The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the National League West pennant ten times in the last 11 seasons. The Arizona Diamondbacks have not been atop the NL West since 2011, when they finished 94-68. Paul Goldschmidt was a rookie, Justin Upton had finished 4th in MVP voting, and Ian Kennedy looked like a Cy Young candidate. Needless to say, it’s been a while since the D-Backs have been the NL West winners.
Because of the Dodgers’ recent history of dominating the West, a lot of people will have them taking the West once again in 2024. Plus, the D-Backs only finished with 84 wins. But remember, the Diamondbacks made it to the World Series last year, beat the Dodgers in the division series by sweeping them in three games, and have gotten better this off-season. Meanwhile, the Dodgers haven’t made any significant improvements yet.
But what would truly push the Diamondbacks above the Dodgers? What would not only make them arguably better than LA, but make the Snakes National League West favorites?