With spring coaching open, let’s gaze into the crystal ball within the NL West. Here’s a prediction for each crew within the division:
Arizona Diamondbacks | A more in-depth (or two) will come from inside
GM Mike Hazen is not shy about discussing his desire to add a closer by means of free company or commerce this offseason. Nonetheless, all of the potential closers on Arizona’s record 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 principle nearer.
Colorado Rockies | Chase Dollander will push for an Opening Day spot on roster
The ninth total 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.
Nonetheless, 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 will give Colorado followers one thing to look at early in a season through which Colorado is targeted on youth and seeking to keep away from its third consecutive 100-loss season.
Los Angeles Dodgers | Dave Roberts will signal a brand new contract
After main his crew to a World Collection title final yr, Roberts enters 2025 within the last yr 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 form of distraction looming over the crew heading into the season opener in opposition to the Chicago Cubs in Japan on March 18?
Roberts has been a preferred punching bag for Dodgers followers up to now, however he showed his worth to the franchise in the postseason. Signing Roberts will remove a storyline and present the crew is dedicated to stability as a lot as star energy.
San Diego Padres | Connor Joe will acquire 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 stunned 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 cancer 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 yr as Ryan Walker grabbed the nearer position, notching 10 saves throughout that very same interval. Contemplate {that a} signal Doval’s time ending video games is closing, a pattern that may proceed in spring coaching as Walker cements himself because the go-to possibility to shut.
