1. Los Angles Dodgers
Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers are weaker than they were last year. That does not mean that they are not the team to beat.
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The Dodgers still have an impressive rotation, with the great Clayton Kershaw and impressive youngster Walker Beuhler in the top two spots. However, health will be the key – Kershaw has had back issues over the past few years, and has been slowed in Spring Training. Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill have been phenomenal when on the mound, but neither pitcher is a bastion of health. The loss of Alex Wood could make a difference.
Los Angeles also does not have the depth, particularly in the outfield, that it once did. Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp may not have been a part of the future, but they were solid veteran bats. A.J. Pollock was brought in as a free agent, but he is an injury risk as well.
Even with all of these question marks, the Dodgers still have plenty of depth. If a significant injury occurs in the outfield, top prospect Alex Verdugo is ready. Yasmani Grandal may be gone, but the Dodgers are waiting for Keibert Ruiz to ascend to the majors in another year or two. Ross Stripling is ready when needed, as the rotation will inevitably need his services. The Dodgers still have enough talent for a seventh consecutive NL West title.
However, just winning the division is not enough any longer. Unless the Dodgers win the World Series, the 2019 MLB season will be another disappointment.