NL West Analysis: Team Movements and Needs
The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured a four-year, $240 million deal with Kyle Tucker. The gap between the Dodgers and their competitors in MLB widens, especially in the National League West, where they have dominated in recent years.
While some teams like the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres adjust their budgets, and the Colorado Rockies are in a rebuilding phase, the Dodgers operate without restrictions in their pursuit of more championships. Below, an analysis of each team’s activity in the offseason, along with an urgency ranking.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Key Additions:
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- RHP Merrill Kelly
- RHP Michael Soroka
Achievements: The D-backs acquired Arenado, covering a need at third base. They also reinforced their pitching staff with Kelly and Soroka.
Needs: Although Arenado is a valuable addition, the team needs to strengthen its bullpen. With two of their key relievers out of action, reinforcements are needed. The team needs to improve the bullpen, as last year they recorded 29 blown saves and a high ERA.
Urgency Rating: 3
Colorado Rockies
Key Additions:
- OF Jake McCarthy
- RHP Michael Lorenzen
Achievements: The Rockies are in a new phase, focusing on internal evaluations and seeking veteran starting pitchers and outfielders with good range. Lorenzen and McCarthy meet these requirements.
Needs: They need more starting pitchers and an experienced position player to complement the young talents. The difficulty lies in attracting proven pitchers to the altitude of Colorado.
Urgency Rating: 3
Los Angeles Dodgers
Key Additions:
- RHP Edwin Díaz
- INF Andy Ibáñez
- INF Miguel Rojas
Achievements: They solved their main need by hiring Díaz, one of the most outstanding closers. Ibáñez and Rojas provide depth in the infield.
Needs: They are looking for more depth in the bullpen and an additional hitter, preferably left-handed. They are interested in Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.
Urgency Rating: 2
San Diego Padres
Key Additions:
- RHP Michael King
- INF Sung-Mun Song
Achievements: They reinforced their rotation with King and added versatility with Song.
Needs: They need more depth in the rotation and an additional hitter, especially at first base. The financial situation is a challenge, with budget limitations.
Urgency Rating: 3
San Francisco Giants
Key Additions:
- RHP Tyler Mahle
- RHP Adrian Houser
Achievements: They focused on strengthening their rotation with Mahle and Houser, and added new relievers.
Needs: They are looking for a second baseman to improve the team’s performance. They must maximize their potential, given that Adames, Devers, and Chapman are at their peak.
Urgency Rating: 4
