The National League West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the MLB for the 2025 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers are projected to have a dominant season, with a record of 97-65 and high odds of making the playoffs and winning the division. Led by Shohei Ohtani and bolstered by key offseason acquisitions, the Dodgers are poised to make a strong push for back-to-back World Series titles.
On the other hand, the San Diego Padres are looking to build on their success from the previous season, where they won 93 games and made a playoff run. With star players like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres have the potential to be a formidable contender in the NL West. However, uncertainties surrounding the team’s ownership and pitching staff could impact their performance in 2025.
Overall, both the Dodgers and Padres have the talent and potential to make a significant impact in the National League West this season. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive race for the division title as these two teams battle it out on the field. Until there are further changes to the roster, the Padres are positioned to once again be in the NL wild-card picture, with the potential to upset any team they face in October. The San Francisco Giants have a decent strategy in place, with strong players like Lee, Matt Chapman, and 2024 All-Star Heliot Ramos on their roster. However, there are doubts about whether they can rise above being just an average team in the toughest division in baseball. While they may show moments of brilliance, it seems unlikely that they will make a return to the postseason in 2025.
Moving on to the Colorado Rockies, they are projected to have a rough season with a record of 63-99 and minimal odds of making the playoffs or winning the division. Last year was another forgettable season for the Rockies, who remained irrelevant in a division filled with stars. The team did not invest much in the offseason as per their usual pattern.
In the best-case scenario, Kris Bryant regains his power hitting abilities and reaches 30 home runs for the first time since 2019. Additionally, young players like Ezequiel Tovar, Brenton Doyle, and Nolan Jones reach their full potential, making the Rockies a formidable opponent.
Conversely, in the worst-case scenario, Bryant continues to struggle, playing fewer than half the season, and the young core of players fails to progress, leading the Rockies to become the worst team in baseball.
Kris Bryant is identified as the make-or-break player for the Rockies, as his performance will heavily impact the team’s success. While he may not reach his previous All-Star level, Bryant still has the potential to be a significant power threat for the team.
Overall, the Rockies have been at the bottom of the league for the past few years, and it is unlikely that they will make a significant improvement in 2025. However, they do have promising talent and prospects that could help them play more competitive baseball in the upcoming season.