The Washington Nationals are expected to win the National League East as the most loaded team in a relatively weak division. Based on the first few weeks of the year there is no reason to think otherwise. The Nationals are off to an excellent start while the Miami Marlins are the only other team sitting above .500. There is still time for things to turn around but it will be difficult for the remaining four teams to keep pace with Washington at the top. Here is a look at the x-factors for each team in the National League East.
Washington Nationals (16-6)
X-Factor: RP Koda Glover
The Nationals are off to an excellent start with a deep, potent lineup and a solid starting rotation. There one major issue has been the bullpen as Washington has already made a change in the ninth inning. Blake Treinen lost his closer job and for now the Nationals are committed to a shared approach with Shawn Kelley and Koda Glover. Kelley has been solid so far but don’t be surprised if the team eventually runs with Glover. The hard-throwing righty is a fierce competitor that packs a ton of heat and is able to trip up batters with his nasty slider. Glover is a potential star in the making and he could be an x-factor as the best arm in Washington’s bullpen.
Miami Marlins (10-10)
X-Factor: SP Dillon Peters
There are two teams in the majors whose starting pitching has averaged less than five innings per game so far this season. The Marlins are one of them. Miami’s rotation has really struggled and at this point it’s somewhat surprising that they have managed to stay above .500. It seems like only a matter of time before the Marlins turn to some of their top pitching prospects with Peters at the top of that list. Peters went 14-6 with a 2.38 ERA and 1.08 WHIP between High-A and Double-A last season. If he can build off that performance with similar numbers this year then it will only be a matter of time before Miami brings him up.
Philadelphia Phillies (11-9)
X-Factor: SP Aaron Nola
The Phillies have an intriguing blend of offense and quality young pitching. They might have the potential to surprise if everything comes together this season. Philadelphia is relying heavily on young players to lead the way and that is particularly true with their starting rotation. Nola has been talked about as the next great starter for the Phillies and his numbers last season support that assertion. Nola produced a 2.65 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over his first 12 starts last season. However, he went on to produce a 9.82 ERA over his final eight starts. An elbow strain likely played a role in the drop off in his performance. Now that he is healthy again, Philadelphia is relying on Nola as an x-factor this season.
New York Mets (8-13)
X-Factor: OF Michael Conforto
The Mets have a logjam in their outfield right now. The smart move would be to do whatever is necessary to get Conforto to play every day. Right now Conforto is being used as part of a rotation in New York’s outfield, but he is definitely capable of more. The problem is that Jay Bruce is off to a solid start and Curtis Granderson is a better defensive player in centerfield. Conforto has all of the tools to play an important role for the Mets this season. He could turn out to be a significant x-factor to their overall success or lack thereof in 2017.
Atlanta Braves (8-12)
X-Factor: SP Mike Foltynewicz
Atlanta is looking to take another step towards the completion of their rebuild this season. The hope is that Foltynewicz can continue his progression as a rising star in their rotation. Foltynewicz showed flashes of his ability last season when he went 9-5 with a 4.31 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. He has a big arm with a quality fastball and a strong mix of slider-changeup-curveball that can keep hitters off balance. However, he needs to be more consistent and prove he can handle the pressure at the highest level. The Braves have some intriguing young pieces ready for bigger roles. Foltynewicz’s progression will be a major x-factor for Atlanta this season.
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