While the Nationals have kept things relatively quiet this offseason, the rest of the NL East has been anything but. From bold trades to strategic signings, every team in the division has made moves that suggest they’re not waiting around for Washington to catch up. Let’s break down where each rival stands as the hot stove continues to burn.
Atlanta Braves
After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Braves haven’t overhauled the roster, but they’ve made some targeted moves that could pay dividends. The addition of Mike Yastrzemski brings a veteran bat to the outfield, likely slotting into a key role in the lineup. With Marcell Ozuna still unsigned, Yastrzemski’s presence helps stabilize the outfield picture.
One of the most important developments for Atlanta is the return of Ha-Seong Kim. After missing most of last season, Kim is back as the full-time shortstop, giving the Braves a reliable glove and a solid contact bat up the middle.
The bullpen also got a notable upgrade. Robert Suarez arrives on a three-year, $45 million deal, and he’ll be tasked with locking down late innings alongside Raisel Iglesias, who re-signed with the club. It’s not a flashy overhaul, but Atlanta is betting on internal bounce-backs and a few key additions to right the ship.
Miami Marlins
No team in the NL East has undergone a more dramatic transformation than the Marlins. After finishing third in the division last year, Miami has leaned hard into a rebuild under new leadership. The front office has been aggressive on the trade market, moving a significant chunk of its core.
Gone are Luis Arraez, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Edward Cabrera, Jesus Luzardo, Trevor Rogers, Tanner Scott, Ryan Weathers, Jake Burger, and AJ Puk. That’s not just a rebuild - that’s a full teardown.
But the returns have caught the attention of evaluators around the league. One of the more intriguing names acquired is outfielder Owen Caissie, who looks close to big-league ready and could be a long-term piece in the outfield.
In free agency, Miami has taken some calculated swings. Christopher Morel joins the roster as a versatile utilityman with pop - he mashed 26 homers in 2023 despite limited at-bats.
Esteury Ruiz also comes aboard, bringing elite speed to the basepaths. He’s not going to scare anyone at the plate, but with 67 steals in 2023, he doesn’t have to.
It’s clear the Marlins are betting on upside and youth. The big question is how quickly this new core can gel - and whether the teardown leads to a sustainable foundation.
New York Mets
The Mets have been busy - and not just because of who they’ve added. The biggest headlines have come from who they’ve lost.
Pete Alonso is now in Baltimore, and Edwin Díaz is off to Los Angeles. That’s a massive power bat and an elite closer gone in one offseason.
But the Mets haven’t been idle. Devin Williams steps into the closer role, and if his past performance is any indication, the bullpen should remain a strength.
The infield has undergone a shakeup as well. Jorge Polanco joins on a two-year, $40 million deal, Jeff McNeil is out, and in a bold move, Brandon Nimmo was dealt to Texas in exchange for Marcus Semien.
That’s a major shift in both leadership and production.
It’s clear the Mets aren’t done. They’re still in the market for another big bat and a starting pitcher. This is a team in transition, but it’s also one that’s not afraid to make bold moves to stay in the hunt.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are coming off a 96-win season, so it’s not surprising they’ve opted for more of a “tweak” than a “tear-down” approach. Still, the offseason hasn’t exactly been smooth. Losing Ranger Suárez to the Red Sox and Matt Strahm to the Royals takes a bite out of both the rotation and the bullpen.
That said, they’ve made some meaningful additions. Adolis García brings power and athleticism to the outfield, likely an upgrade over last year’s options.
Kyle Schwarber is back in the fold after re-signing, and the team remains in the mix to bring back catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Philly’s approach seems to be about maintaining continuity while patching holes - not a bad strategy for a team that was already near the top of the standings. But with other teams in the division making aggressive moves, the pressure is on to make sure they don’t fall behind.
So while the Nationals have stayed relatively quiet, the rest of the NL East is moving with purpose. The Braves are banking on a bounce-back, the Marlins are fully committed to a rebuild, the Mets are reshuffling in a big way, and the Phillies are trying to keep their core intact while staying competitive.
The question now is whether Washington is simply waiting for the right moment - or falling further behind in a division that’s not slowing down.