Can anyone in the National League truly dethrone the mighty Dodgers? It’s the million-dollar question that has baseball fans buzzing. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Dodgers reign supreme, several NL teams are quietly—or not so quietly—positioning themselves to challenge the champs. Let’s dive into the contenders, their chances, and the bold moves that could shake up the league. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about talent; it’s about timing, chemistry, and a bit of luck.
1. Mets: The Comeback Kids?
The Mets are a fascinating case. After a disastrous 2025 season that saw them miss the postseason, many are skeptical of their chances. But hold on—this offseason, New York overhauled nearly a third of their roster, and the result is a team that, on paper, looks like a powerhouse. Bold move alert: shifting Bo Bichette to third base and Jorge Polanco to first is a risky gamble, but if it pays off, it could redefine their defensive strategy. Pair that with Francisco Lindor at short, Marcus Semien at second, and Luis Robert Jr. in center, and you’ve got a team built to dominate up the middle. Their rotation, bolstered by Freddy Peralta and a full season from Nolan McLean, is nothing to sneeze at either. Yet, questions linger: Can they overcome injury concerns? Will their new lineup gel? FanGraphs ranks them third in projected team WAR, so the talent is there. But as we all know, talent alone doesn’t win championships.
2. Braves: The Injury-Plagued Contenders
The Braves’ 2025 season was a masterclass in bad luck. Injuries decimated their rotation and lineup, leaving them out of contention before they could even get started. But here’s the thing: a healthy Braves team is a dangerous one. With Chris Sale in a contract year, Spencer Strider further removed from Tommy John surgery, and the addition of Robert Suárez and Raisel Iglesias to the bullpen, Atlanta is poised for a rebound. And let’s not forget Ronald Acuña Jr., who’s set for a full season. Controversial take: If the Braves can stay healthy, they might just be the Dodgers’ biggest threat. But can they break their injury curse?
3. Phillies: The Aging Powerhouse
The Phillies are a team with immense talent but lingering questions. Their offseason moves were underwhelming, and their recent postseason performances have been flat. Age is also a concern, with their average position player age creeping up. Zack Wheeler’s recovery from thoracic outlet surgery is a wildcard, as is the potential impact of top prospect Andrew Painter. Thought-provoking question: Are the Phillies running out of time to prove they’re more than just a talented roster? Despite these doubts, they remain one of the NL’s top teams, but dethroning the Dodgers will require more than just showing up.
4. Cubs: The Stabilizing Contenders
The Cubs are an interesting case. After a 92-win season in 2025, they’re solidifying their position as annual contenders. However, their decision not to retain Tucker raises questions about their commitment to big-market spending. Seiya Suzuki’s return to right field and the potential outfield transition of Matt Shaw are storylines to watch. Counterpoint: While the Cubs look strong, their ability to challenge the Dodgers may hinge on midseason moves to address weaknesses. Can they make the necessary adjustments?
5. Brewers: The Pitching Powerhouse
The Brewers had the best record in MLB last season but fell short against the Dodgers in the NLCS. Their pitching staff, even without Freddy Peralta, remains top-tier, thanks to the addition of Angel Zerpa and the development of Brandon Sproat. However, their lack of offensive firepower is a glaring issue. Bold prediction: If Milwaukee can add a proven bat, they could leapfrog several teams on this list. But will they take that risk?
6. The Rest of the West: Wild Card Warriors
The Padres, Diamondbacks, and Giants are long shots to overtake the Dodgers in the NL West, but don’t count them out entirely. The Padres, despite losing key players, have a history of postseason surprises. The Giants, with a full season from Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge, could see an offensive surge. And the Diamondbacks, if they can get Corbin Burnes back from injury, might just catch fire. Controversial interpretation: The Wild Card route is their best—and perhaps only—path to glory. But can they even get there?
7. The Field: The Underdog Factor
Let’s not forget the teams on the fringes. The Reds, Marlins, or even the Pirates could sneak into the Wild Card Series and pull off an upset. Baseball is unpredictable, and a hot streak at the right time can change everything. Final thought: In a sport where the 2025 Dodgers went 2-4 against the 91-loss Pirates, anything is possible. Who’s to say the next champion won’t come from the unlikeliest of places?
So, who’s your pick to dethrone the Dodgers? The Mets with their bold roster moves? The Braves if they stay healthy? Or maybe a Wild Card team that catches fire? Let the debate begin—and may the best team win.
