The NL West heads into 2026 with the division’s familiar mix of star power, spending disparities, and high expectations. One franchise continues to operate as baseball’s financial and competitive benchmark, while several challengers believe the gap has narrowed. Whether that belief holds will define the shape of the race.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers remain the division’s standard entering 2026, built on depth, development, and a willingness to adapt. Los Angeles continues to blend elite talent with organizational flexibility, allowing it to absorb injuries and turnover better than most clubs. The challenge is no longer winning the division, but translating regular-season dominance into postseason payoff. Until proven otherwise, the Dodgers remain the team everyone is chasing.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona enters 2026 as one of the division’s most intriguing teams. The Diamondbacks have leaned into youth, athleticism, and versatility, producing a roster capable of sustaining pressure over a long season. Continued development of their young core will determine whether Arizona can consistently challenge the Dodgers rather than disrupt them. The foundation suggests the window remains open.
San Diego Padres
The Padres approach 2026 with urgency. San Diego’s roster construction has emphasized star power, but maintaining balance and depth remains a constant challenge. When healthy and aligned, the Padres can compete with anyone in the division. The question is whether consistency and durability can finally match the ambition. How San Diego navigates the season may determine whether it reasserts itself as a true contender or settles into the middle of the pack.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants continue to search for traction as they prepare for 2026. San Francisco has prioritized flexibility and short-term solutions in recent seasons, producing mixed results. The focus now is on turning those moves into sustainable progress. Improved run production and pitching stability will be central if the Giants are to rejoin the division’s top tier and avoid being overshadowed in a competitive market.
Colorado Rockies
Colorado enters 2026 still working through a long-term rebuild. The Rockies are focused on player development and internal growth, particularly as they attempt to create a more reliable pitching pipeline in a challenging environment. Wins may be hard to come by, but identifying foundational pieces remains the priority. Progress will be measured incrementally rather than in the standings.
With a dominant favorite and multiple teams pushing for relevance, the NL West again projects to be a division defined by expectations and endurance. How well contenders manage pressure — both internal and external — may ultimately decide who is still standing in October.
