The National League West, led by the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in MLB. There is a strong possibility that this division could produce three playoff contenders by the 2025 season. Last year, the NL West produced two teams in the postseason, while the Arizona Diamondbacks just fell short. With this fierce competition established, let’s delve into the NL West season preview featuring essential details about each of the five teams.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Projected Starting Lineup:
- DH Shohei Ohtani
- SS Mookie Betts
- 1B Freddie Freeman
- RF Teoscar Hernández
- 3B Max Muncy
- C Will Smith
- LF Michael Conforto
- 2B Tommy Edman
- CF James Outman/Enrique Hernández (platoon)
Projected Rotation:
- RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- RHP Roki Sasaki
- LHP Blake Snell
- RHP Tyler Glasnow
- RHP Dustin May
Key Concerns: Can they secure consecutive championships?
Since the New York Yankees achieved back-to-back titles in 1999-2000, no team has repeated as World Series champions. However, the Dodgers are favorites to break that trend in 2025. While history suggests many factors influence the championship, the Dodgers are well-equipped for the challenge. Their nearly unchanged roster, which secured 98 wins last season, welcomes Snell and Sasaki, two premier pitchers. With the addition of these talents, and the eventual return of Ohtani, the Dodgers’ pitching depth is formidable. They also acquired reliable relievers Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Projected Starting Lineup:
- RF Corbin Carroll
- 2B Ketel Marte
- 1B Josh Naylor
- LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
- CF Jake McCarthy
- 3B Eugenio Suárez
- DH Pavin Smith
- C Gabriel Moreno
- SS Geraldo Perdomo
Projected Rotation:
- RHP Corbin Burnes
- RHP Zac Gallen
- RHP Merrill Kelly
- LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
- RHP Brandon Pfaadt
Main Question: Can they reach the playoffs?
The 2023 Diamondbacks demonstrated that once in the postseason, any team can make a significant run. Last year’s team, which didn’t qualify for the playoffs, was perceived to be stronger than the pennant-winning 2023 cohort. This season’s objective is evident: to return to October baseball. Their most significant acquisition, ace Corbin Burnes, signed a six-year, $210 million deal to bolster a rotation that struggled last season. The addition of Burnes, alongside consistent pitchers like Gallen and Kelly, presents the Diamondbacks with a promising chance to secure one of the available wild-card spots in the NL.
