Friday proved to be a pivotal day in the National League West as two teams made significant roster moves. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed slugger Teoscar Hernández to a substantial three-year deal worth $66 million. This decision has been widely viewed as a promising fit for both the team and the player, reinforcing the Dodgers’ competitive lineup as they look to defend their World Series title.
Shortly thereafter, the Arizona Diamondbacks made headlines in the early hours of Saturday by securing the top free agent pitcher of the offseason, Corbin Burnes, with a six-year contract worth $210 million. This deal, which includes an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, aligns well with Burnes’ personal preferences since he resides in Arizona and recently welcomed twins with his wife. The Diamondbacks, eager to rebound from narrowly missing the postseason last year, view this acquisition as a crucial step in enhancing their roster.
As we examine the NL West landscape, it’s clear that excitement is brewing among the five teams about halfway through the offseason. Here’s a breakdown of where each team stands.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made key additions, including Hernández and pitchers Blake Snell and Michael Conforto, while retaining several players. Their pitching rotation appears stronger with Snell joining formidable arms like Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani. However, there’s still work to do, notably in signing Japanese prospect Roki Sasaki and possibly re-signing Clayton Kershaw.
In contrast, the San Diego Padres enter this offseason with minimal additions, losing several noteworthy players without acquiring new talent. While their past season showed great potential, their quiet approach thus far raises concerns. The team requires a left fielder, a catcher, and additional bats while monitoring Sasaki’s situation closely.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have indeed improved, particularly with Burnes in their rotation, although they face challenges with the departures of Josh Bell and Christian Walker. The priority now lies in trading Jordan Montgomery while potentially adding a veteran reliever.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants have added Willy Adames but missed out on significant talent like Burnes. They might need to bolster their rotation and are looking to develop their younger talent to create a more competitive squad.
Lastly, the Colorado Rockies face a challenging road ahead after back-to-back 100-loss seasons. The club seeks to add arms as they look to rebuild, although hopes for immediate contention are low.
Overall, the NL West is positioning itself as a formidable division moving into 2025, showcasing a mix of strategic moves aimed at both bolstering immediate playoff aspirations and building for the future. With teams like the Dodgers and Diamondbacks making strong moves to enhance their rosters, the upcoming season holds the potential for thrilling competition.
As the offseason progresses, fans can remain optimistic about the possibility of their teams making impactful moves that could shift the competitive balance in the division. Each team’s decisions will play a critical role in shaping their paths for success in the coming season.