The NL West race has turned into the best rivalry in baseball, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres locked in a two-team battle for October positioning. LA currently sits two games ahead of San Diego, but with a month to go and a favorable schedule for San Diego, this fight is far from over.
David Schoenfield of ESPN identified two key players who could swing the race. For the LA, it’s Blake Snell. The reigning Cy Young winner has been a second-half ace throughout his career and is sporting a 2.54 ERA since returning from the injured list in August. But Schoenfield noted that L.A. needs the “dominant version of Snell” who last year posted a 1.45 ERA after the break to stabilize a rotation that has battled inconsistency all season.
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On the Padres’ side, the X-factor is Ramon Laureano. Since his trade deadline arrival, Laureano has been the club’s best hitter, slashing .305/.354/.581 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs in just 28 games. “He helped keep the offense afloat in August as Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. each hit just one home run on the month,” Schoenfield observed, adding that San Diego will still need its stars to power up down the stretch.
The stakes could not be higher. The Dodgers have dominated the division for over a decade, winning 11 of the past 12 NL West titles, while San Diego hasn’t claimed the crown since 2006. They’ve split three playoff series since 2020, and with another October showdown looming, home-field advantage could prove pivotal.
Los Angeles has already secured the season series tiebreaker over San Diego, but Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller believes the San Diego schedule and momentum may push them to the top. “This is the first time it has legitimately felt like the Padres not only could win this division, but perhaps should,” Miller wrote.
The Dodgers, who have lived with inconsistency at the plate and shaky outfield defense, remain focused on October success. Manager Dave Roberts admitted he’s keeping “one eye on the scoreboard” as the Padres surge.
For San Diego, this race is about more than standings—it’s about finally dethroning their I-5 rivals. If Laureano stays hot and Machado and Tatis deliver, San Diego may have their best chance in years. For L.A., Snell’s ability to recapture his unhittable form could be the difference between extending their dynasty or watching a rival celebrate in their place.