2. New York Mets
With the offseason signing of Juan Soto, the Mets are back in the conversation as a National League contender. The team has reason for confidence after an impressive second-half surge turned them into surprise contenders. The Mets 2024 postseason was impressive and leaves plenty of room for confidence inside and outside the organization. The obvious counter to this is the fact that the Mets sacrificed a lot of pitching in order to sign Juan Soto.
It is easy to make an argument they are a far more complete team if they were to retain last year's starting rotation and bring in cheaper offensive upgrades. Whether this is right or wrong will be determined by the outcome of the 2025 season. New York shouldn't be favored over Philly or Atlanta, however, there is no denying they are a clear threat. The lineup has the ability to make them a division contender and an annoyance when the games matter most.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
While the Cubs might be the trendy offseason pick, this division still goes through the Brewers. With the Cardinals appearing to embrace a rebuild and Chicago not taking the expected step forward, this is especially true. Atlanta matches up well against the Brewers and on paper should have an advantage in starting pitching.
The one concern is the fact you're likely going to have to face the Phillies or Mets in a potential wildcard matchup before getting to the Brewers. After what will be a dogfight for the division in the NL East, it is easy to see the Brewers more able to gear up for a postseason run.
Of all the threats in the National League, the Brewers unquestionably incite the least fear. However, it would be disrespectful to their recent history not to include the franchise.