The have once again claimed the World Series title and are aiming for a third consecutive championship in the upcoming year. Meanwhile, the Padres face pressure to overhaul their starting pitching staff, particularly given the potential sale of the team.
The Giants look promising but will need to invest wisely in some key players. The Diamondbacks must be resourceful and diligent to fix weaknesses in their roster, especially improving their lackluster pitching staff. The Rockies, after a rough season, are set to reevaluate their rebuilding strategy from a fresh perspective.
Now, analyzing the National League West — a division dominated by the same team in 12 of the past 13 years — here are the top needs listed from best to worst for the 2025 season:
Los Angeles
Main needs: Outfield and bullpen
Despite back-to-back championships, the have some weaknesses. Their outfield performance was mediocre, ranking 17th in the majors, and their bullpen was shaky until Aki Sasaki took over closing duties and relieved some pressure. Expect the to make significant moves in free agency and trades, with Kyle Tucker a likely target to strengthen their corner outfield bat. Even if they don’t upgrade much this offseason, they remain favorites for 2026.
San Diego Padres
Main need: Starting pitcher
The Padres are in dire need of starting pitching after losing Dylan Cease and Michael King to free agency and with Yu Darvish sidelined for the whole season due to his second elbow surgery. Joe Musgrove will return from Tommy John surgery, but his form is uncertain after the long absence. Nick Pivetta will start as the unofficial ace, though Mason Miller might also get a shot. The Padres’ situation is clouded by the possible sale of the franchise, casting doubt on their winter free agency activity.
San Francisco Giants
Main need: Pitching depth
The Giants will bring in rookie manager Tony Vitello with no professional experience, but improvements hinge on acquiring talent, especially pitching. Logan Webb and Robbie Ray form a good 1-2 starter duo but the team needs more quality pitchers, both starters and relievers. They are expected to target top free-agent starters like Cease, Valdez, Suarez, King, Imanaga, and Gallen.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Main needs: Starting and relief pitching
The D-backs, alongside the Padres, are most in need of starting pitching after losing Zac Gallen to free agency. Their rotation includes Brandon Furth, Ryne Nelson, and Eduardo Rodriguez, but lacks a clear ace. Corbin Burnes aims to return mid-season. Their bullpen also performed poorly, ranking 27th in ERA, with a weak save percentage due to the lack of a true closer. While they may not chase big-name closers like Edwin Diaz, improving the bullpen is a priority.
Colorado Rockies
Main need: Complete overhaul
After enduring 119 losses last season, the Rockies are in desperate need of an overhaul. They hired Paul DePodesta as their new director of baseball operations to lead rebuilding efforts, including managerial hires. On the field, they require improvements in starting pitching, bullpen, offense, and defense — basically everything.
Fan Take: This analysis of the National League West highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities within a division that’s remained relatively stable at the top. For baseball fans, seeing these teams reshape their rosters means exciting shifts in competitiveness and could lead to a more dynamic and unpredictable race in the coming seasons.
