Dave Roberts Doesn’t Expect Dodgers to Run Away With NL West This Year

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks Thursday night at Chase Field. It was the defending champions’ first test of baseball’s best division, and while the Dodgers put up a late fight, they ultimately fell to Arizona, 5-3.

More news: Dodgers Pitching Coach Reveals Why Roki Sasaki Isn’t Throwing 100 MPH Anymore

In recent years, the NL West has become more and more competitive with the Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres building successful teams. However, this offseason, the San Francisco Giants were aggressive in their efforts to put the best product on the field.

Aside from the Colorado Rockies, there are four competitive NL West teams capable of winning the division. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged this after the Dodgers lost the series opener to the Diamondbacks Thursday.

“I think we’re the best division in baseball,” Roberts said. “I don’t think anyone is gonna run away with it.”

The Dodgers have won the division 10 times in the last 11 years, an impressive feat for the L.A. organization. The Giants won the division in 2021.

In 2025, the division title could legitimately be won by any of the four competitive teams in the NL West. The Padres and Giants are currently one game behind the Dodgers for first place. While Arizona is five games behind the division-leading Dodgers, the Diamondbacks earned a big win over L.A. Thursday night.

More news: Dodgers’ Max Muncy Opens Up on Nolan Arenado Trade Rumors

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!