Braves
Manager: Brian Snitker (fourth year)
Spring training site: Orlando, Fla.
Key additions: Snitker received a contract extension after winning NL Manager of the Year thanks to a surprising division title. The Braves were aggressive early in the offseason — signing Josh Donaldson and former Yankee Brian McCann to a deal, both in November. They later brought back free agent Nick Markakis. Darren O’Day was acquired from Baltimore in July, but never pitched for Atlanta because of a hamstring injury.
Key losses: C Kurt Suzuki and RHP Anibal Sanchez left for NL East foe Washington. Midseason acquisition Brad Brach signed with the Cubs.
Spring training storylines to watch: The Braves have been thought to be in the mix for Craig Kimbrel, who spent the first five years of his career in Atlanta. Donaldson was limited to 52 games last season because of a calf strain. Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies made an impact sooner than anticipated. The challenge will be to see if Acuna is a legitimate star and if Albies’ second half struggles is cause for concern. Donaldson’s arrival pushes Johan Camargo into a utility role after a breakout season in 2018.
Marlins
Manager: Don Mattingly (fourth season)
Spring training site: Jupiter, Fla.
Key additions: South Florida is known as a place for aging New Yorkers, and Neil Walker and Curtis Granderson — who both played for the Yankees and Mets — join Starlin Castro and Martin Prado in Miami. The Marlins are still in the early stages of a rebuild and made smaller moves like adding Rosell Herrera and Pedro Alvarez.
Key losses: After trading stars like Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and Dee Gordon last offseason, Derek Jeter and the Marlins completed their selloff by dealing J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies on Thursday. Derek Dietrich was designated for assignment and is still a free agent, and Kyle Barraclough was traded to the Nationals.
Spring training storylines to watch: Now that Realmuto is gone, the focus will be entirely on the future — and how bad the Marlins might be again this season. Mattingly is entering the final year of his contract under Jeter. The biggest splash Miami has made recently is on the international front — where they signed the Mesa brothers, Victor Victor and Victor Jr., two top Cuban prospects.
Phillies
Manager: Gabe Kapler (second season)
Spring training site: Clearwater, Fla.
Key additions: The Phillies have been among the favorites to land either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, and though they remain in the hunt for the two star free agents, Philadelphia swooped in to land Realmuto in a trade with Miami for a package that included catcher Jorge Alfaro and top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez. They also signed former Yankees David Robertson and Andrew McCutchen, and traded for Jean Segura, Juan Nicasio, James Pazos and Jose Alvarez in a very active offseason.
Key losses: Carlos Santana was traded back to Cleveland, via Seattle. J.P. Crawford was also sent to the Mariners. Wilson Ramos signed with the Mets. Luis Garcia was traded to the Angels.
Spring training storylines to watch: Philadelphia has been one of the few teams to engage with both Machado and Harper, and ownership said at the beginning of the offseason it was prepared to spend a “stupid” amount of money on one of the stars. Realmuto finally has a new home, and Rhys Hoskins moves back to first base after a rough season in left. And they haven’t added a starter despite their efforts.
Nationals
Manager: Dave Martinez (second year)
Spring training site: West Palm Beach, Fla.
Key additions: Coming off a disappointing season, the Nationals spent big on Patrick Corbin, and added Anibal Sanchez to bolster their rotation and Brian Dozier to play second. Yan Gomes and Kurt Suzuki were brought in to catch, and Matt Adams was brought back. Barraclough, Trevor Rosenthal and Tanner Rainey were added to the bullpen.
Key losses: Despite making Harper a reported 10-year, $300 million offer prior to the end of the season, they haven’t gotten their star back. He could still return. Greg Holland signed with Arizona, and Tanner Roark was shipped to the Reds in exchange for Rainey. Gio Gonzalez is still a free agent and Matt Wieters is gone.
Spring training storylines to watch: If Harper ends up back in D.C., the Nationals figure to be the favorites in the division. Juan Soto just turned 20 but was superb after being called up last May. Can he keep it up? Rosenthal missed all of last season after Tommy John surgery. Stephen Strasburg looks to stay healthy after an injury-plagued year limited him to 22 starts.