The NL West is entering 2026 as the center of the baseball universe. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are chasing an unprecedented “three-peat,” the rest of the division has undergone a massive facelift to try and close the gap. From blockbuster “salary dump” trades to the rise of new executive regimes, the West is wilder than ever.
Here is your 2026 Spring Training Preview for the NL West.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The “Three-Peat” Pursuit
The back-to-back champions aren’t just a team; they are a gauntlet. The big story in Camelback Ranch is the return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound, completing a two-year journey back from his second major elbow surgery.
-
Key Additions: Hyeseong Kim (INF – via posting), Luke Weaver (RP), Alex Call (OF).
-
Key Losses: Clayton Kershaw (Retired – though he’ll pitch for Team USA in the WBC), Walker Buehler (FA), Joe Kelly (Retired).
-
Spring Storyline: The “Six-Man” Health Check. With Ohtani returning to pitch and Roki Sasaki looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2025, the Dodgers will likely utilize a six-man rotation. Watching how Dave Roberts manages the workloads of Ohtani, Yamamoto, Snell, and Sasaki during the spring will be a masterclass in sports science.
Arizona Diamondbacks: The Desert Homecoming
In the shocker of the winter, Arizona capitalized on the Cardinals’ “Reset” by bringing Nolan Arenado back to the West. While he’s no longer in his 30-homer prime, his glove remains elite, providing a massive boost to a young infield.
-
Key Additions: Nolan Arenado (3B – via trade), Yusei Kikuchi (SP), A.J. Minter (RP).
-
Key Losses: Zac Gallen (Free Agency – signed with Texas), Christian Walker (FA), Paul Sewald.
-
Spring Storyline: Life After Gallen. With the “Milkman” gone and Corbin Burnes expected to miss most of 2026 recovering from surgery, the D-backs need Brandon Pfaadt to officially step into the Ace role. Also, watch Arenado’s transition; he’s already declared he’s playing for Puerto Rico in the upcoming WBC to honor his roots.
San Diego Padres: The “Velocity” Vault
A.J. Preller remains the most aggressive GM in the game. After losing some rotation depth, he pivoted to building the “Fastest Bullpen in History,” headlined by the acquisition of the league’s most feared closer.
-
Key Additions: Mason Miller (CL – via trade), Nick Pivetta (SP), Freddy Fermin (C), Sung Mun Song (UTL).
-
Key Losses: Dylan Cease (Blue Jays), Robert Suarez (FA), Ha-Seong Kim (Braves).
-
Spring Storyline: The Catcher Revolution. After years of offensive black holes behind the plate, Freddy Fermin enters camp as the primary backstop. If his .850+ OPS from late last season holds up, the Padres’ lineup—led by a healthy Fernando Tatis Jr.—is terrifying.
San Francisco Giants: The “Even Year” Magic?
Under Buster Posey’s first full year as President of Baseball Ops, the Giants have pivoted toward “Star Power and Stability.” The mid-2025 acquisition of Rafael Devers has finally given the Bay Area the superstar cornerstone they’ve craved since Posey retired.
-
Key Additions: Willy Adames (SS), Adrian Houser (SP), Tyler Mahle (SP), Josuar Gonzalez (RHP).
-
Key Losses: Mike Yastrzemski (Braves), Blake Snell (left for Dodgers last year), Camilo Doval (Traded).
-
Spring Storyline: The Bryce Eldridge Ascension. The “Giants’ Ohtani” (a massive two-way prospect) is the talk of Scottsdale. Posey has hinted that Eldridge could break camp as the starting first baseman, providing protection for Devers and Matt Chapman in a much-improved lineup.
Colorado Rockies: The “DePodesta” Era
The Rockies officially entered a new age this winter, hiring Paul DePodesta to run the front office. The focus has shifted entirely to “Process and Youth,” as Colorado fields the youngest active roster in MLB.
-
Key Additions: Michael Lorenzen (SP), Thairo Estrada (2B – re-signed), Kyle Farmer (UTL).
-
Key Losses: Ryan McMahon (Traded to Yankees), Germán Márquez (FA).
-
Spring Storyline: Hunter Goodman’s Encore. After a breakout All-Star season, Goodman is the face of the franchise. The main watch in camp is Charlie Condon (the 2024 #1 overall pick); if he can handle MLB pitching this spring, he’ll join Ezequiel Tovar to form the most talented young left side of the infield Colorado has ever seen.
NL West Projected Standings (Early Vegas Odds)
-
Los Angeles Dodgers (-180)
-
Arizona Diamondbacks (+380)
-
San Diego Padres (+450)
-
San Francisco Giants (+550)
-
Colorado Rockies (+5000)
