Repeating as National League East champions is going to be a challenge for the Phillies.
It is expected to be a tight three-team race between the Phillies, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets.
The Mets made the biggest splash of the offseason, signing superstar slugger Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract. They also shored up the rotation by signing Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Both will begin the season on the injured list. Former New York Yankees reliever Clay Holmes was also signed to be a starter, and the early returns so far are pretty good.