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The race for the National League pennant looks wide open this season, as no team seems to be a clear favorite at the moment. Despite having a few superstar-laden squads, no team in the NL is currently on pace to post a 100-plus win season.
Therefore, we take a look at the handful of teams that are equally well-poised to reach the 2024 World Series. Reigning NLCS champions Arizona Diamondbacks deserve a special mention, but they are still one of the underdogs in the race.
Top 3 teams who can be the NL Champions
#3. San Diego Padres
Right now, the San Diego Padres have a 75-58 record with a three-game advantage over the chasing pack in the NL Wild Card race. They are presently among the hottest teams in the MLB with a 25-9 record since the All-Star break.
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The offense led by Manny Machado has been solid, if not spectacular. Jurickson Profar is enjoying a career renaissance, while fellow outfielder Jackson Merrill is a leading contender for Rookie of the Year. Fernando Tatis Jr. is also expected to return soon after a lengthy stint on the IL.
The Padres can also boast an excellent starting rotation featuring Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Michael King. They also have knuckleball pitcher Matt Waldron, while Robert Suarez is rated among the best closers in the MLB.
#2. Los Angeles Dodgers
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, it is World Series or bust after committing more than a billion dollars in the offseason on players. The Dodgers had posted a 100-win season in 2023 before getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLDS.
This year, they are projected to finish below that mark, although they lead the NL West by three games with a 78-54 record. Shohei Ohtani is having a historic year, while leftfielder Teoscar Hernandez is now indispensable to their lineup. However, the Dodgers still rely heavily on their big sluggers for offensive production.
The Dodgers have a long line of quality starting pitchers, but keeping them healthy has been the major issue. Therefore, there is no guarantee what the rotation could be for the playoffs, and there are also some question marks regarding the bullpen.
#1. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadephia Phillies are also on the same boat and anything less than a World Series appearance will be considered a failure by the fans. The Phillies reached the Fall Classic before losing to the Houston Astros in 2022 before their hugely disappointing defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS last year.
They began the 2024 season with a vengeance and held the best record in the MLB at the All-Star break. They presently have a 78-54 record with a six-game advantage over their nearest rivals in the NL East despite going through a tough spell following the midseason interval.
The Phillies arguably have the most complete roster, which, along with their past experience, puts them in the strongest position to win the World Series.
They have outstanding sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, along with a reliable starting rotation comprising of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suarez. Their bullpen has also been a big strength this season, and they have improved considerably in defense as well.
