Dodgers’ Grip on the NL West Tightens After Another Offseason Power Move
There was a time-not that long ago-when the National League West felt like a powder keg ready to explode. The Diamondbacks were spending like contenders, the Giants were collecting talent, and the Padres were swinging for the fences at the deadline. But after back-to-back World Series titles for the Dodgers, and three in the last six seasons, it’s starting to feel like the rest of the division is waving the white flag.
The Dodgers didn’t cruise through 2025 without a few bumps in the road. There were stretches where the bullpen looked shaky, and the offense hit some cold spells. But when the lights were brightest, Los Angeles did what championship teams do-they locked in, leaned on their stars, and found another gear.
And now, with the offseason barely underway, they’ve already made a move that could widen the gap even further.
Dodgers Reload, Rest of the West Reeling
At the GM Meetings, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes gave off the impression that this winter might be a quiet one. He downplayed the team’s needs, especially in the bullpen-a unit that, at times, looked like it could derail a title run. It felt like misdirection at the time, and sure enough, it was.
The Dodgers didn’t just address the bullpen-they landed one of the most electric closers in baseball, swiping Edwin Díaz from the Mets. That’s a massive addition, not just in terms of talent but in terms of message.
The Dodgers aren’t resting on their rings. They’re coming for more.
And if you’re in Arizona, San Diego, or San Francisco, that move alone might be enough to make you rethink your approach to 2026.
Diamondbacks: From Contenders to Question Marks
Arizona went big last offseason, headlined by the acquisition of Corbin Burnes, but the outlook has changed dramatically. Burnes is now out for the year following Tommy John surgery, and Ketel Marte’s future with the team is suddenly in doubt. Reports suggest the D-backs entered the Winter Meetings expecting to keep him, but left believing a trade might be inevitable.
They did re-sign Merrill Kelly to a two-year, $40 million deal, which helps stabilize the rotation, but it’s hard to see that as a needle-mover in a division where the Dodgers keep stacking elite arms and bats.
Padres: All-In, Now All-Out?
The Padres went all-in at the deadline, but the return hasn’t matched the investment. Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez are already gone, and Michael King could be next.
The farm system is depleted, and behind the scenes, ownership is dealing with financial issues and internal power struggles. There’s even talk of a potential sale.
Trade rumors continue to swirl around the Padres, with names like Nick Pivetta, Mason Miller, Jeremiah Estrada, and Adrian Morejon being floated in talks with the Mets. But those feel more like reshuffling the deck than a true retooling. Right now, it’s hard to see a clear path forward for San Diego.
Giants: Spending Big, Still Coming Up Short
The Giants are a bit of a mystery. They’ve been aggressive in adding talent-Willy Adames, Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Logan Webb-but despite the payroll, they’re still a few tiers below the Dodgers in terms of overall roster strength.
There are rumors they’re in the mix for more big names, but there’s also word that they won’t be shopping at the top of the market. That raises a key question: how much more are they willing to spend to truly challenge LA? Because right now, they look like a team stuck in the middle-too good to rebuild, but not quite good enough to contend with the reigning champs.
A Division Tilting in One Direction
The Rockies, for their part, continue to be in their own world, far from contention and seemingly content to stay there. That leaves the Dodgers with a division that, at least for now, doesn’t appear ready to push back.
That doesn’t mean LA can coast. Championship windows don’t stay open forever, and injuries or regression can always creep in. But with Díaz now anchoring the bullpen, and a core that’s already proven it can win under pressure, the Dodgers are positioned to put real distance between themselves and their division rivals.
If the rest of the NL West is hoping to catch up, they’ve got some serious work to do. Because right now, the Dodgers aren’t just winning-they’re making it look routine.