Top NL Teams That Could Dethrone the Dodgers in 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers have set the standard in the National League for years. As 2026 approaches, though, a handful of contenders are circling with real hopes of knocking them off.

Big spenders in the East, pitching-heavy squads in the Midwest, and unpredictable wild cards out West all want a shot. The road to October feels anything but settled. So, which teams actually have a chance?

The Dodgers Are Still the Benchmark

Let’s be honest—the Dodgers remain the team to beat. Their deep roster, strong development pipeline, and financial muscle keep them at the top of most projections.

Still, recent postseason stumbles show that regular season dominance doesn’t guarantee October glory. Even the best can trip up in a short series, as 2025 reminded everyone. That’s the opening for the rest of the league.

The Mets Lead the Pack of Challengers

Right now, the New York Mets look like the top threat on paper. They attacked the offseason, filling gaps in defense and starting pitching that haunted them before.

Talent-Rich, but Not Without Risk

Adding Freddy Peralta and banking on Nolan McLean’s growth gives the Mets a rotation with serious upside. There’s swing-and-miss potential here, but also some durability and chemistry questions that just won’t go away.

On pure talent, they can hang with the Dodgers. But October is about more than just the numbers, isn’t it?

Braves Poised for a Bounce-Back Year

The Atlanta Braves look like a classic rebound story. Injuries wrecked their last run, but the core of a powerhouse is still there.

Health Is the Key Variable

If things finally break their way—and that’s a big if—Atlanta could reclaim its spot as the NL’s most complete club. Here’s what needs to happen:

The bullpen looks better too, which makes Atlanta a lot more dangerous than people might think.

Phillies, Cubs, and Brewers: Different Paths, Same Goal

Three more teams are lurking just below the top tier. Each has strengths that could play in October, but also some flaws that might hold them back.

Phillies: Elite Talent, Aging Clock

The Philadelphia Phillies have plenty of star power, but there are real questions. Can Zack Wheeler stay healthy? When will Andrew Painter actually arrive? Their core isn’t getting any younger, so consistency is a worry. Their margin for error feels razor-thin.

Cubs: Stable and Waiting to Strike

The Chicago Cubs look like a steady 92-win team with room to spend. They didn’t land a superstar like Mike Trout, but they’re in a great spot to make a big move if the right opportunity pops up midseason.

Brewers: Pitching Can Carry You Far

The Milwaukee Brewers showed in 2025 that top-tier pitching can keep up with anyone, even the Dodgers. What they’re missing is real power in the lineup. If they add a big bat, things could get interesting fast.

NL West Wild Cards and October Chaos

Behind the Dodgers, the Padres, Diamondbacks, and Giants don’t stack up in the projections. But in October, weird things happen, and these teams have the kind of punch that could cause chaos.

Short Series Favor the Hot Hand

The Padres’ pitching depth faces some real tests. The Giants hope a full season of Rafael Devers and prospect Bryce Eldridge sparks a leap.

The Diamondbacks hinge on a Corbin Burnes return and, honestly, just better execution. In October, any of those teams could catch fire if things break right.

The Mets, Braves, Phillies, Cubs, and Brewers look like the most credible threats. Still, October volatility remains the great equalizer.

A lower-seeded wild card—or even a resurgent Pirates club—might shock the baseball world. The Dodgers may still sit on the throne, but those challengers feel closer than ever.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Can any NL team dethrone the Dodgers? Sure! Here are the possibilities