The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again the favorites to dominate the National League West, eyeing their fifth straight division title. Most preseason projections have them as the sole MLB team likely to hit the 100-win mark this season.
But the real intrigue lies in the battle for second place, where the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks are all in the mix. Each of these teams has the potential to outperform last year’s results, and with a bit of luck, they could all be in the hunt for a postseason spot.
For the Padres, staying in contention hinges on keeping their core players healthy throughout the season.
Preller's Playbook: The Padres' Secret Weapon
Despite a somewhat quiet offseason and questions swirling around their starting rotation’s durability, the Padres have a not-so-secret weapon: A.J. Preller.
The team’s President of Baseball Operations and General Manager is known for his aggressive moves at the trade deadline, often pinpointing roster weaknesses and making the necessary deals to address them. His knack for mid-season trades has often been the catalyst propelling the Friars toward playoff contention.
The Giants and D-Backs, on the other hand, face their own challenges. Both teams need to bolster their rosters, likely requiring trades involving top prospects to bring in impactful players. Such moves would signal their commitment to making a postseason push.
For the Padres, the focus isn’t on media perceptions but on creating separation from their division rivals. Building a lead early could set the tone for the season.
Navigating Challenges: Injuries and Depth Concerns
San Diego’s front office is keenly aware that regression isn’t an option this season. In response to media scrutiny, they reshaped the roster with a series of strategic free-agent signings, reigniting hope among fans that 2026 could be their year.
However, the Padres face an intriguing storyline as they integrate new players and manage the return of Joe Musgrove from Tommy John surgery. First-year manager Craig Stammen is taking a cautious approach with Musgrove, who is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. Stammen’s priority is Musgrove’s health, ensuring he’s fully fit before taking the mound in meaningful games.
Injuries could disrupt even the best-laid plans, and with potential changes in the starting rotation, the Padres’ lack of major league depth could become a concern. This scenario might provide an opening for the Giants and D-Backs to climb the standings if San Diego’s pitching falters.
The preseason buzz might not favor the Padres, but they see themselves as the main threat to the Dodgers’ dominance. While securing a playoff spot is the primary goal, dethroning the reigning champs would give the Friars the momentum they need for a strong postseason run.