MLB Trade Deadline Divisional Preview: NL East

If you showed me the standings in the NL East, I would have thought that you were from the future. The Phillies and Braves sit atop the division, both arriving to the postseason contention scene at least a year before they were expected. As the All-Star Break hits Washington, D.C., the Nationals are mediocre but could still make a run as they potentially near the end of their contention window. The Mets continue to disappoint, and the Marlins are in the midst of a rebuild.

That sounds like what the standings should be in 2019 or 2020, not in 2018. But here we are. Philadelphia and Atlanta are legit, providing headaches for the Nationals all season as they look to defend their NL East title for the third consecutive season. This gives the NL East one of the most exciting races to watch during the second half. With the prospect pools and finances that these teams have, it will be interesting to see what they decide to do at the trade deadline to give themselves the ultimate edge.

Click here to read the full article on Beyond The Box Score.