2021 MLB predictions: Previewing the NL West
By David Hill
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.