2021 MLB predictions: Previewing the NL West
The season is about to get underway, and with that comes out 2021 MLB predictions. We wrap up these predictions with a division that should be an interesting two horse race – the NL West.
The offseason was essentially a matter of the Padres attempting to usurp the Dodgers from the top of the division while Los Angeles kept adding to their roster. This resulted in an entertaining arms race as the two sides battled for offseason bragging rights.
2021 MLB predictions: The NL West
Those moves left the Diamondbacks and Giants essentially fighting for scraps. While they did what they could to upgrade their rosters, the Rockies traded Nolan Arenado for a handful of magic beans while paying the Cardinals to take him on.
Who will emerge in the NL West? We take one final look into our crystal ball to find out.
5. Colorado Rockies
To call the Colorado Rockies incompetent would be an insult to incompetence everywhere.
Once again, the Rockies eschewed free agency, refusing to sign anyone to a guaranteed major league deal. Their biggest move of the offseason involved shipping franchise cornerstone Nolan Arenado and $50 million to the Cardinals after the front office had completely alienated him with trade rumors the previous year. This offseason was a complete disaster. Is it a surprise that Trevor Story is refusing to engage in extension talks?
And yet, the Rockies somehow think they will contend in 2021. This optimism is entirely unfounded given the presence of the Dodgers and Padres in the West. Yes, different substances may be legal in Colorado, but the Rockies’ ownership and front office needs to put the pipe down and pay attention to reality.
The only thing that the Colorado Rockies will compete for in 2021 is the top overall pick next year. That might be a battle they can win.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
One almost has to feel bad for the Arizona Diamondbacks. After existing in the shadow of the Dodgers, they now have the Padres to overcome as well.
Arizona does have some interesting pieces. Zac Gallen and Caleb Smith give the Diamondbacks a respectable 1-2 punch that is under team control for the next few years. Ketel Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and David Peralta are a solid trio in the lineup. Daulton Varsho is an intriguing talent even if he will start the season in Triple-A.
But it is not enough. After three consecutive winning seasons, the Diamondbacks are trending in the wrong direction. A rebuild would make sense to stock their farm system with younger talent while looking to put together a young core to battle with the top of the division in the next couple of years.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have several interesting pieces. It is not enough to keep pace in the NL West.
3. San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants have the best chance of any of the teams in the division to challenge the Dodgers and Padres, but it is still highly unlikely.
Fahran Zaidi has done a quietly solid job in revamping the franchise in his image. He has found overlooked players in Mike Yaztresemki, Donovan Solano, and Kevin Gausman, giving them the chance to show their talents. They have also yet to invest in long term deals, signing free agents for just a year or two while keeping their eyes on the future.
That future may happen as soon as next offseason. The Giants have the contracts of Buster Posey, Johnny Cueto, Brandon Belt, and Brandon Crawford coming off the books after this year. They have only have $25.52 million committed to the 2022 season. San Francisco could be a major factor in the near future.
It just will not happen this year. The 2021 MLB predictions still have the San Francisco Giants finishing third.
2. San Diego Padres
Let’s face it – the San Diego Padres are going to be a lot of fun to watch.
This is a high energy team, one that is filled with entertaining players to watch. Fernando Tatis Jr. may be one of the next players to become one of the faces of the game. Manny Machado has evolved into a leader and has become much more comfortable. The front office completely revamped the pitching staff in the past year, adding aces and moving a pitcher as talented as Dinelson Lamet to the third or fourth spot in the rotation. San Diego’s bullpen is much deeper as well, although there are questions as to who will close.
And the Padres are not done. Mike Clevinger will be back in 2022 after missing this year due to Tommy John surgery. Their young players, Tatis included, will get another year of development and major league experience. This is a team on the upswing, one that should contend for years to come.
But they are not quite there yet. The San Diego Padres will see their day come, but it may not be in 2021.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Padres may have won the offseason, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to win the division yet again.
How good are the Dodgers? David Price, who is making over $30 million a year, is not guaranteed a spot in the rotation and would be the fifth starter if he does get a role. Mookie Betts may be one of the best players in the game, and is sticking around seemingly until the end of his career. Justin Turner is back, Cody Bellinger is an excellent defensive first baseman who can play center, and Clayton Kershaw finally got that postseason monkey off his back.
If there is a weakness on the Dodgers, it may be in the ninth inning. Kenley Jansen is not the closer he once was, but Los Angeles has plenty of bullpen depth. In fact, it is almost impossible to find a weakness anywhere – they have excellent depth throughout their roster and a deep farm system. The Dodgers are not going anywhere for a long time.
Previewing the NL Central. dark. Next
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the NL West for eight consecutive years. Expect that to continue this year as well.