NL West Preview
A team from the National League West has reached six of the past eight NLCS, with the Padres representing the division last season. With the NL West boasting several star-studded rosters and intriguing young players, there is a decent probability an NL West team will play in the NLCS and/or the World Series. Here’s a breakdown of the division entering 2023:
Los Angeles Dodgers (Projected Record: 94-68)
The class of the division all but one year since 2015, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make a deep postseason run. With several big bats, led by outfielder Mookie Betts (35 home runs in 2022) as well as infielders Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy, manager Dave Roberts’ team will have no problem generating runs.
Los Angeles’ pitching staff will be depleted to begin the 2023 campaign. Relievers Tony Gonsolin, Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen will all miss time to begin the season. Starter Walker Buehler is also slated to miss time as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. It will be up to Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías to hold down the fort until the team’s pitching is back t full strength.
San Diego Padres (Projected Record: 92-70)
After emerging as a threat to the Dodgers in 2020, the Padres bested their rivals in the NLDS last season. The Padres made a major splash this offseason, adding Xander Bogaerts on a $350 million contract. Bogaerts joins a loaded lineup featuring Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. (once his suspension ends) and reigning MVP runner-up Manny Machado.
The pitching staff for San Diego is loaded as well. Blake Snell, Yu Darvish (fresh off winning the World Baseball Classic) and Joe Musgrove headline the rotation. Closer Josh Hader remains a force in late-game situations, earning 36 saves last season. On paper, the Padres have enough talent to push the Dodgers for the division title.
San Francisco Giants (Projected Record: 81-81)
The Giants took a big step back last season, winning over 20 fewer games after a great 2021 season. Still, San Francisco boasts its fair share of star power. Shortstop Brandon Crawford leads the lineup, which features several power bats in J.D. Davis and Joc Pederson (a combined 35 home runs last year).
For the Giants to take the next step, their battery must improve. Catcher Joey Bart has struggled so far in the big leagues (.215 batting average last season) and pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Wood struggled after great a 2021.
Arizona Diamondbacks (Projected Record: 78-84)
What Arizona lacks in experience, they make up for in potential. Outfielder Corbin Carroll could have the most potential, as evident by his recent $111 million contract. With other young infielders ready to make their mark and a 1-2 infield tandem of Ketel Marte and Christian Walker (36 home runs last season), the Diamondbacks’ lineup could take a big step forward.
The starting rotation might also be dangerous for NL West hitters. With Madison Bumgarner, Merrill Kelly (13-8, 3.37 ERA in 2022) and Zac Gallen (12-4. 2.54 ERA), Arizona has the arms to compete in the division if the bullpen can back up the rotation.
Colorado Rockies (Projected Record: 62-100)
After signing Kris Bryant before the 2022 season, Colorado finished last in the division following an injury-plagued season from their star. While C.J. Cron topped 100 RBIs last year and outfielder Charlie Blackmon had another solid season, a productive campaign from Bryant will be needed.
On the hill, Colorado’s two top starters, Germán Marquez and Kyle Freeland, both finished with ERAs over 4.50. While that is expected in hitter-friendly Coors Field, the Rockies’ pitching staff must rebound to keep up in the deep NL West.
Will Duerksen is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email wdd5066@psu.edu.
