Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to cruise to their fifth consecutive National League West title. The majority of preseason win-loss projections select them to be the lone Major League Baseball team to reach 100 wins during the 2026 campaign.
The battle for second place is shaping up to be a tight three-team race between the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks. Each club has the potential to play better than last season’s results, and with a little luck,
all could challenge for a postseason berth.
The key factor for the Padres remaining in contention is keeping their core players healthy all season.
Preller does what it takes to remain a contender
Most of the television analysts believe the Friars will take a step back after a very lackluster offseason and concerns about their starting rotation’s ability to avoid time on the injured list in 2026.
However, the Padres have one advantage over their competitors: team President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller, who has a reputation for doing whatever it takes to improve his team at the trade deadline.
He has the knack of quickly recognizing his roster’s weaknesses and striking a deal to fix those holes. Often, the deadline deals set the Friars on a course to the playoffs.
It is hard to say whether the Giants or D-Backs will emerge as contenders. Both teams have incomplete rosters that will force their front offices to make trades for reinforcements. A deal of this nature will include the organization’s top prospects to acquire a difference-maker.
The message is more powerful than you would expect. It shows the organization is all-in on making the postseason.
The Padres cannot worry about the media’s opinion of the state of their roster. Instead, they must create some space between themselves and their NL West foes. Hopefully, the lead can grow as the season progresses.
Injuries and a lack of depth could derail the season
San Diego’s front office understands the team cannot take a significant step backward this season. They responded to the media criticism by reshaping their roster with a flurry of free agent signings before the start of Spring Training. The moves give hope to the Friar Faithful that the organization wants to contend in 2026.
Still, the upcoming season brings an intriguing storyline to San Diego. In addition to integrating the newcomers into the lineup, first-year manager Craig Stammen must take a cautious approach to Joe Musgrove’s workload, as he returns from Tommy John surgery.
The big right-hander is slated to be part of the starting rotation, but his arm has been slow in the recovery process from throwing sessions. It is unlikely Musgrove will be ready to be on the Opening Day roster according to Stammen. He wants to slow everything down and let Musgrove get healthy before deciding when he pitches in meaningful games again.
Injuries could throw a wrench into the best-laid plans. The Padres could have two new starting pitchers in the 2026 rotation. However, the lack of major league depth on the 40-man roster limits the options available. It could provide an opportunity for the Giants and D-Backs to move up in the standings if the Friars have issues with their starting pitching.
Preseason expectations can be cruel sometimes, especially if none of the experts believe your team has a chance to compete for a division title. Granted, the odds are high, but the Padres believe they’re the only legitimate threat to spoil a Dodger’s NL West coronation at season’s end.
While clinching a postseason berth is the priority, upending the reigning champs would give the Friars the momentum they need to play October baseball.
