Almost every team has at least one star player. However, it is usually the lesser-known players who end up making the biggest difference regarding a team’s success. Let’s take a look at five potential X factors around the NL West.
The Diamondbacks’ rotation is filled with question marks after Merrill Kelly. Pfaadt, who led the National League by issuing only 1.9 walks per nine innings, has the most upside of any pitcher in the rotation. He had a strong spring, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over 10 innings, striking out 11 batters. If the Diamondbacks are going to contend, Pfaadt will need to take a step forward.
Although there is virtually zero possibility of the Rockies contending for a playoff spot in 2026, they have some intriguing pieces that could be part of the future. Doyle had a personal tragedy early in the 2025 season, making his disappointing performance understandable. He had an impressive showing in spring training and could solidify his place as a building block for the Rockies with a strong showing this year.
Sasaki was one of the most hyped prospects to come from Japan in recent memory. He had an uneven rookie season, battling his command while missing several months with a right shoulder impingement. Sasaki will begin the year as part of an injury-battered Dodgers rotation despite allowing 15 runs on nine hits and 15 walks over 8.2 innings in spring training. As their rotation depth is already being tested, the Dodgers need Sasaki to return to his NPB form quickly.
While Nick Pivetta and Michael King are a solid 1-2 punch atop the rotation, there are few proven arms behind them. Musgrove, who missed all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, will begin the season on the Injured List. The Padres need him to be healthy and come close to replicating his 3.88 ERA and 1.174 WHiP in 2024, if they are going to contend for a playoff spot.
Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey went far outside the box in hiring Vitello to manage the team in 2026, plucking him from the University of Tennessee. Vitello has no professional baseball experience, making his transition to the majors an interesting experiment. As he will be the Giants’ third manager in the last four years, he may not have too long a leash if the team struggles.