NY Mets: Looking at the Mets chances to win the division

Jul 21, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Mets left fielder Dominic Smith (2) celebrates with second baseman Jeff McNeil (6) center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) and first baseman Pete Alonso (20) after hitting a grand slam home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Mets left fielder Dominic Smith (2) celebrates with second baseman Jeff McNeil (6) center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) and first baseman Pete Alonso (20) after hitting a grand slam home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 5, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner (7) is congratulated by right fielder Juan Soto (left) after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner (7) is congratulated by right fielder Juan Soto (left) after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals

The Nationals are the other team that I view as a very minor threat if you can call them a threat at all. Like the Braves, they have shown in the past they have what it takes, but haven’t shown that this year. I think everything would have to go right for them to win this division.

I think everything would have to go right for them to win it. That includes Juan Soto being Juan Soto, Kyle Schwarber hitting homers every day like he was in June, and Max Scherzer continues to pitch like a Cy Young candidate.

A lot of the major pieces from the 2019 World Series team is intact, minus Anthony Rendon of course, so it seems likely that since the division is within striking distance, the Nationals will go for it.

They’re about middle of the pack in runs scored and runs allowed per game this season. The big weakness in their lineup is Rendon’s old position, third base. Carter Kieboom hasn’t worked out and they’ve been running guys like Starlin Castro and Josh Harrison at third every day.

There are multiple third basemen available for the taking like Kris Bryant and Eduardo Escobar that can provide a boost to this Nationals lineup.

If they get a bat and an arm, and the other teams in the division have bad injury luck or don’t make moves, I wouldn’t be too shocked if the Nats make a run.

We’ve seen them make an unlikely run before, maybe they have one more run in them.