Max Scherzer and the Nationals are favorited to win the NL East

Once again, the Washington Nationals are projected to finish on top of the NL East. This is partly due to the fact that one of the best starting rotations in the league last year got even stronger. Their chances are helped by the lackluster competition that is expected from the rest of the NL East. Everyone else is playing for second place and a chance at a Wild Card. The New York Mets will be getting SP Matt Harvey back. The Miami Marlins brought in a ton of talent over the winter months. On the bottom of the division, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies look toward the future, as they are in rebuilding mode.

MVP

Giancarlo Stanton was finally having his breakout season last year (37 home runs and 105 runs batted in), before being hit in the face with a fastball and missing the final 17 games of the campaign. Stanton even managed 13 stolen bases to go along with his incredible power numbers. After a full recovery, Stanton hopes to pick up where he left off last year and be a perennial MVP candidate for the Marlins. He’ll have over 35 home runs, drive in well over 100 runs and even score close to 100 runs.

Bust To Avoid

David Wright has turned into an old 32-year-old third baseman who is injury prone. He no longer has the power he once did and he can’t be counted on to play a full season anymore. He is projected to be a top-10 3B (ADP #96), but will only put up 15 home runs and under 70 runs batted in, while batting around .260. Unless you draft him late in your draft, expect for Wright to put up numbers similar to Luis Valbuena (ADP #377).

Bold Prediction

Bryce Harper will have a career year, in terms of HR and RBIs. Despite having a disappointing last couple of seasons, Harper is primed to be Comeback Player of the Year and put up 25 home runs to go along with 80 runs batted in. He will lead the Washington Nationals to a deep postseason run.

AJ Stone is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from AJ, check out his archive.