NL West preview

As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, some divisions are wide open, with multiple teams capable of winning. The NL West, however, seems a bit more predictable — the Los Angeles Dodgers, having won 11 of the last 12 division titles, look primed for yet another.

Though the Dodgers are heavy favorites to capture the crown again, the rest of the division has plenty to offer. The NL West saw a flurry of free-agent signings this past offseason, making the race more intriguing.

Here is a breakdown of the five teams in the division and how they will enter the 2025 season:

Los Angeles Dodgers

As previously noted, the Dodgers have been the dominant force in the division for over a decade. The reigning World Series champions strengthened their roster even more this offseason, sparking debates about whether their team is unfair.

Key additions include former Cy Young award winner Blake Snell, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, and flamethrower Tanner Scott. The team also re-signed Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernandez.

With one of the best pitching staffs in recent memory and a star-studded lineup, the Dodgers seem poised for another division title. Shohei Ohtani is also expected to return to the mound after being limited to just offensive duties last season.

Los Angeles has built what many are calling a modern-day superteam. It’s hard to argue against it winning the division again. We got a glimpse of its potential when they swept the Cubs in the Japan Series last week.

San Diego Padres

While many NL West teams added key players this offseason, the Padres lost a few important pieces. Jurickson Profar, Ha-Seong Kim, and Tanner Scott all departed via free agency. Although these players played a big role in San Diego’s success, the Padres still boast a strong roster.

Pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease both had solid seasons in 2024, and Jackson Merrill looks like a star. However, much of San Diego’s success will hinge on the health of Fernando Tatis Jr.

When healthy, Tatis is one of the game’s most exciting players, but he played in just over 100 games last season. If he can stay healthy, the Padres could be a strong contender in the NL Wild Card race — assuming the Dodgers win the division.

Last season, the Padres came within a game of knocking the Dodgers out in the Divisional Round. At the time, many believed San Diego had a World Series-caliber roster. Losing key players in the offseason may prove costly, but the core pieces still remain.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks’ 2023 World Series run was a surprise, and while they narrowly missed the playoffs last year, Arizona enters 2025 with a new look.

One of their biggest losses was first baseman Christian Walker, who joined the Houston Astros. However, the Diamondbacks were able to replace him with Josh Naylor, who has come into his own with the Cleveland Guardians in recent years.

Naylor played 20 more games than Walker last season, hitting five more home runs and driving in 24 more RBIs. While he may not be the defender Walker is, Naylor’s age does give the D-Backs a longer window at first base.

The Diamondbacks’ biggest move this offseason was signing Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract. After last year’s signings of Jordan Montgomery and Eduardo Rodríguez failed to boost the pitching staff, Burnes looks like the right fit. He posted an ERA under 3.00 last year and finished fifth in Cy Young voting. Paired with Zac Gallen, the two form a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation.

With a solid team offensively and on the mound, the Diamondbacks will be a team to watch in 2025.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants have been stuck in mediocrity in recent years, and while they’ve made moves to improve, the division they play in poses a significant challenge.

San Francisco does not have a bad roster, but it does not feel like it is on the same level as Los Angeles, San Diego, or Arizona. The Giants added notable free agents Justin Verlander and Willy Adames this offseason.

The key for the Giants this season will be the performance of their young core. Players like Patrick Bailey, Tyler Fitzgerald, and Heliot Ramos showed promise last year. If they can consistently deliver, the Giants' offense could become more reliable.

Verlander strengthens the pitching staff, and his experience will be invaluable for mentoring the team’s younger arms. Logan Webb is already a top-tier starter, and if Robbie Ray and Jordan Hicks can stay consistent, San Francisco will have a more well-rounded team.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are firmly in rebuilding mode. As a small-market team, they’ve struggled with several poor contracts in recent years, and that trend seems likely to continue.

In a surprising move, the Rockies traded Nolan Jones back to the Cleveland Guardians last week in exchange for infielder Tyler Freeman. Jones struggled last season but had a strong 2023, hitting 20 home runs and posting a nearly .300 average.

There is little to say about the Rockies, who are focused on developing their young core in a tough division. They are expected to finish at the bottom of the NL West again this year.

That said, the Rockies could be active at the trade deadline, especially if they want to sell. Veterans like Kyle Freeland and German Márquez could be attractive trade candidates.

The NL West could realistically send three teams to the playoffs, with many expecting at least two. The Dodgers are favorites to repeat as World Series champions, but the Diamondbacks and Padres will be formidable threats as well.

Alex Harkins is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email arh6278@psu.edu.