Which NL East Team Has the Best Shot at the Pennant?

by

Jan 10, 2024

In the world of MLB, the National League pennant futures betting landscape is starting to take shape, and it’s safe to say that the NL East division is stealing the spotlight, just as the odds makers expected.

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As we delve into the odds, it’s clear that three formidable teams are emerging as frontrunners for the coveted National League pennant: the Atlanta Braves (+320), the Philadelphia Phillies (+700), and the New York Mets (+1700). Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in the mix at +1500, while the perennial powerhouse, the LA Dodgers, are sitting pretty as the favorites with odds of +180, a testament to their consistency and dominance.

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The burning question on everyone’s mind is this: can one of these top two teams, the Dodgers or the Braves, rise to the occasion and claim the National League pennant, or will the Phillies manage to join the elite ranks as well? The MLB season is a grueling 162-game marathon, followed by a high-stakes playoff showdown in October.

While the Braves and Phillies deserve a place in the conversation, the postseason landscape has evolved, resembling more of an NCAA tournament structure in recent years. With the introduction of additional rest for division winners and top seeds, it sometimes appears that these elite teams aren’t firing on all cylinders right out of the gate in October.

However, it’s still a fair assumption that one of these top two teams, the Dodgers or the Braves, will have a substantial shot at claiming the National League pennant. The Dodgers have been perennial contenders, but they’ve faced their share of postseason disappointments. The addition of new players may or may not alter their fortunes significantly, and only time will tell if these acquisitions prove to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Atlanta could make a run for the division and the pennant with readiness to be more active during the trade deadline. Historically, the Braves have been somewhat quiet during this crucial period, making minimal additions to their roster. However, this year could be different, with Atlanta recognizing the need to infuse extra firepower into their lineup to make a deeper postseason run.

As we await the unfolding drama of the MLB season and the eventual clash of titans in the playoffs, it’s clear that the Dodgers and the Braves, with the Phillies not far behind, are the teams to watch in the National League pennant race. Will the Dodgers finally break through their postseason woes, or will the Braves capitalize on potential trade deadline moves to claim the ultimate prize? The answers lie ahead, as baseball fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling season.

Thumbnail photo via Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK

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