2020 National League predictions from Eckel: Which teams will make the playoffs, who will win MVP, Rookie of the year, and more?
Two of the three National League divisions, and for that matter wild-card races, should be really exciting this season.
Unless there is a major collapse in Los Angeles, the Dodgers will win their sixth straight NL West title and be in the postseason for the eighth straight time.
For the Dodgers making the playoffs isn’t the answer, winning a World Series for the first time since 1988 is.
In the East and Central look for good four-team races.
The Braves, the defending champion Nationals, the Mets and the Phillies all feel they can win the East, leaving only the still-rebuilding Marlins as the odd team out.
And in the Central, the much-improved Reds just might be the best team in a division with the always-consistent Cardinals, and the still-talented Cubs and Brewers. The Pirates are in the same rebuild mode as the Marlins.
Keep reading for our National League predictions.
East: Braves
The Braves have improved every year over the past five years and after winning the East in 2019 are looking for even more in 2020. They just might get it.
Central: Reds
The addition of Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos and Japanese import Shogo Akiyama has given Cincinnati a new Big Red Machine. Along with the best pitching staff in the division, look for the Reds to get back to the top.
West: Dodgers
Adding Mookie Betts to a lineup that was already loaded isn’t even fair. But it doesn’t matter what happens between now and September. It’s all about October.
WILD CARDS: Cardinals and Nationals
It’s hard to bet against the Cardinals and it would be foolish to bet against the champs.
PLAYOFFS
Wild Card: Nationals over Cardinals
NLDS: Dodgers over Nationals; Braves over Reds
NLCS: Braves over Dodgers
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
MVP: Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves
Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
Rookie of the Year: Gavin Lux, Dodgers
Manager of the Year: David Bell, Reds