lindor, Soto forms a potent duo at the top of the lineup. The pair has the potential to reach 100 runs and RBIs each. Can Pete Alonso bounce back from a career-low 34 homers? Mark Vientos aims to build on a strong season, while Brandon Nimmo has shown power but needs to improve his on-base performance. – Weather early storm: The Mets have faced early injury setbacks in spring training, with key players like Frankie Montas and Francisco Alvarez expected to be sidelined until at least May. The team will also miss Sean Manaea and Jeff McNeil due to oblique injuries. After a slow start in 2024, the Mets rallied and played catch-up throughout the season. – Kodai Senga returns from injuries, Clay Holmes transitions to a starting role, raising questions about his expanded repertoire and workload. – Andrew Tredinnick
Philadelphia Phillies: Despite a strong showing through July, the Phillies struggled in September and suffered a disappointing playoff exit. Offseason additions like Jesus Luzardo and Max Kepler bolster the team, but improvement must come from within. Pending free agents Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto add uncertainty to the roster. Nick Castellanos’ performance in right field will be crucial as the team aims to defend their title. – The bullpen, once solid, faces questions after a late-season falter. – Gabe Lacques
Washington Nationals: Since their World Series win in 2019, the Nationals have been rebuilding. General manager Mike R
Rizzo has steadily elevated the franchise over the past few seasons, increasing its win total from 55 in 2022 to 71 in the last two years. In 2012, the franchise made a breakthrough by adding notable veteran players to its roster alongside promising prospects. However, this approach has not been taken in the most recent iteration of the team. To reignite success, it may require encouragement from the existing group to persuade the Lerner family to fully invest in another competitive season. Following a resolution to a TV rights dispute with the Orioles, there are questions about the Lerners’ future ownership intentions.
Building on key players: Rizzo has gathered a talented core including CJ Abrams, James Wood, Dylan Crews, and MacKenzie Gore. While Abrams has proven himself as a valuable player in the last two seasons, the team is relying on other top prospects like DJ Herz and Cade Cavalli to make significant strides for the team to contend.
Reviving fan excitement: The fans showed strong support leading up to the 2019 championship, indicating a potential for increased attendance and energy at games. Demonstrating progress early in the season could further boost enthusiasm. A clear commitment from ownership to invest more resources into another successful campaign would also provide a morale boost.
Looking ahead to the Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have acquired standout player Kyle Tucker, who could command a hefty contract in free agency after this season. Resolving the bullpen situation early on, including integrating new faces like Ryan Pressly, and solidifying the third base position with prospect Matt Shaw are key priorities for the team’s success.
Focus on Matt McLain in Cincinnati: Reds’ second baseman Matt McLain, a standout performer in his rookie season in 2023, returns healthy and poised to make a significant impact after missing last season due to injury. With the addition of manager Terry Francona, the team aims to raise expectations and instill a culture of high performance and attention to detail.
Seasonal Sonata: The Cincinnati Reds have bolstered their starting rotation depth with the return of Nick Martinez and the acquisition of Brady Singer. Adding to the mix is veteran lefty Wade Miley, who is set to return from Tommy John surgery in May. Prospect Rhett Lowder, with an impressive debut last year, is also poised for a potential season debut. The Reds are hopeful that top draft pick Chase Burns will make an impact by the end of the season.
Offensive Shift: The Milwaukee Brewers face the challenge of replacing shortstop Willy Adames, who departed for San Francisco. With a mix of breakout candidates and established players, including Rhys Hoskins, the team aims to fill the offensive gap left by Adames. The Brewers are also focused on maintaining rotation health after using a high number of starters last season. The bullpen faces uncertainty as they search for a replacement for closer Devin Williams.
Cruz’s Transition: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz has successfully transitioned from shortstop to outfield, showing promise with his defensive skills. The team’s success will heavily rely on their young pitching talents, led by NL rookie of the year Paul Skenes and promising newcomer Jared Jones. The Pirates aim to improve their slugging and on-base percentage to provide better run support for their emerging pitching staff.
Notable moves this winter for the St. Louis Cardinals included re-signing DH Andrew McCutchen and acquiring veteran outfielder Tommy Pham and utilityman Adam Frazier, as reported by Steve Gardner.
In St. Louis, a significant change was the transition of catcher Willson Contreras to first base following the departure of free agent Paul Goldschmidt. This move is considered risky due to Contreras’ limited experience at first base, but it allows for increased playing time for Ivan Herrera. The team is also focusing on developing a clear offensive identity, with emphasis on leadoff hitter Masyn Winn’s performance. The Cardinals are also undergoing a period of transition in the front office, with John Mozeliak stepping down and Chaim Bloom taking over.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, with hopes that star outfielder Corbin Carroll can return to form. The addition of pitcher Corbin Burnes and improved health for key players like Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez could bolster their rotation. Ketel Marte’s potential for an MVP-caliber season is also a key storyline for the team.
The Colorado Rockies are aiming to avoid finishing in the cellar of the NL West, facing tough competition in the division. Despite their recent struggles, the team is looking to improve and be more competitive in the upcoming season.
The Colorado Rockies have a chance to aim for a .500 record in their division games and boost optimism for the season. They could strategically introduce right-hander Chase Dollander, a top pick, in August during a stretch of 27 division games in the final two months. It’s crucial to get Kris Bryant performing at his best, as injuries have impacted his performance since signing a big contract in 2022. If Bryant can return to his previous form, he could significantly contribute to the team’s success.
The Rockies need to emphasize their strong offense, which has been a key aspect of past successful teams. Young talents like Michael Toglia, Brenton Doyle, Ezequiel Tovar, and Hunter Goodman must step up to elevate the team’s scoring levels at Coors Field. This offensive firepower, combined with solid pitching, could drive the Rockies closer to a .500 record.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing pitching health concerns with several key players on the injured list at the start of the season. They have made notable additions to their rotation and bullpen, but they are being cautious with Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching. The team is also experimenting with Mookie Betts at shortstop, a move that could impact their defensive stability.
The San Diego Padres, after falling short against the Dodgers in the NLDS, must focus on securing a postseason spot rather than directly competing with their talented division rival. They should consider trading upcoming free agent Dylan Cease to add value to their roster. Overall, the Padres have a strong lineup, rotation, and bullpen that can make them formidable contenders if they stay healthy during the playoffs.
In 2025, the San Francisco Giants have made significant moves to strengthen their team. They secured third baseman Matt Chapman with a lucrative six-year, $151 million extension, and also signed shortstop Willy Adames to a record-breaking seven-year, $182 million contract. These additions are expected to bolster the team’s offense, which ranked 10th in runs scored in the National League last season.
Following the departure of left-handed pitcher Blake Snell in free agency, the Giants signed veteran right-hander Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million deal. Verlander, a three-time Cy Young winner, aims to bounce back from injuries and recapture his previous dominant form displayed with the New York Mets and Houston Astros in 2023.
Additionally, right-hander Camilo Doval is poised to return to his All-Star caliber performance after struggling in the previous season. Once a top closer with 39 saves in 2023, Doval experienced a downturn in 2024 but is expected to bounce back under the guidance of team president Buster Posey, who believes in his potential.
Meanwhile, the Padres are looking to strengthen their roster, with potential trades on the horizon to address their bench depth and bolster their chances of returning to the playoffs. The team possesses notable stars in their lineup but recognizes the need for additional offensive firepower.
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