1. New York Mets (101-61 last season)
The Mets are banking on 38-year-old Max Scherzer and 40-year-old Justin Verlander (18-4, 1.75 ERA and AL Cy Young with Houston) to head the rotation. They signed nine free agents to support 1B Pete Alonso (40 HR, league-high 131 RBI) and 2B Jeff McNeil (NL batting champ) but likely lost closer Edwin Diaz for the season when he suffered a knee injury during a WBC victory celebration.
2. San Diego Padres (89-73)
It's a superstar vibe in San Diego, which landed OF Juan Soto at the trade deadline, will get SS Fernando Tatis Jr. back from his PED suspension on April 20, signed SS Xander Bogaerts for 11 years and $280 million and had 3B Manny Machado finish second in the MVP voting. The rotation looks strong with Michael Wacha joining Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (111-51)
The Dodgers lost some regulars (including Trea Turner, Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger) but have a great prospect pool and a deep starting rotation with Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Noah Syndergaard even as Walker Buehler recovers from Tommy John surgery. 1B Freddie Freeman led the NL in hits and runs last season.
4. Atlanta Braves (101-61)
A season after winning the World Series, Atlanta battled injury issues. The Braves need health from 2B Ozzie Albies, RF Ronald Acuna Jr. and starter Mike Soroka. Kyle Wright was the majors' only 20-game winner, Austin Riley hit 38 HR and Michael Harris was NL Rookie of the Year. A key addition, via trade, is Gold Glove C Sean Murphy.