Dodgers fans won't like ESPN LA radio host's World Series prediction if LAD flame out

The Los Angeles Dodgers are among MLB's most frequent playoff contenders. They're near-yearly favorites to win the National League West and are often expected to make a deep postseason run.

The Dodgers usually fizzle out before the big dance, of course, but this year was supposed to be different. The additions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, among many other pricey new players, were supposed to carry LA through to the World Series.

If the Dodgers' recent history repeats itself this season, though, a host ESPN LA's "Mason and Ireland" show has a grim prediction for the World Series. Steve Mason believes the San Diego Padres are destined for the Fall Classic if the Dodgers don't make it this year.

Based on their recent play, he could be right. San Diego has one of the best winning percentages in the second half and recently clinched a playoff spot in dramatic fashion in front of a crowd of Dodgers fans.

Radio host names Padres most likely World Series winner if the Dodgers fizzle out again

Mason cited the Padres' pitching as their difference maker. Dylan Cease has been stellar since they acquired him, and his second-half outings have been particularly outstanding. Joe Musgrove has posted a 2.27 ERA in his last seven starts, Martín Pérez has a 2.61 ERA since he was acquired at the deadline, and Yu Darvish's early September return has been a nice boost for San Diego. Even trading Juan Soto has paid off — Michael King's 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings has been critical to the Padres' success.

San Diego's bullpen is also fierce. Jason Adam and Tanner Scott have been great with the Padres after pitching to 1.07 and 2.10 ERAs, respectively. Bryan Hoeing has been the biggest surprise, though, and he's posted an excellent 0.82 ERA with San Diego.

The Dodgers' bats have an edge over the Padres', and they'll need every bit of it they can get with such a dominant pitching staff on the opposing side. LA also might have a better chance to go into the postseason with momentum on its side. The Dodgers will finish out the regular season with three games against the Rockies in Colorado, while the Padres will have to face the Diamondbacks, fellow Wild Card holders.

If the Dodgers lose steam in the postseason, yet again, the World Series could be there for the Padres' taking. Based on their second-half play, frightening pitching staff and LA's playoff history, the Padres may have a real chance to win it all this year.