As the 2024 MLB season charges into its final stretch, the National League West has emerged as a hotspot for top-tier competition. The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks have all shown their mettle since the All-Star break, making them serious contenders not only for the division crown but for deep postseason runs. Each team has its strengths, making them dangerous in different ways as October looms.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Depth and Power
Record Before the All-Star Break: 56-41 (.577)
Record Since the Break: 28-14 (.667)
Despite injuries to key players like Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers have not only survived but thrived. This is largely due to their remarkable depth. Key contributors such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy have remained resilient, keeping the offense potent. Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable performance has also been a cornerstone of their success.
Why They’re Dangerous: The Dodgers’ offensive lineup is as powerful as ever. Betts, Freeman, and Muncy form a daunting middle of the order, while rookie sensation Gavin Stone and bullpen arm Michael Kopech have provided much-needed reinforcement. Their bullpen, boasting a 2.81 ERA in August, is one of the most reliable in the league. With arms like Brusdar Graterol expected to return, the Dodgers are well-equipped to handle the rigors of postseason pitching.
Why They’re Vulnerable: Starting pitching remains a significant concern. While the offense is formidable, uncertainty clouds their rotation. Injuries to Kershaw, Buehler, and Yamamoto mean the Dodgers could face serious challenges in October. One scout emphasized, “They’re going to live and die with their starting pitching.” The rotation’s ability to stay healthy and effective will be key to their postseason success.
San Diego Padres: A Well-Oiled Offensive Machine
Record Before the All-Star Break: 50-49 (.505)
Record Since the Break: 29-12 (.707)
The Padres have surged in the second half, largely thanks to the resurgence of Manny Machado, who has posted an .885 OPS since June. San Diego’s offense is no longer reliant solely on Machado, however. Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arraez, Xander Bogaerts, and young standout Jackson Merrill have formed a dynamic and balanced lineup. The Padres are also the best contact-hitting team in baseball, a trait that positions them well for close playoff games.
Why They’re Dangerous: This year’s Padres team is more clutch than in previous seasons, winning extra-inning games and thriving in high-leverage situations. Their offense is balanced, with contributions from both stars and role players. The recent return of Tatis Jr. after a 59-game absence only adds to their offensive firepower. Furthermore, the Padres’ bullpen, bolstered by trade acquisitions like Jason Adam and Tanner Scott, is one of the strongest in the league.
Why They’re Vulnerable: Like the Dodgers, the Padres’ rotation faces some uncertainties. Joe Musgrove has performed well since returning from injury but has missed significant time this season. Yu Darvish also returns after a lengthy absence, and there are concerns about Michael King and Dylan Cease as they approach career-high innings totals. If these pitchers can stay healthy, the Padres could make a deep postseason run. If not, their bullpen may carry an outsized load.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Rising Stars and Pitching Depth
Record Before the All-Star Break: 49-48 (.505)
Record Since the Break: 29-13 (.690)
The Diamondbacks have quietly put together the highest OPS in baseball since the All-Star break, despite significant injuries. Christian Walker, Gabriel Moreno, and Ketel Marte have all missed time, but Arizona’s depth has shone through. Players like Joc Pederson, Josh Bell, and Jake McCarthy have stepped up, while Corbin Carroll has regained his elite form, posting an OPS nearly .400 points higher in the second half.
Why They’re Dangerous: Arizona boasts a deep, versatile lineup that has been a revelation in the second half. Their rotation, led by Zac Gallen, also features promising young arms like Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson, giving them a wealth of options for October. The D-backs’ ability to score runs and handle pitching injuries makes them a tough out in the playoffs.
Why They’re Vulnerable: Bullpen concerns loom large. Though Paul Sewald was once a reliable closer, his 7.78 ERA in July and August has demoted him to low-leverage situations. Arizona will rely on Justin Martinez, a young flamethrower with control issues, to close out games. If he struggles, the bullpen could be a significant weakness in tight playoff games.
Conclusion
As the regular season nears its end, the Dodgers, Padres, and Diamondbacks have each proven why they’re dangerous threats heading into October. While all three teams have unique strengths—be it the Dodgers’ depth, the Padres’ clutch hitting, or the D-backs’ rising stars—they all share vulnerabilities in their pitching rotations. How well they manage these challenges will determine who comes out on top in the NL West and makes a deep playoff run. One thing is for sure: the road to the World Series in the National League runs through the West.
