As MLB Spring Training gets into full swing, hope springs eternal for teams around the senior circuit. Despite offseason moves and the continuing development of young talent, each team has key questions entering the 2024 season. We look around the National League at the burning questions each squad must answer as they prepare for Opening Day.
Atlanta Braves – Adding Starting Pitching?
The Braves have an exceptional foundation, yet they could enhance their pitching staff with more starters to strengthen their rotation for a successful playoff campaign. Despite having National League Cy Young Award candidates Max Fried and Spencer Strider in the rotation, there’s still a possibility they’ll bring in another arm to give them that extra edge.
New York Mets – Rotation Depth Concerns
After acquiring Luis Severino and trading for Adrian Houser, the Mets still have to address concerns about rotation depth, especially with several pitchers returning from injuries. The effectiveness of these moves and the health of their starting rotation are significant question marks heading into the National League season.
Miami Marlins – Starting Shortstop Dilemma
The Marlins face uncertainty at shortstop. With no clear everyday shortstop on the roster, Miami might rely on Jon Berti for most of the reps unless they make a move via trade or free agency. This position battle and potential roster moves will be crucial for setting the team’s infield defense.
Philadelphia Phillies – More Roster Moves to Come?
The Phillies have indicated that their offseason moves are incomplete, with potential additions likely complementary. After making a run at Yoshinobu Yamamoto and considering their need for another outfielder and bullpen arm, the exact additional moves remain a key storyline for the chances in the National League East.
Washington Nationals – Filling First Base and DH
With Joey Meneses planning to spend time at first base, the Nationals need to address who will fill the designated hitter role and potentially share time at first. The team might look to internal options or continue exploring the free-agent market for a power-hitting lefty to balance their lineup.
Chicago Cubs – Center Field Question
The Cubs face a critical question regarding who will anchor center field. After Cody Bellinger‘s comeback season, his future with the team and potential successors or additional depth in the outfield remain areas of interest. Could they compete in the National League Central? Time will tell.
Cincinnati Reds – Rebuilding or Competing?
The Reds have been going through a period of uncertainty, leaving both fans and analysts pondering the team’s future. Are they continuing with rebuilding efforts? Or are they planning to step up their game to compete fiercely in the National League Central? With young talent like sensation Elly De La Cruz, the Reds might be a contender if they can shore up their bullpen.
Milwaukee Brewers – Are They Still Contenders?
Similar to the Reds, the Brewers‘ direction is ambiguous. They have a mix of veteran talent and emerging stars but have made moves that suggest a youth movement could be underway. The balance between competing now and building for the future is a crucial storyline and questions abound.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Young Core’s Progress
The Pirates boast a young roster compared to teams in the league featuring talented players with great potential. The team is emphasizing the growth and performance of these athletes at the big league level as they strive to transition out of the rebuilding phase.
St. Louis Cardinals – Enough Pitching Firepower?
The Cardinals have strengthened their pitching roster, but uncertainties linger regarding their capability to compete as contenders in the NL Central. The performance of their starting rotation and bullpen will be scrutinized as they strive for supremacy in the division.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Roster Upgrades
Following a breakout season, the Diamondbacks aim to enhance their roster to establish themselves as contenders again. They invested mightily in the offseason, signing Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Eugenio Suarez, and left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to the tune of $135 million. Will it be enough in a division with the Dodgers?
Colorado Rockies – Offensive Consistency
The Rockies have always counted on their offense to carry them. Yet, they have struggled to maintain consistency away from Coors Field. The team’s strategy for finding consistency away from home remains one of the most prominent question marks entering the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Dodgers – World Series or Bust?
Following a season that didn’t meet their high standards, the Dodgers went all in, signing the two biggest free agents available in Shoei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They have the pitching, the offense and now the highest expectations in the majors. How quickly Ohtani can recover from his injury and living up to those crazy high expectations are their two biggest questions entering the season.
San Diego Padres – What Now?
Juan Soto and Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell are gone, but the San Diego Padres still have a good lineup. Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are still superstars, and their offensive lineup is one of the tops in the National League. They have question marks in the outfield, but will they have the pitching to be a playoff team in a tough National League West?
San Francisco Giants – Building Around a Young Core
The Giants have been putting effort into developing a young foundation with players bringing in fresh talent from their farm system. The performance of these emerging players and how they contribute to the Giant’s success this season will determine their fate.