It sure feels like the NL East will be a four-team race this season, with the Marlins rooting for chaos on the sidelines. While they stay committed to a “patient” approach (eyeing another top-five pick in the 2020 MLB Draft), the Braves, Mets, Nationals and Phillies are going for it. Each of those rivals looks to be improved from 2018, or at least they will be when the dust settles on the free-agent market over the next couple months.
Mathematically, it is impossible for all four to qualify for the postseason.