The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 season as the reigning World Series champions and, unsurprisingly, remain the overwhelming favorites to win not just the National League West division but also the National League pennant and the World Series itself. Their dominance in the NL West has become a fixture of the last decade, with Los Angeles claiming 11 of the last 12 division titles, and oddsmakers have responded accordingly. As of late May, according to Jackpot City sportsbook and casino, the Dodgers are listed as heavy favorites to win the division, with odds as short as -440 to -550, far ahead of their closest rivals.
Despite this, the NL West race is becoming more competitive than ever. The Dodgers currently lead the division with a 29-19 record, but the San Diego Padres (27-18), San Francisco Giants (28-20), and Arizona Diamondbacks (26-22) are all within three games of first place. This tight grouping underscores the division’s quality and the challenges Los Angeles faces, particularly given their struggles with pitching injuries.
Dodgers’ Injury Concerns and Pitching Depth
The Dodgers’ offense and defensive depth remain elite, but their pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries. Three of their Opening Day starters—Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki—are all sidelined with shoulder injuries, and the bullpen is similarly depleted, with key relievers like Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Kirby Yates also on the injured list. In total, Los Angeles has 14 pitchers on the IL, with Shohei Ohtani not expected to pitch until after the All-Star break. This has forced the Dodgers to lean heavily on their bullpen, which leads the majors in innings pitched, while the rotation has logged the fewest innings in baseball.
The impact has been evident in their recent performance. The Dodgers’ team ERA has ballooned to 4.28, ranking just 22nd in the majors. The team is coming off a four-game losing streak, including a tough 9-5 loss to the Diamondbacks that drew boos from the home crowd. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting the challenge of managing many injuries and the uncertainty of pitcher health.
Eyes on the Trade Deadline
With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers will be closely watched as potential buyers in the pitching market. Their deep farm system and aggressive front office make them perennial players for top talent, and with so many arms on the shelf, it would be no surprise to see Los Angeles pursue reinforcements to shore up both the rotation and the bullpen. The team’s cautious approach to injuries, particularly with stars like Snell and Sasaki, suggests they prioritize long-term health over short-term fixes. Still, the pressure to maintain their division lead may force their hand as the deadline nears.
Division Rivals: Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks
While the Dodgers remain favorites, the Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks are all legitimate threats, as the current standings reflect.
The San Diego Padres hold a 27-18 record and are just half a game behind Los Angeles. The Padres have a balanced roster and a strong chance to make the postseason, though their World Series odds remain longer than the Dodgers’. San Diego’s pitching and timely hitting have kept them in the hunt, and they are well-positioned to capitalize if the Dodgers falter.
The San Francisco Giants, under second-year manager Bob Melvin, are also in the thick of the race at 28-20, just one game back. The Giants made significant offseason moves, including signing shortstop Willy Adames and veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, and have managed to stay competitive despite losing Blake Snell to free agency. Their mix of experience and emerging talent makes them a dangerous opponent in a tight division.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, fresh off an 89-win season in 2024, are 26-22 and only three games out of first. Arizona splashed by signing ace Corbin Burnes and extending key players like Ketel Marte and Josh Naylor. After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, the Diamondbacks are determined to return to October and have the roster depth to make a run.
Season Outlook
Despite their injury, the Dodgers’ depth, star power, and track record keep them atop the odds boards for the division, league, and World Series titles. However, the NL West is as competitive as it has been in years, and with the Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks all within striking distance, Los Angeles cannot afford to rest on its laurels. The next two months, leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, will be critical as the Dodgers look to reinforce their pitching staff and fend off their surging rivals. If they can weather the storm and get healthy for the stretch run, the Dodgers will remain the team to beat—but for now, the NL West is far from decided.
