los angeles dodgers
Expectation: Los Angeles enters the season as the clear favorite to repeat as World Series champions and NL West champions. The offense is stellar, with reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani as well as offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker topping the lineup.
Worry: Pitching will be tough early in the season, with Blake Snell out due to injury and the bullpen being made up of cohesive pieces other than closer Edwin Diaz. But as long as they continue their invasion through October, they will arrive when the light is at its brightest.
San Diego Padres
Expectation: The Padres have made tremendous progress in their starting rotation, but their biggest strength is their elite relief corps. Even if the starters don't go deep enough, the Friars still have the ability to easily field a bullpen game. San Diego could be excited for Mason Miller to have his first full season in the closer role.
Worry: The rotation is worrisome, there isn't much depth after injuries left season openers Joe Musgrove and Griffin Canning on the injured list. There are positives with Nick Pivetta and Michael King, but not much behind them. If they want a shot at the NL West crown, they'll need their starters intact.
san francisco giants
Expectation: The San Francisco lineup is fantastic. With the addition of Luis Arraez to the group, the offense looks healthier than ever. Especially with the return of most of their contributors from 2025, as well as a full season from Rafael Devers, the Giants are looking great.
Worry: The bullpen is terrible. With both Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers gone, relief options are limited. The Giants need relievers to step up or they will lose heartbreaking games every night.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Expectation: The Diamondbacks made a lot of deals this offseason, but they didn't do much to improve the group. However, the rotation is solid (Arizona is mostly running it back). After re-signing Zack Gallen and Merrill Kelly and bringing Michael Soroka to the Crew, Corbin Burns will join the starting group later this season as the team gets its ace back.
Worry: Like San Francisco, Arizona's bullpen is extremely bad. After making 29 saves last year, the Dubs didn't do much to fix their relief corps this offseason and will likely continue to struggle this season.
colorado rockies
Expectation: This is only for Colorado after a historically bad 2025. The Rox improved their starting rotation, and added veterans Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, and Tomoyuki Sugano to join Kyle Freeland. They will contribute to a much more stable rotation than last year's group.
Worry: Can the lineup produce consistently? Probably not. With youngsters like Hunter Goodman and Ezequiel Tovar leading the group, this is an offense with a lot of potential. But can others come forward to contribute? This remains to be seen.
