The National League West is witnessing significant roster changes as teams gear up for the 2025 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a notable move by re-signing slugger Teoscar Hernández to a lucrative three-year deal worth $66 million. This decision aligns perfectly with the team's strategy and Hernández's aspirations. Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, the Arizona Diamondbacks secured the offseason's top free agent pitcher, Corbin Burnes, with a six-year contract valued at $210 million, which includes an opt-out after 2026. Burnes, who resides in Arizona, is expected to bolster the Diamondbacks' rotation after they narrowly missed the postseason last year.
The Dodgers, coming off a World Series championship, have also added Blake Snell to their pitching staff, aiming to strengthen their rotation. This move is seen as an upgrade over the performance of Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty in 2024. With a roster featuring high-caliber pitchers like Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers are poised for another strong season. However, they face challenges, including the need to sign Roki Sasaki and possibly re-sign Clayton Kershaw.
On the other hand, the San Diego Padres have had a quiet offseason, with no significant additions to their roster despite a strong 2024 campaign. Their focus now shifts to filling gaps in left field, catcher, and starting pitching, particularly after Joe Musgrove's Tommy John surgery. The Diamondbacks, while losing some key players, are expected to trade Jordan Montgomery to further improve their roster. The San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are also navigating their offseason needs, with the Giants seeking to stabilize their rotation and the Rockies struggling to remain competitive.
