2021 MLB predictions: Previewing the NL West

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.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the NL West for eight consecutive years. Expect that to continue this year as well.