2026 MLB Best Bets: NL East Opening Odds, Prediction

Charlie Cummings breaks down his 2026 MLB futures picks for the National League East division winner on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Charlie Cummings breaks down his 2026 MLB futures picks for the National League East division winner on DraftKings Sportsbook. The New York Mets are projected to win the division with 90.5 wins, followed by the Philadelphia Phillies at 89.5 wins and the Atlanta Braves at 88.5 wins. The Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals are projected to finish out of playoff contention.

Why it matters

The NL East is one of the most fascinating divisions in MLB, with several teams expected to contend for the division title and a playoff spot. The offseason moves and roster changes for each team will play a big role in determining the division winner.

The details

The Mets have made several key offseason moves, including acquiring Freddy Peralta and Bo Bichette, to build a roster that is projected to win the division. The Phillies are an aging team with concerns about their pitching staff, while the Braves have questions about their starting rotation. The Marlins have traded away some top pitching prospects but have an exciting young outfield, while the Nationals continue their rebuilding process.

  • Spring training is underway and the 2026 MLB season is about to begin.

The players

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the New York Mets who is entering his second season with the team.

David Stearns

The general manager of the New York Mets who has reshaped the team's roster this offseason.

Kyle Schwarber

A veteran outfielder who re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

A star outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Sandy Alcantara

The ace of the Miami Marlins' starting rotation who is looking to return to his All-Star form after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“We already have countless storylines to unpack, but we're keeping it simple here with some divisional previews, opening odds and predictions.”

— Charlie Cummings, Author (draftkings.com)

“It's going to be difficult replacing the thump of Pete Alonso, who departed for the Baltimore Orioles, but they've made good moves to deepen the lineup.”

— Charlie Cummings, Author (draftkings.com)

“Many of the Mets' questions can be answered by breakout performances from the young players. McLean, Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Tong, and rookie Carson Benge provide the upside to carry this star-heavy team into the postseason.”

— Charlie Cummings, Author (draftkings.com)

“The hope for Philly is to stay off the injured list and rely on the stars. Despite the concerns, they still have big bats, potential ace pitchers, and a lockdown end of the bullpen.”

— Charlie Cummings, Author (draftkings.com)

“If healthy, they could field a great rotation. Sandy Alcantara was the best pitcher in the NL once upon a time, and if he puts more distance between his Tommy John surgery, he could be a top-of-the-rotation arm once again.”

— Charlie Cummings, Author (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The 2026 MLB season will begin in the coming weeks, and fans will be eager to see how the NL East division race unfolds.

The takeaway

The NL East is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, with the Mets, Phillies, and Braves all expected to contend for the division title. The Marlins and Nationals are rebuilding, but could still play spoiler. Injuries and breakout performances from young players will be key factors in determining the division winner.