MLB Offseason Update: NL West Teams’ Moves and Urgency Ratings
The National League West division has been dominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in recent years, with the team winning 12 of the past 13 division titles. However, other teams in the division are looking to close the gap, and this offseason has seen some significant moves. In this article, we’ll take a look at the key additions and subtractions for each team in the NL West, as well as their urgency ratings heading into the 2026 season.
The Dodgers, who signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal, are once again operating with no limitations in their quest for a World Series three-peat. Their luxury tax payments alone totaled close to $170 million last season, more than the combined total of the second- and third-place New York Mets and New York Yankees. The gap between the Dodgers and other teams in the division is stark, and it will be interesting to see how the other teams respond.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Key additions: 3B Nolan Arenado, RHP Merrill Kelly, RHP Michael Soroka
The Diamondbacks made a stunning swap for Arenado, who fills a hole at third base. They also filled a starting-pitching void by bringing back Kelly and taking a chance on Soroka. However, the team still needs to address its bullpen, which blew 29 saves last season, tied for the second most in the majors. The Diamondbacks agreed to a minor league deal with Jonathan Loáisiga, but they could stand to add more.
Urgency Rating: 3
Colorado Rockies
Key additions: OF Jake McCarthy, RHP Michael Lorenzen
The Rockies are in the early stages of their next phase, led by new head of baseball operations Paul DePodesta. They want veteran starting pitchers who can eat innings and rangy outfielders who can cover a lot of ground in Coors Field’s expansive outfield. Lorenzen and McCarthy check those boxes, respectively. However, the Rockies still need to sign one more veteran arm and add a veteran utility player to supplement their position-player group.
Urgency Rating: 3
Los Angeles Dodgers
Key additions: RHP Edwin Díaz, INF Andy Ibáñez, INF Miguel Rojas
The Dodgers filled their biggest hole heading into the offseason by landing Díaz, one of the game’s most decorated closers. They also provided themselves with infield depth behind Tommy Edman, who’s coming off ankle surgery. However, the Dodgers will probably seek more bullpen depth and are expected to bring back Enrique Hernández, who is coming off elbow surgery. They also seek another bat, preferably a big one, and are ready to pounce if a short-term deal with a high average annual value becomes alluring.
Urgency Rating: 2
San Diego Padres
Key additions: RHP Michael King, INF Sung-Mun Song
The Padres addressed their rotation by bringing back King, and Song provides versatility and depth. However, the team still needs to add more to their rotation, particularly with Yu Darvish set to spend all of 2026 recovering from elbow surgery and Dylan Cease now in Toronto. The Padres also need at least one other bat, particularly at first base, but money is tight, and the team’s tax payroll for 2026 is already near the luxury tax threshold.
Urgency Rating: 3
San Francisco Giants
Key additions: RHP Tyler Mahle, RHP Adrian Houser
The Giants have had a conservative offseason, but they believe they’ve addressed their rotation depth with Mahle and Houser. However, the team still needs to upgrade at second base, where they received a mere.616 OPS last season. They’re also looking to maximize their window with Willy Adames, Rafael Devers, and Matt Chapman in their primes.
Urgency Rating: 4
Conclusion
The NL West division is shaping up to be an interesting one in 2026, with the Dodgers once again looking like the team to beat. However, other teams in the division are making moves to close the gap, and it will be exciting to see how the season plays out. With spring training just around the corner, teams are looking to finalize their rosters and make any last-minute adjustments before the season begins.
