NL West Preview 2022
The NL West is likely to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, if not the most competitive in 2022, making it very challenging to predict.
This is a star-studded division with the likes of Fernando Tatís Jr., Trea Turner, and Brandon Crawford around, plus Freddie Freeman, Kris Bryant and more joining the division.
The Giants edged the Dodgers for first place in 2021, but that will change this time around. So, here are some NL West standings predictions for 2022.
1: Los Angeles Dodgers
There is no need for much of an explanation here. The Dodgers are so talented that they are practically an All-Star team.
There are no question marks, and the additions of Freddie Freeman and Craig Kimbrel make this Dodger team arguably one of the best ever assembled. This season should be the season when Walker Buehler emerges into one of the undisputed best pitchers in baseball.
Meanwhile, Freeman, Mookie Betts and Trea Turner are serious MVP candidates.
2: San Diego Padres
The Padres missed the playoffs last season despite being considered as World Series contenders, but that will not be the case in 2022 with Bob Melvin now in charge.
San Diego is expected to be without Tatís through June, but there is enough offense, along with a loaded pitching staff, to keep the Friars competitive.
3: San Francisco Giants
San Francisco’s biggest strength is its pitching. Logan Webb is a potential Cy Young contender, Carlos Rodon came to the Bay from the White Sox and Alex Cobb is a solid fifth starter.
The bullpen is solid, and an offense that features Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford has the potential to take the Giants very far.
Buster Posey retired at the end of last season, but his replacement, Joey Bart, is a highly touted prospect who appears to be ready for the big leagues.
4: Colorado Rockies
Despite signing Kris Bryant, Colorado won’t be very good. Its pitching isn’t good enough for the rough NL West, although German Marquez is not a bad option.
The offense is better than the pitching with Bryant, Charlie Blackmon and C.J. Cron, but it’s not good enough to compete with the rest of the NL West. Colorado’s biggest need for years has been pitching, and if it had pitching then perhaps things could be better for the Rockies.
5: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks might be one of the worst teams in baseball. The rebuild is still ongoing, with players such as Daulton Varsho and Seth Beer still developing.
There isn’t much in the way of pitching, with injury-prone Madison Bumgarner being the only solid piece. Nick Ahmed, Ketel Marte and David Peralta are all solid pieces, but it wouldn’t be surprising if one or more of those players gets traded at the trade deadline.
Nolan Wick is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhw5046@psu.edu.