The National League West is gearing up for what could be one of the most exciting battles in baseball this year, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres set to duke it out for the top spot. The Dodgers have dominated this division for almost a decade, winning it nine times in the past ten years. However, the Padres, who are coming off an upset win over the Dodgers in the playoffs, are looking to push them off their perch and take over as the kings of the division.
Los Angeles has been a consistent force in the National League. Coming off a spectacular 111-51 regular season in 2022, they enter 2023, the -125 favorite to win the National League West for the tenth time in eleven years, but they’ll have to do so with a new look roster. Gone are ex-MVP Cody Bellinger, shortstop Trea Turner, and Dodger stalwart Justin Turner, partly replaced by slugger J.D. Martinez and utilityman David Peralta. Despite the roster turnover and the season loss of starting shortstop Gavin Lux to injury, they are still considered the team to beat in the division.
However, the Padres are not to be underestimated. San Diego went all-in during the off-season, getting another year from Juan Soto and signing shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year $280 million contract. They also get back Fernando Tatis, Jr., who sat out the entire 2022 season with an injury and a subsequent PED suspension. San Diego will look to better their tepid 89-73 2022 season and are +130 to upset the Dodgers in the National League West.
The rivalry between these two teams promises to be one of the most exciting in baseball this year. Watching the Dodgers and Padres face off will surely make for excellent theater, with each team bringing its unique strengths to the field.
Sportsbook Season Win Totals per India 10CRIC
Los Angeles Dodgers 96.5
San Diego 93.5
San Francisco 81.5
Arizona 74.5
Colorado 65.5
The Rest of the Division
While the Dodgers and Padres are the clear favorites in the National League West, a few other teams in the division could make some noise this year.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants had a disappointing 2022 season, finishing 26 games worse than the previous year’s division-winning team. This drop was the franchise’s biggest since losing 30 games more in 1943. While some of this regression was expected, they narrowly avoided the rare feat of consecutive seasons with 105+ wins to a losing record. The team ended the season with a 12-4 run after being only one game ahead of the Diamondbacks in September. Their winter was also disappointing, missing out on top free-agent targets Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. Some experts believe they have the potential to win 85 games, while others doubt they can even break even.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a tough stretch, but recent improvements have given hope for the future. In 2022, the team showed a 22-game improvement, finishing with a 74-88 record. The team has an excellent young core of players and prospects, with Ketel Marte, Christian Walker, and Corbin Carroll expected to perform well in the upcoming season. Zac Gallen is one of the best young pitchers in baseball and has received recognition for his talent. The Diamondbacks have made smart acquisitions, including Evan Longoria and Andrew Chafin. Most projections have them winning in the high 70s, which seems reasonable, given the questions surrounding their rotation and offense.
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies, with a record of 68-94 in 2022, are expected to be the weakest team in the division. While some fans and experts have criticized owner Dick Monfort for suggesting that the team could play .500 ball, it is unlikely that they will be able to compete with the other teams in the division. However, the Rockies have some talent and could surprise fans with unexpected wins.
Ultimately, the NL West promises to be one of the most exciting divisions in baseball this year, with the Dodgers and Padres leading the way. Fans can expect incredible performances from both teams and unexpected twists and turn as the season progresses. Whether you are a diehard Dodgers fan or a diehard Padres fan, one thing is for sure: this division will be a wild ride.
