Dodgers look to continue stranglehold on NL West

The NL West has been the Dodgers' playground for most of the last decade.

The Dodgers have run roughshod over the division since 2013, winning ten of the last 11 division titles. In the one year they missed out, 2021, the Dodgers won 106 games, the second most in the majors. However, that run has resulted in one World Series title. As the Diamondbacks reached the World Series last season, and the Padres advanced to the NLCS in 2022, the Dodgers' grasp on the NL West may not be as strong as it appears.

Will anyone be able to knock off the Dodgers this year? Here's how we think the NL West will shake out. (Last year's records are in parentheses.)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (100-62, first)

Was there any other option for the top spot?

The Dodgers may have had the best offseason in the majors. Shohei Ohtani kicked off the offseason by signing a record contract and deferred $680 million of his $700 million salary. The Dodgers then added Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on another record deal, acquired Tyler Glasnow in a trade with the Rays, brought back Clayton Kershaw and signed outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. 

The Dodgers still have questions. The rotation is filled with several injury-plagued arms. Mookie Betts is moving to shortstop because Gavin Lux cannot throw. However, the Dodgers are still the most talented team in the division and should be eleven for twelve after this season.

2. San Diego Padres (82-80, third)

The Padres offseason has been much more than just losing outfielder Juan Soto.

That said, losing Soto definitely hurts. The Padres also did not spend much this offseason due to the passing of owner Peter Seidler and revenue questions after borrowing $50 million in 2023. However, they drastically upgraded their rotation. Michael King was a revelation for the Yankees and part of the return for Soto. Starter Dylan Cease was acquired in a trade on Wednesday. The bullpen has been upgraded with relievers Woo Suk Go, Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta. 

The Padres may have the best pitching staff in the majors, let alone the NL West. A talented lineup featuring third baseman Manny Machado and right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. should provide enough offense. The Padres may surprise and be more than a Wild Card team.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks (84-78, second)

The Diamondbacks were not content to sit on their laurels this offseason.

A young and exciting team, the Diamondbacks made an improbable run to the World Series, falling short in five games. If anything, that near miss fueled their hunger this offseason. Pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez adds another veteran arm to a solid rotation headlined by ace Zac Gallen. Eugenio Suarez was acquired from the Mariners to fill the hole at third. Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk will platoon as the Diamondbacks DH, providing solid production at the position. As young star Corbin Carroll takes another step forward, the Diamondbacks should be a dangerous team again.

The Diamondbacks have improved a team that won the National League championship last year. Unfortunately, they play in a tough division.

4. San Francisco Giants (79-83, fourth)

The Giants finally found someone to take their money.

The intriguing Jung Hoo Lee signed a five-year deal to fill one of the Giants' holes in the outfield. Lee impressed with his on-base and contact skills in the KBO and should be a dynamic piece at the top of the order. Third baseman Matt Chapman is still a powerful bat and a stellar defensive player. Robbie Ray was acquired from the Mariners and, when healthy, will be a strong second starter behind Logan Webb. Perhaps the most interesting move was the Giants signing of pitcher Jordan Hicks. A starter in the minors, Hicks has spent most of his time in the majors as a reliever. However, the Giants plan on using him as a starter. If this plan works, the Giants could have a bargain.

The Giants improved during the offseason but it may not matter. Given the strength of the NL West, the Giants may not be able to contend for a playoff berth.

5. Colorado Rockies (59-103, fifth)

Could it be that the Rockies are finally understanding their place in the NL West?

Ownership has continually overestimated the roster over the years, claiming that the Rockies were a competitive ballclub. However, the Rockies have not finished above .500 since 2018, the last time the franchise reached the postseason. At least the Rockies appear ready to embrace the rebuild as they did not do much in the offseason. Frankly, it is long overdue.

The Rockies were not going to have a chance in the NL West. At least they stopped wasting money this offseason.