The Braves had a quiet MLB betting odds offseason relative to their top NL East rival, Mets. Still, healthy seasons from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies, the return of Mike Soroka, and a full season of Raisel Iglesias should provide improvement. Also, Catcher Sean Murphy was a great pickup. Few players have a greater all-around impact on the game than offensive-minded William Contreras. Additionally, with the starting shortstop job, rather than paying Dansby Swanson, Vaughn Grissom gives them far greater financial flexibility. Despite all the money the Mets spent this offseason, Atlanta remains favored in the NL East.
MLB 2023 National League East Division
| Date and Time: | Season Opens March 30, 2023 |
|---|
MLB National League East Division Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | +115 |
| New York Mets | +175 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +340 |
| Miami Marlins | +2200 |
| Washington Nationals | +20000 |
Atlanta Braves +115
Certainly, Atlanta will miss Dansby Swanson. Especially at the level he played last season. They’ll miss his defense and durability. Atlanta does believe Vaughn Grissom can handle shortstop. Especially after an offseason working with infield guru Ron Washington. Consider the Braves haven’t made many wrong decisions in recent years.
Another good one was the trade for Sean Murphy. Subsequently, they immediately signed Murphy to a long-term extension. Atlanta did add a couple of bullpen arms. Most important of all, the rotation remains one of the deepest in the majors. The Braves are loaded for another offshore betting run.
New York Mets +175
It is true that the New York Mets are the best example of why cynics say MLB stands for mega market baseball. Consider The Mets are pinning their World Series hopes on 38-year-old Max Scherzer and 39-year-old Justin Verlander. The tandem will earn a combined $86.6 million in 2023. That is more than the entire projected payroll of nine different teams. While it is a high-risk move, betting against that duo is hard. Neither has shown zero signs of slowing down.
Also, the Mets added veteran Jose Quintana and Japanese League standout Kodai Senga to the starting staff. At the same time, David Robertson and Brooks Raley will bolster the relief corps. Equally important was re-signing Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Díaz, and Adam Ottavino.
In sum, the Mets deserve a good grade for their offseason. And not just for replacing Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker, and Chris Bassitt. But for upgrading in the process.
Namely, Verlander needs no introduction, especially after what he did last year. At the same time, Quintana more quietly had a heck of a season as well. He posted a sub-3.00 ERA over 32 starts. On the other hand, it would have been better if the Mets finalized their $315 million agreement with Carlos Correa to secure the power bat they needed.
Philadelphia Phillies +340
Following their surprise run to the 2022 World Series, the Phillies added Trea Turner on a massive 11-year, $300 million deal. Additionally, they inked Taijuan Walker to shore up the starting rotation. And then, they fortified the relief corps with Gregory Soto, Craig Kimbrel, and Matt Strahm.
Philadelphia is a loaded team. Despite Bryce Harper being sidelined to start the year as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. And Harper could be back by the All-Star break. The X-factor for the Phillies is a top prospect, Andrew Painter. Correlate Painter could give the team another top-of-the-rotation arm alongside Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
NL East Division Championship SBG Free Picks
In this situation, the Braves are the proven product with the MLB odds.
NL East Division Championship SBG Best Bet: Atlanta Braves.