The NL West has always been a division defined by ambition. This offseason, though, the gap between haves and have-nots feels wider than ever.
The Dodgers threw their financial weight around. Meanwhile, rebuilding clubs are still chasing some kind of stability.
Let’s dig into how the Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Diamondbacks, and Rockies each tackled the winter—and what’s still in their way.
Dodgers Set the Standard, Again
No team flexes financial muscle quite like Los Angeles. The Dodgers are staring at nearly $170 million in luxury tax payments, which is just wild.
They beefed up the bullpen with elite closer Edwin DÃaz. They also added infield depth with Andy Ibáñez and Miguel Rojas.
Even with a stacked roster, the front office isn’t done yet.
What the Dodgers Still Want
On their wish list:
Honestly, it’d be a shock if they don’t fill both needs before Opening Day.
Padres Balancing Talent and Turmoil
San Diego’s offseason has been all about careful moves, not big splashes. The Padres brought back Michael King and picked up Sung-Mun Song.
They shored up the rotation with Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove. Still, money questions hang over everything.
Ownership uncertainty and a creeping luxury tax have tied A.J. Preller’s hands more than usual.
Key Concerns in San Diego
The Padres still have some glaring holes:
Giants Playing It Safe — Maybe Too Safe
The Giants played it conservative, signing starters Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. They filled the bullpen with bargain arms.
On paper, the staff looks solid enough, but it doesn’t exactly scare anyone. That’s odd, considering their lineup window with Willy Adames, Rafael Devers, and Matt Chapman feels pretty open right now.
A Missing Piece in San Francisco
If they want to make the most of this core, the Giants still need:
Diamondbacks Swing Big, Still Leak Late
Arizona stunned everyone by trading for Nolan Arenado. They also brought back Merrill Kelly and picked up Michael Soroka, giving the rotation some much-needed stability.
The bullpen, though, is still a mess.
Arizona’s Urgent Bullpen Crisis
Last year’s numbers were ugly:
They signed Jonathan Loáisiga to a minor-league deal, but let’s be honest, that’s not nearly enough. With key relievers still rehabbing, the urgency is real in Arizona.
Rockies Seeking Respectability
Colorado, now under Paul DePodesta, leaned into veteran stability and defense. Adding Michael Lorenzen and Jake McCarthy shows they want to stop the bleeding.
That’s no small task after finishing with an MLB-worst 6.65 rotation ERA.
What Colorado Still Needs
If the Rockies want to make any real progress, they have to add:
NL West Urgency Levels Rising
Urgency in the division? It’s all over the map, honestly. The Dodgers look ready to steamroll everyone, no surprises there.
The Giants and Diamondbacks feel stuck in a weird in-between spot. They know they can’t just drift along and hope for the best.
In the NL West, standing still is basically asking to get left behind. This winter really hammered that point home.
Here is the source article for this story: The Dodgers … and everybody else? State of NL West with moves left to make
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