With MLB Opening Day, thankfully, only 4 days from now, it's time to officially wrap up my predictions by division for 2019. No more waiting for Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel to sign contracts; it's time to complete my projections by focusing on one last division race; the NL West.
This division, more so than almost any other, has seen a ton of changes over the course of the offseason. Blockbuster trades, free agent departures, and extensions have affected the NL West as a whole as well as almost every team.
One of the biggest changes from 2018 to 2019 is that the Arizona Diamondbacks are no longer a major threat. After trading away superstar Paul Goldschmidt and letting Patrick Corbin walk in free agency, Arizona is entering a full rebuild. Thus, I fully expect the Diamondbacks to finish at the bottom of the division along with the San Francisco Giants.
Taking the Diamondbacks' place as a legitimate threat in the NL West is the San Diego Padres who signed Manny Machado to a 10-year $300 million dollar deal. They also have one of the best farm systems in the game along with a few key young players already in the major leagues.
The Rockies made an incredibly smart move this offseason when they signed 6-time Gold Glove award winner, Nolan Arenado, to an 8-year $260 million dollar extension. One of the most consistent hitters in the game, he's taken home a Gold Glove award every year since 2013.
Though they lost out on resigning Adam Ottovino, expect Colorado to be in Wild Card contention once again in 2019. However, I fully believe that the Dodgers perform at a higher level than the rest of their NL West rivals.
If I had flipped the Rockies and Diamondbacks in my 2018 NL West predictions, they would've been completely correct. This year's division race will definitely differ from 2018, but I have confidence in my projected champions of the NL West.
1st Place; Los Angeles Dodgers
Although the Dodgers have had noticeable success over the past few seasons, their 2017 and 2018 World Series losses continue to haunt players and fans alike. With that being said, their 6 straight division titles is a pretty impressive feat, and I fully expect Los Angeles to continue this streak in 2019.
After missing most of 2018 due to injury, star shortstop Corey Seager is back and fully healthy for the 2019 season. Along with fellow young standouts like Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy, the Dodgers have one of the most formidable offenses in all of Baseball, even if their trading of Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig is somewhat baffling.
In addition to a stellar offense, the one-two punch in their rotation, Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, is going to be a hitter's nightmare for years to come. With Kenley Jansen being one of the best closers in Baseball, I have no doubts that this well-rounded Dodgers team will take home the NL West title for the 7th straight year.
2nd Place; Colorado Rockies
It was pretty shocking to see the Rockies finish with the same record as the Dodgers in 2018, for I don't believe their team is as talented as the Dodgers. Regardless, they've come together and put up impressive performances for years now, and I expect nothing to change in 2019.
With both Nolan Arendao and Charlie Blackmon locked-up on long-term extensions, the Rockies will have their 2 prized hitters for many more seasons. Ian Desmond may have disappointed in 2018, but his 22 home runs in 2018 helped the Rockies reach the #8 mark in Baseball for dingers last season.
Their main issue remains their lack of pitching, and they're definitely going to miss Adam Ottovino this season. However, if Jon Gray can emerge as an ace for Colorado, they'll have no trouble maintaining the 2nd place spot in the NL West.
3rd Place; San Diego Padres
It surprises me that the Padres have one of the lowest payrolls in Baseball given what they're paying Wil Myers, Eric Hosmer, and now, Manny Machado. Even if those 3 stars perform to the best of their abilities, I don't foresee San Diego finishing higher than 3rd place in the NL West.
Myers has struggled with batting average for years now, and Eric Hosmer had a significant drop in performance during his first season in San Diego. As for Machado, he may have proven to be a consistent hitter, but his attitude combined with the length of his contract is a recipe for disaster.
San Diego's highly-regarded farm system will be put to the test this season and most definitely in 2019. With Julio Urias set to make his debut, the Padres' window for success is expected to open in 2018. Only time will tell if they actually take advantage of that or not.
4th Place; San Francisco Giants
After winning the World Series for the 3rd time in 5 seasons back in 2014, the Giants have been on the decline. Even if Buster Posey is shaping up to be a Future Hall of Famer, star pitcher Madison Bumgarner is expected to be traded soon. Once that happens, they'll be entering a complete rebuild mode.
It still baffles me why San Francisco felt the need to trade young prospect Christian Arroyo for an aging Evan Longoria or why they traded for Andrew McCutchen knowing he was in a contract season last year. Now, their farm system isn't very strong, and all they have to show for these 2 trades is a 4th place finish in 2018.
This year's Giants team is going to have a ton of aging veterans but not many young players that'll help San Francisco in the future. They may not be the worst team in the NL West, but they don't have the foundation to return to their winning ways for a long time.
5th Place; Arizona Diamondbacks
By trading superstar Paul Goldschmidt for a cluster of prospects and young players, the Diamondbacks proved that they're no longer interested in contending. 5th place may be a harsh placement considering that they were 3rd in 2018, but this team is going to fall apart this year.
Not only are Goldschmidt and Corbin gone, but Arizona is stuck over-paying Zack Greinke for another 3 years. Like San Francisco, the Diamondbacks don't have the farm system necessary to bounce back in another few years. This rebuild is destined to continue for a long time.
Without their franchise player, or any franchise player, come to think of it, the Diamondbacks are bound to struggle in 2019. Barring a miraculous performance, they'll be stuck at the bottom of the NL West for years to come.
First time in years I'm actually excited about Padres baseball. Crossing my fingers that at least a few of their top prospects pan out.
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