Seven bold predictions for the National League West in 2018

Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies — DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 29: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies circles the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field on September 29, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Baseball season is almost here and fans of the National League West’s Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks all believe their teams will be improved. Some also believe their teams have not only a legitimate chance to make the postseason but also do some real damage when they get there.

While three teams (Arizona, Colorado and Los Angeles) made the postseason last year, this year could be even tougher for those teams to all make it back to meaningful play in October. San Francisco and San Diego both improved in the offseason with free agent acquisitions, meaning the National League West will not only be tougher this year but could very well be the toughest division, top to bottom, in all of baseball.

So what will happen during the 2018 season in the National League West? I looked into my crystal ball, asked some colleagues in the industry for their thoughts and gathered some information during my recent spring training trip to Arizona (where all five NL West teams spend their spring).

With that in mind, here are seven bold predictions for the National League West this season. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section below!

Schedule