With spring coaching open, let’s gaze into the crystal ball within the NL West. Here’s a prediction for each workforce within the division:
Diamondbacks | A better (or two) will come from inside
GM Mike Hazen is not shy about discussing his need so as to add a more in-depth by way of free company or commerce this offseason. Nevertheless, all of the potential closers on Arizona’s checklist have gone to different groups, leaving the Diamondbacks to contemplate inside choices with Paul Sewald (team-leading 16 saves final season) now with the Cleveland Guardians.
In all, 10 gamers registered a save final season for Arizona, so the closer-by-committee tactic has already labored for supervisor Torey Lovullo. Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk loom as potential names if the Diamondbacks zero in on one individual as the primary nearer.
Colorado Rockies |Chase Dollander will push for an Opening Day spot on roster
The ninth general choose within the 2023 MLB Draft has generated loads of buzz, and it is anticipated that right-hander Dollander (if he stays wholesome) will make his MLB debut someday in 2025.
Nevertheless, might that debut come sooner than anticipated? Colorado’s rotation is seemingly already set, but when there’s a gap due to damage, Dollander might skip previous Triple-A and begin the season with the Rockies. That may give Colorado followers one thing to look at early in a season wherein Colorado is concentrated on youth and trying to keep away from its third consecutive 100-loss season.
Los Angeles Dodgers | Dave Roberts will signal a brand new contract
After main his workforce to a World Sequence title final 12 months, Roberts enters 2025 within the ultimate 12 months of a three-year contract. With a lot expertise on the roster and cash seemingly not a lot of an object for the Dodgers, why have any type of distraction looming over the workforce heading into the season opener in opposition to the Chicago Cubs in Japan on March 18?
Roberts has been a well-liked punching bag for Dodgers followers previously, however he confirmed his price to the franchise within the postseason. Signing Roberts will eradicate a storyline and present the workforce is dedicated to stability as a lot as star energy.
San Diego Padres | Connor Joe will achieve the sting in left subject
The Padres misplaced outfielder Jurickson Profar to the Atlanta Braves in free company, so left subject is a little bit of an enigma for San Diego. Joe and Jason Heyward are anticipated to kind a platoon in left for the Padres, however do not be shocked if Joe turns into the first left fielder this spring.
Heyward struggled final season with the Dodgers and Houston Astros, combining to slash .211/.288/.412, so expectations could also be low for him heading into spring. That leaves a gap for Joe, a most cancers survivor, to doubtlessly take over in Profar’s absence.
San Francisco Giants | Camilo Doval will lose the nearer job
Doval led the Nationwide League with 39 saves in 2023, however the 27-year-old right-hander struggled final season. He led the Giants with 23 saves, however his ERA skyrocketed from 2023’s 2.93 to 4.88.
Doval had simply three mixed saves in August and September final 12 months as Ryan Walker grabbed the nearer function, notching 10 saves throughout that very same interval. Take into account {that a} signal Doval’s time ending video games is closing, a pattern that can proceed in spring coaching as Walker cements himself because the go-to choice to shut.
