Can Anybody Knock Off Dodgers As Opening Day Nears
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been atop the baseball world for two straight seasons, but some National League teams are primed for their shot at glory.
With the new Major League Baseball season on the horizon, who has the best chances to take down the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League? The Dodgers got even better from last season, adding Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker to their super team. While the back-to-back reigning champions look to defend their crown, the rest of the National League look to conquer the mountain and bring in a new elite power in MLB.
Padres Still Chasing the Dodgers in the NL West
The San Diego Padres have been trying to complete this task not only in the postseason but also in the regular season, finishing second in the National League West four of the past six seasons. In those four second-place finishes, they have lost in the postseason to the Dodgers twice.
Manny Machado is still one of the best, if not the best, third basemen in baseball, and Fernando Tatis Jr. is a prolific offensive threat and a two-time Platinum Glove winner. Still, they did subtract a couple of key pieces over the winter. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease left for the Toronto Blue Jays, Robert Suarez took his lockdown arsenal to the Atlanta Braves, and Luis Arraez is hanging around in California with the San Francisco Giants.
The Padres did not find a big splash this winter but added some minor pieces to their roster, and with Jackson Merrill continuing to come into his own, they look to be on the Dodgers' tail once again this season.
Braves Have the Talent but Must Stay Healthy
Another team that is looking to bring down the mighty Dodgers has won the World Series in the last five years, and is the last National League team to bring it home besides the Dodgers, the Braves.
With a lineup consisting of Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Ronald Acuna Jr., the Braves should consistently be in the conversation to defeat the Dodgers, but their issue lies in the training room and not on the field. When healthy, the Braves' lineup is one of the best in the league; the issue is staying healthy.
Acuna has missed parts of the last two seasons due to injury, and in his most recent fully healthy season, he was named the National League Most Valuable Player. That season was 2023, two years after his first ACL tear, and once again, Acuna is heading into the season fully healthy, two years removed from his latest ACL tear. Acuna is one of the league's biggest stars, and when he is on the field, the level of play for the Braves is elevated to a new level.
Much like Acuna, the Braves' pitching staff has been hindered by injuries in the past couple of seasons. If they can survive the marathon that is the 162-game season, they can be dangerous in October and even the team right behind the Dodgers in World Series odds for the National League.
Injuries are the main concern with the Braves; it's not the players on the field, it's all about who can be on the field, and the Braves will be down eight players on the injured list to begin the campaign. Getting players healthy and keeping them that way could push the Braves back to the Fall Classic.
Baseball season means one thing: you’ve got at least three weddings coming.
Before you panic-buy an overpriced suit you’ll wear once, check out JJ’s House. They’ve got affordable men’s formalwear, tailored options, and color choices that actually match the bridal party (so you don’t look like you showed up to the wrong team).
Look sharp. Spend smart.
Phillies Still Pushing for a Championship Window
Sticking in the National League East, the Philadelphia Phillies are still looking to sell out for a World Series title. Bringing back Kyle Schwarber was huge, but Trea Turner and Bryce Harper are aging, so their clock is ticking. A strong pitching staff and an intimidating lineup aren't just eyewash; the Phillies have matched the Dodgers' regular-season win totals over the past two years, with both teams winning 191 games.
Harper and the Phillies got close to glory in 2022, but fell short. Now, with an even bigger target on the Dodgers' back after adding to their super team, it might give the Phillies even more motivation heading into the year. The Phillies cannot be forgotten about in this race, even if the beginning of the season looks rough; they typically right the ship and race on into the postseason.
While the Dodgers are still the favorites, and understandably so, the National League is filled with talented teams dialing in their sights on glory, but they will have to topple the giant in their path to do so.
Join the Rundown community — free. Jump into the discussion, react to our stories, and connect directly with writers and fellow fans.
Baseball is better when everyone’s in it.
