Over the course of this offseason, each National League East team has made its fair share of decisions that could improve its chances of capturing the division title. The Philadelphia Phillies outmatched their division rivals, easily taking home the top spot with a 96–66 record last season. The New York Mets fell victim to a second-half collapse, missing the playoffs by a game.
The Miami Marlins, meanwhile, were right under them at 79–83, as they edged out the Atlanta Braves (76–86) and Washington Nationals (66–96). Each one of those teams has found a way to use this offseason to their advantage. From hefty contract extensions to lofty trades, let’s evaluate the best move each National League East team made.
Phillies – Resigning Kyle Schwarber
The Phillies got the offseason going by re–signing slugger Kyle Schwarber to a five–year, $150 million contract. The 32-year-old is coming off his fourth season with the team, in which he appeared in all 162 games and hit 56 home runs and 132 RBI on a .240 average. Those numbers put him in the running for the National League MVP. The Phillies later agreed to terms with catcher J.T. Realmuto and veteran outfielder Adolis Garcia, creating a talented lineup.
Mets – Signing Bo Bichette
The Mets’ offseason got underway when they traded veteran outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for infielder Marcus Semien. It got more complicated in Queens when franchise veterans Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz signed elsewhere during the 2025 Winter Meetings.
The Mets combated the departures, adding Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco and Luke Weaver to the roster. Their next move was trading infielder Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for a pitching prospect. A little less than a month later, the Mets missed out on signing free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, who landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But less than 24 hours after the team agreed to terms with free agent infielder Bo Bichette on a three–year, $126 million contract. The 27-year-old is coming off seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he made two All-Star appearances. He will slot into the top of the Mets’ lineup.
Marlins – Acquiring Owen Caissie
The Marlins gained some traction this offseason, acquiring outfielder Esteury Ruiz and closer Pete Fairbanks. However, their most significant move was trading Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs for three prospects.
The trade package included top prospect Owen Caissie, who appeared in 12 games last season. Although he had a rough start to his major league career, the 23-year-old can benefit from a young Marlins team. Furthermore, if he develops correctly, he can be the future of their franchise.
Braves – Landing Robert Suarez
The Braves got involved in the free agent market by agreeing to terms with shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Their most significant decision came when they signed free agent closer Robert Suarez to a three–year, $45 million contract.
Coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons with the San Diego Padres, Suarez can help establish the back end of the Braves’ bullpen. Last season, he recorded a career-high 40 saves in 70 appearances.
Nationals – Trading for Jake Bennett
The Nationals have had a quieter offseason than the other National League East teams. They traded for prospect Jake Bennett from the Boston Red Sox in return for prospect Luis Perales. Bennett, 25, has yet to make his major league debut but can develop within the team’s farm system. Additionally, he can benefit from joining a developing Nationals team.
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