When you think of the great teams of the past in the National League East Division, one team has topped that list — the Atlanta Braves. Since the division was founded in 1969, the Atlanta Braves have captured 12 NL East titles, 11 of which came consecutively from 1995 to 2005. The division is comprised of five teams: the Braves, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs, Pirates and Cardinals were also founding members but were moved to the NL Central after the realignment.
The Braves have won the most World Series crowns among NL East teams, winning three. The club has played in a total of nine championship series. Both the Phillies and Mets have won a pair of World Series apiece, with Philly last winning it in 2008. The Mets have reached the final twice in the past two decades, including 2015 when the team lost to the Kansas City Royals in the championship. Their last World Series crown came in 1986.
Every team in the NL East has won a World Series with the exception of the Washington Nationals, who relocated from Montreal when the club was still known as the Expos.
NL East Betting Lines Today
There are long-standing rivalries in the NL East bettors will want to keep a close watch on all season long. Don’t miss any of the action with our calendar widget, a handy tool for bettors to use to follow each team in the division and how they’ve fared against each other during the season.
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NL East Standings Right Now
The Washington Nationals — a club who in the past were considered to be the NL East punching bag for opponents — are now the team to beat in the division. The Nats may be missing that coveted World Series title, but the club is built for a championship run will come sooner than later.
How To Make Money Betting on NL East Division
It all starts on the mound for the Nationals, who boast the lethal 1-2 punch of Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer. Combined, the duo helped the Nationals finish second in the NL in ERA with an average of 3.51 — second to only the 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs.
Washington’s rotation also produced 92 quality starts — a stat in which a starting pitcher completes at least six innings while giving up three or less runs. Pitchers love run support and the Nationals’ offense certainly stepped up in that regard in 2016 as well.
With Bryce Harper leading the charge, the Nationals finished third in total runs with 763. Harper has gained the respect from divisional opponents as many opposing pitchers will opt to intentionally walk the all-star outfielder. Harper was still able to hit 24 home runs to go with 86 RBI in 2016 while ranking among the NL lead in walks with 108.
The other clubs in the NL East — including the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies — are playing catch-up with the Nationals, who are trending upwards.
If you’re betting on NL East teams, take into consideration the fact that games tend to be low scoring. Your best bet however is taking the Nationals or Mets at home as both clubs posted winning records at Nationals Park and Citi Field, respectively.
Ready to put your money on National League East teams? Before you do, consider using one of the following online sportsbooks.