MLB National League Season Preview + Best Bets !!

Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner talk NL Season preview. The guys discuss what they see happening in the national league this season.

📌 Key Points

📊 Mets pitching issues: Clay Holmes as a starter is a major risk; Mets' success depends on pitching health.

🔥 Braves’ injury curse: Despite talent, health concerns for Ronald Acuña Jr. and others cast doubts.

⚡ Phillies' stability: Strong home record, elite rotation (Wheeler, Nola, Sánchez); Schwarber as DH is key.

💣 Marlins tanking: 100-loss team with no offensive standout; Sandy Alcantara trade imminent.

🔨 Nationals rebuilding: Young stars like CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews shine; over win total is a lean.

📉 Brewers disrespected: 83.5 win total seems low for perennial winners; bullpen and young talent notable.

🧨 Cubs overrated: Fragile rotation, Kyle Tucker injury concerns; team favored due to public support.

🛑 Cardinals in decline: Aging stars, Arenado may be traded; under 76.5 wins is a sharp call.

💫 Dodgers elite depth: Rotation goes 7-deep; minus-500 favorites for good reason.

🚀 Padres upside: Elite offense; if Dylan Cease performs and they trade for Sandy, could challenge Dodgers.

🧠 Summary

1. Mets Breakdown: Griffin and Munaf (5:31) dissect the Mets' rotation concerns. Clay Holmes transitioning from closer to starter is risky, and injuries to Senga and others raise doubts about the 90.5 win total. They highlight strong hitters like Soto, Alonso, and Lindor but question if offense can carry them.
2. Braves Analysis: (11:28) Braves projected at 93.5 wins. Griffin doubts their injury-prone roster—Acuña’s ACLs, Strider’s TJ surgery. Despite Chris Sale’s resurgence, the rotation and bullpen raise flags.
3. Phillies Outlook: (16:05) Phillies win total ~91.5. Munaf praises their deep lineup (Schwarber, Castellanos, Harper) and consistent rotation led by Wheeler. Griffin notes road game underperformance but supports their division title hopes.
4. Marlins & Nationals: (23:50) Marlins have the lowest expectations, with a -204 run differential in 2024 and no projected 15-HR hitter. Nationals, though unlikely contenders, feature an exciting young core and a competitive spirit under McKenzie Gore.
5. NL Central: Brewers Dominance: (31:22) Brewers projected at 83.5 wins despite past consistency. Munaf and Griffin see value here, citing strong bullpen, Jackson Chourio’s emergence, and addition of Jose Quintana.
6. Cubs Hype Questioned: (36:45) Analysts criticize the Cubs’ 86.5 win total. Injuries, suspect rotation, and overvalued acquisitions (e.g., Ryan Pressly) suggest underperformance.
7. Cardinals Breakdown: (41:51) With a 76.5 win total, Griffin is bearish, especially if Sonny Gray is injured. Contreras moving to 1B shows dysfunction; Arenado trade rumors loom.
8. Reds & Pirates: (45:43) Griffin sees Terry Francona helping Reds compete but doubts pitching. Pirates’ fate rests on Paul Skenes; team lacks power and depth—bet unders.
9. Dodgers Overwhelming Favorites: (56:26) With a 103.5 win total, the Dodgers’ rotation (Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow) and bats (Ohtani, Freeman) make them a juggernaut. Munaf calls them better than their 2020 title-winning team.
10. Padres & D-Backs: (59:35) Padres (85.5 wins) are Griffin’s dark horse due to a potent offense. D-backs (86.5 wins) add Corbin Burnes and have bullpen upside with Justin Martinez, but it's a tough division.

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