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Everyone knows that the NL East is a gauntlet. It's produced the last three World Series champions in the Mets, the Phillies and the Braves, and Atlanta looks just as strong as last year. Do the Phillies have what it takes to bring a title back to Philadelphia?

"I don't see why not," drawled a nonchalant Aaron Nola. "I'd take our nine against their nine any day of the week."

That's not necessarily the consensus view, as the pundits have the Braves running away with the division this season. But Nola may have a point- the Phillies match up pretty well. General manager Matt Klentak made a few more unconventional moves, starting with the trade of Carlos Correa, acquired only the season before, to the Los Angeles Angels, picking up infielders Daniel Murphy and Nonie Williams in the process. Correa was under contract for six more seasons, but it appeared that the Phillies' front office was spooked by his obvious decline last season, and they found a buyer in the Angels. Murphy was a fearsome hitter three years ago, hitting .358 with 56 doubles in 2019, but he's clearly declined since then, hitting just .259 last season. He makes $26 million this season and his contract expires after this year. Meanwhile, rookie Williams may well prove to be the most productive player in the deal over the next few seasons, and will break camp with the club.

Klentak replaced Correa in the infield with Japanese import Michiomi Nakamura, who signed for an astounding $243 million over eight seasons. Nakamura is a premiere, middle-of-the-order hitter who plays a solid second base, and the Phillies look to have him for the prime of his career. He fractured his thumb last week but should return in late April.

The most controversial move of the offseason was signing another foreign free agent, outfielder Alfredo Morales, only to trade him away before the season started for top prospect Jansiel Rivera and pitcher Justin Dunn. Morales signed for three years and $30 million, though after acquiring him, the Phillies worried that he wouldn’t make enough to contact to warrant that contract. Fortunately, the Phillies found a willing trade partner in Jerry Dipoto, who traded away last year’s #1 overall prospect (and this year’s #2) in Rivera. Interestingly, Morales himself was ranked right behind Rivera at #3 on this year’s BNN prospect rankings. Rivera will start the season at AAA Lehigh Valley, but should join the club around May once he has “worked on his defense” as the Phillies shamelessly manipulate his service time.

The rotation looks to be the biggest hole as the team enters the season. Gerrit Cole departed to the Dodgers for $222 million over six years. Dunn will join the rotation, as will rookie Clarke Schmidt. The bullpen, however, appears as strong as ever.

All in all, the Phillies look prepared for another run at a championship in 2022.