The National League East has been an insane division throughout the entire 2021 MLB season.
It’s a three-team race between the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets.
The division has been full of twists and turns all year long, and right now, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the rest of the season is going to play out.
So… who will ultimately end up 🔛🔝 in the NL East? pic.twitter.com/rKSd5ftFOo
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 8, 2021
All three teams who are currently in the mix led the division at one point during the summer.
It has been exceptionally difficult for any team in the race to hold onto the top spot.
Right now, the Braves are at the top with a slight advantage over the Phillies and Mets.
Will it last?
Here’s a little rundown on each team that’s still in the mix.
Looking At The Braves’ Chances To Win The Division
As the division leaders, the Braves have the inside track to the division title.
It has been an inspirational year for Atlanta.
After losing countless key players (including a legitimate MVP candidate in Ronald Acuna Jr.), a lot of folks thought this team was done.
Instead, the Braves found a way to hang around in the race all summer long, and they ultimately climbed to the top of the standings in August by going 14-2 over a 16-game stretch.
That was the run that changed everything.
Now, the team just needs to stay focused and avoid a letdown.
Looking At The Phillies’ Chances To Win The Division
At 71-67, the Phillies are 2.5 games back of the first-place Braves.
Philadelphia has been playing some really good baseball lately.
As long as the Phillies stay within striking distance of Atlanta, they will have a chance to make up some serious ground in the final week of the season when the two clubs meet for a three-game set.
A lot of fans in Philly are frustrated that the team blew its short-lived lead atop the division earlier in the summer, but that’s just the nature of the NL East this year.
There’s no time to be frustrated now—there’s too much work to be done.
The Phillies have the easiest remaining schedule in all of baseball.
If they take advantage of it, they could find themselves in the postseason.
Looking At The Mets’ Chances To Win The Division
The fact that the Mets are still alive in this race is unbelievable and admirable.
This team was dead in the water just two weeks ago.
Near the end of August, New York was several games under .500 and 8.5 games back in the division.
Most folks threw in the towel, but the players in this locker room did not.
The Mets have won eight of their last 10 games, and they’re just four games back in the division today.
The Mets have trimmed their division deficit from 8.5 games back to 4 games back in the past week. https://t.co/xtyfuh5GhB
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 4, 2021
Their remaining schedule is very difficult, so they’re going to have to keep their intensity high, but it’s definitely not impossible for New York to shock the world and win the NL East in 2021.
Only one thing is for sure: Time will tell how it all will unfold.
NEXT: Should The New York Mets Allow Jacob deGrom To Return?
