MLB Offseason Primer: NL East

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertOctober 28, 2024
© USA TODAY Sports

As MLB flips into offseason mode, Spotrac offers a snapshot look at projected Opening Day 40-Man Tax Payrolls, arbitration salary totals, notable upcoming option decisions, & pending free agents for each team.

OFFSEASON PRIMERS
AL EAST | AL CENTRAL | AL WEST | NL EAST | NL CENTRAL | NL WEST

Atlanta Braves

Projected 40-Man CBT: $225.1M (6th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 14 ($151.2M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 5 ($16.7M)
The Braves spent another large portion of a season without Ronald Acuña Jr., battled through injuries for Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy for much of the year, and of course lost ace Spencer Strider for its entirety. And still, they found a way into the postseason at the final hour before relinquishing their spot to San Diego. The starting pitching (Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach especially) was excellent. Marcell Ozuna remains one of baseball’s top power threats, and most notably - this roster remains largely intact for 2025 (and beyond).

Notable Options
Marcell Ozuna (DH, $16M Club), Travis d'Arnaud (C, $8M Club), Aaron Bummer (RP, $7.25M Club), Luke Jackson (RP, $7M Club)

Notable Free Agents
Max Fried (SP), Charlie Morton (SP), A.J. Minter (RP), Whit Merrifield (INF)

Miami Marlins

Projected 40-Man CBT: $85.7M (28th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 2 ($13.2M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 7 ($24M)
The Marlins went from bad to worse in 2024, selling off key parts at the deadline to boot (Tanner Scott, Jazz Chisholm, Bryan De La Cruz, Josh Bell). The result? A roster comprised of Sandy Alcantara’s pre-arb extension, 7 relatively inexpensive arbitration salaries, and 30+ pre-arbitration players. With that said, when all healthy, there’s a 4-5 man starting rotation already in place, Xavier Edwards & Jake Burger are reliable bats, and the farm system boasts a few prospects that could be ready to go in 2025.

New York Mets

Projected 40-Man CBT: $179.4M (10th)
Guaranteed Contracts: 6 ($119.6M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 8 ($22.3M)
2024 was a tale of two seasons for the Mets, who began the year as one of the worst teams in MLB, then took the Dodgers to 6 games in the NLCS. Having now survived a year with $92M of retained salary, the Mets being 2025 as barely a Top 10 financial team. However, their pending free agent list includes 3 starting pitchers, 3 notable relievers, and the face of the franchise in Pete Alonso. Name a top free agent this winter: The Mets are in on him.

Notable Options
Sean Manaea (SP, $13.5M Player), Phil Maton (RP, $7.8M Club)

Notable Free Agents
Pete Alonso (1B), Jose Quintana (SP), Luis Severino (SP), Jose Iglesias (INF), Harrison Bader (CF), J.D. Martinez (DH)

Philadelphia Phillies

Projected 40-Man CBT: $286.4M (1st)
Guaranteed Contracts: 11 ($220.5M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 9 ($39.3M)
The Phillies rolled through the NL East this year, but clipped by the magical Mets in the NLDS. Outside of a few bullpen arms set to hit free agency, this talented roster is set to be run back in 2025, barring forecable change. Philly boasts the highest projected payroll in baseball at the moment, but are still considered a contender for Juan Soto this winter.

Notable Free Agents
Jeff Hoffman (RP), Carlos Estevez (RP), Spencer Turnbull (SP/RP)

Washington Nationals

Projected 40-Man CBT: $105.6M (22nd)
Guaranteed Contracts: 2 ($41.25M)
Arbitration-Eligible: 11 ($32.3M)
The Nats outkicked their coverage a bit in 2024, as their rebuilding team showed plenty of development & future potential in most areas. Are they ready to spend around the young core and make a push up the NL East? The best play might be to buy a veteran starter, rent a bat or two, and try to be the 2024 Orioles. James Wood, Dylan Crews, Jacob Young, Jake Irvin, & Mitchell Parker may all become household names in 2025.

Notable Free Agents
Patrick Corbin (SP), Trevor Williams (SP/RP), Joey Gallo (DH/1B)


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