The Nationals have finished either 1st or 2nd in the NL East every year since 2012, winning in ’12, ’14, and ’16.

The Mets have finished either 1st or 2nd in the NL East every since 2014, winning in ’15.

Between them, that’s the last three division pennants and four of the last five. Considering talent, projections, and early season returns, it’s a reasonable assumption that one of these two will win again this year. Yesterday, the Nats and Mets began their season series with a game and a half separating them in (yep) first and second place in the NL East, respectively.