Dodgers: Post-Spring Training NL West Positional Power Rankings

Outfield

1. Dodgers

Continuing the trend, the Dodgers outfield is the best in this division. Chris Taylor came out of nowhere last season and his revamped swing will help him maintain that success. He will only continue to get better defensively. Yasiel Puig proved he should be a big leaguer and this season he needs to be consistent for two consecutive seasons. In left field, Matt Kemp brings nostalgia and a big bat with him, bad defensively but he will be an offensive power. Joc and Toles will also get some reps.

1. Rockies

A very good team all-around and the outfield is no exception. Carlos Gonzalez will be looking for a major bounce-back season and I believe he can be productive. Charlie Blackmon was an MVP candidate last season and is a dangerous hitter. Left field will likely be manned by Gerardo Parra who has been a Dodger killer and plays gold glove caliber defense. Ian Desmond will also get reps in the outfield and maybe take over left field if McMahon gets the job at first base.

1. Giants

Three names that are recognizable, but are all past their prime. All three outfielders will be good just not as good as they have been before. Andre McCutchen was acquired via trade and is hoping to have new life with his new ball club. Austin Jackson will be a good top of the lineup guy but like I said he is older and not the same player he once was. Hunter Pence had a season to forget in 2017 but 2018 could be a year he figures it with even more protection in the lineup.

1. Padres

The reason for this spot is because of the Eric Hosmer deal. Though Hosmer is obviously not an outfielder, his acquisition moved Wil Myers to right field. In my opinion, he is the best player on this team including Hosmer. I believe he will be an all-star again this season and continue to prove his worth in San Diego. Myers can be the face of this rebuilding franchise with the way he swings the bat. Manuel Margot will be interesting to watch and Hunter Renfroe who had 26 bombs last season should get the spot in left field.

1. Diamondbacks

Losing JD Martinez to the Red Sox will hurt them. He was a big reason for their success during the second half of the season. He was absolutely terrific down the stretch for Arizona. Replacing him with Jarrod Dyson is underwhelming, to say the least. AJ Pollock had a freak injury in 2016 and nagging injuries throughout 2017 that cost him two months on the DL. He is good when healthy but staying that way has been a problem for him as of late. Peralta in left is a poor man’s Gerardo Parra but is still helpful to this team.