Pitching will continue to be the narrative in the NL West, but the difference for the 2016 season is that rotations have shifted, which could allow for a shift in the final division standings. The division has two of the best left-handed starting pitchers in Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner, and they also have two of the best right-handed pitchers in Zack Greinke and Johnny Cueto.
Aside from the big names, there is great pitching depth with two teams that are expected to fight to be atop the NL West with last year’s division-winning Los Angeles Dodgers and the runner-up San Francisco Giants. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks have now thrown their hat into the mix following a slew of offseason moves.
With the onslaught of pitching in the NL West this season, the biggest determining factor of the divisional race may be offense. Runs are going to be hard to come by due to the influx of pitching. If that’s the case, the Colorado Rockies may be the dark horse or a bold prediction to finish near the top of the division. The popular opinion, though, may be that the Rockies and San Diego Padres will be jockeying for the top draft picks for the 2017 MLB Draft.
There is a plethora of pitching in the division and the same goes for offensive firepower amongst all teams. The division may not be as wide open as some of the others around baseball, but the top of the division is capable of producing the National League’s pennant winner.
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