NL TEAMS AT A GLANCE

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (PREVIEW, B6-7) LOS ANGELES DODGERS

2020: 4317, first place, World Series champions. Manager: Dave Roberts (sixth season).

Outlook: The roster boasts an enviable three MVPs and three Cy Young Award winners, making the Dodgers favorites to win a ninth straight NL West title, which would extend their franchise record. They open the season Thursday at Colorado, which starts a sevengame trip. They’ll celebrate their first World Series championship since 1988 in their home opener April 9 against Washington. It’s likely the team will be able to allow 25% capacity, or 11,000 fans, in attendance after local restrictions are eased. LHP David Price pitches for the Dodgers for the first time after opting out last season because of the COVID19 pandemic. The club signed RHP Trevor Bauer just before spring training, giving Los Angeles perhaps the best rotation in baseball and bulking up the staff for a full 162game season after last year’s abbreviated 60game campaign. LHP Clayton Kershaw and RHPs Walker Buehler and Bauer are locks, with lefthanders Price and Julio Urías likely to fill out the rotation. However, Price has indicated he’s willing to do whatever is needed, including working out of the bullpen. He’s made 10 relief appearances in his career. The Dodgers shed some roster stalwarts in free agency, including utility man Kiké Hernández, CF Joc Pederson and RHP Pedro Báez, and they resigned 3B Justin Turner. The core offensive group returns, including RF Mookie Betts, CF Cody Bellinger, 1B Max Muncy and SS Corey Seager, who was the NLCS and World Series MVP.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

2020: 3723, second place, lost to Dodgers in Division Series.

Manager: Jayce Tingler (second season). Outlook: This will be one of the most anticipated seasons in San Diego history. Anchored by a starstudded infield featuring SS Fernando Tatis Jr. and 3B Manny Machado, the Padres ended a 13year playoff drought and won a firstround series against St. Louis last season before being swept out of the Division Series by the rival Dodgers, who went on to win the World Series. The electrifying Tatis signed the longest contract in MLB history during spring training, a 14year, $340 million deal. Tatis has hit fullblown superstar status on and off the field, including being selected as the cover athlete for the video game “MLB The Show 21.” After running out of starting pitching in the playoffs and then losing RHP Mike Clevinger to Tommy John surgery, general manager A.J. Preller quickly rebuilt the rotation with a flurry of blockbuster trades after Christmas that landed RHP Yu Darvish, LHP Blake Snell and a local product, RHP Joe Musgrove. It doesn’t appear RHP Dinelson Lamet, who missed the playoffs with an arm injury, will be ready for the start of the season. He finished fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting. Last year’s Opening Day starter, RHP Chris Paddack, is looking for a bounceback season. Fans are eager to see how HaSeong Kim, after playing in South Korea, fits into the mix at second base, where Jake Cronenworth played well enough to tie for second in NL Rookie of the Year balloting. The Padres have multiple closer candidates, including LHP Drew Pomeranz and RHPs Emilio Pagán, Mark Melancon and Keone Kela. LF Tommy Pham was stabbed during an altercation in a parking lot in midOctober and required 200 stitches. San Diego resigned former A’s infielder Jurickson Profar, who played five positions last season.

COLORADO ROCKIES

2020: 2634, fourth place.

Manager: Bud Black (fifth season).

Outlook: The Rockies angered their fan base by trading 3B Nolan Arenado to St. Louis. The eighttime Gold Glove winner and fivetime AllStar forced his way out of the Mile High City by sticking to his request to be dealt. He was sent to the Cardinals for LHP Austin Gomber and four minorleaguers in a deal that may have an impact on keeping SS Trevor Story in town. The twotime AllStar can become a free agent after this season. Colorado also had CF Ian Desmond opt out for a second consecutive season due to coronavirus concerns. A strength of the Rockies may not be their bats, but their arms, with a rotation of RHPs German Márquez, Antonio Senzatela and Jon Gray and LHPs Kyle Freeland (currently dealing with a shoulder strain) and Gomber. The Rockies made the playoffs in 2017 and ’18, but slid back in ’19 with a 91loss campaign and missed the postseason again in ’20. The state recently approved Coors Field for a 42.6% capacity variance starting Opening Day, which means roughly 21,363 fans.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

2020: 2535, fifth place.

Manager: Torey Lovullo (fifth season). Outlook: The Diamondbacks decided to keep their roster largely intact despite a disappointing 2020. Arizona is hoping for bounceback seasons at the plate from 3B Eduardo Escobar, CF Ketel Marte and C Carson Kelly. The Diamondbacks are also optimistic that LHP Madison Bumgarner and RHP Luke Weaver will be better in the rotation after both had an ERA over 6.00 last year. RF Kole Calhoun will likely miss the first few weeks of the season while recovering from knee surgery, opening the door for younger players Tim Locastro or Pavin Smith to solidify a role in the outfield rotation. The addition of Asdrubal Cabrera gives Arizona added flexibility in the infield since he can play third, second or first. RHP Zac Gallen, who pitched like an ace for much of last season, has a hairline fracture in his right forearm and may begin the season on the injured list. The Diamondbacks hope veteran additions to the bullpen such as RHPs Joakim Soria and Chris Devenski can provide guidance for what otherwise will likely be a young group.

NL CENTRAL CHICAGO CUBS

2020: 3426, first place, lost to Marlins in first round of playoffs.

Manager: David Ross (second season). Outlook: The rotation took a hit when RHP Yu Darvish was traded to San Diego. It remains to be seen whether the closer, RHP Craig Kimbrel, can carry over his strong finish in 2020 into this season. But the rest of the NL Central isn’t exactly imposing, so it’s not hard to imagine the Cubs contending for another playoff appearance. 1B Anthony Rizzo, 3B Kris Bryant and SS Javier Báez are eligible for free agency after this season. All struggled during last year’s pandemicshortened season, and Bryant was hampered by injuries. A return to form for any one would help the Cubs improve on their .220 batting average. While the loss of Darvish is a big blow, RHP Zach Davies is coming off a strong season in San Diego. RHP Jake Arrieta is looking to regain the form he showed in his first stint in Chicago, and RHP Trevor Williams won 14 games with Pittsburgh in 2018.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

2020: 3028, second place, lost to Padres in first round of playoffs.

Manager: Mike Shildt (third season).

Outlook: The Cardinals thought they were missing one big piece last season, and they landed it when they made a stunning late offseason trade for 3B Nolan Arenado. He provides protection in the order for 1B Paul Goldschmidt while also adding another Gold Glove winner to what could be the best defense in the National League. The rotation returns intact from last season with the exception of RHP Dakota Hudson, who had Tommy John surgery in September, and the bullpen is deep. RHP Adam Wainwright and C Yadier Molina are back as one of the longesttenured batterymates in baseball history. The outfield is relatively young. Put it all together and the Cardinals believe they can make another postseason run.

CINCINNATI REDS

2020: 3129, third place, wild card, lost to Braves in first round of playoffs.

Manager: David Bell (third season).

Outlook: Despite more offseason subtractions than additions, confidence is high in Reds camp. Bell believes the team was just hitting its stride in September when it won 11 of the last 14 regularseason games to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years. There are questions about pitching without RHP Trevor Bauer, the NL Cy Young Award winner who signed a freeagent contract with the Dodgers, and RHP Raisel Iglesias, the closer who was traded to the Angels. SS Freddy Galvis left to sign with Baltimore, leaving Kyle Farmer and others to compete at SS. Cincinnati hit a major leagueworst .212 during the 60game 2020 season and will need better performances out of 1B Joey Votto, IF Eugenio Suarez, RF Nick Castellanos and IF Mike Moustakas to make another run in what shapes up as a soft NL Central. Around 12,000 fans will be allowed to attend games at Great American Ball Park to begin the season.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

2020: 2931, fourth place, wild card, lost to Dodgers in first round of playoffs.

Manager: Craig Counsell (seventh season). Outlook: The Brewers’ chances of reaching the playoffs for a fourth straight season depend on whether they can get more offense after hitters up and down their lineup failed to meet expectations last season. The Brewers are counting on LF Christian Yelich, the 2018 NL MVP, to regain his AllStar form. 1B Keston Hiura, RF Avisail García and C Omar Narváez also must bounce back from disappointing seasons. Milwaukee should benefit from having CF Lorenzo Cain for a full season after he sat out most of the 2020 campaign. The additions of OF Jackie Bradley Jr. and 2B Kolten Wong — both lefthanded hitters and Gold Glove winners — should balance the lineup and help out the pitching staff. RHPs Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes provide a solid 12 punch, but the Brewers must get more consistency from the rest of their rotation. Milwaukee probably won’t blow many leads with RHP Devin Williams and LHP Josh Hader anchoring the bullpen. City health officials are permitting spectators to fill 25% of American Family Field at the start of the season.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

2020: 1941, fifth place.

Manager: Derek Shelton (second season). Outlook: The Pirates are in the midst of a massive reset as GM Ben Cherington enters his second season on the job. Gone are familiar faces like RHP Jameson Taillon and 1B Josh Bell, among others, their departures via trade part of a plan dedicated to stockpiling prospects in the hope that enough pan out down the road to return Pittsburgh to contention. While the future looks (sorta) bright, the present figures to be bumpy. The Pirates finished with the worst record in the majors in 2020 and head into 2021 with a roster that has even less majorleague experience. 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes, son of former Giant Charlie, was even better than advertised during his September callup and finished sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He and RHP Mitch Keller are the linchpins whose individual development this season could be far more important than anything that happens in the win/loss column. Bounceback seasons from LF Bryan Reynolds and RF Gregory Polanco (likely in his final months with the team) would help the offense, but even in a division that might be the worst in the NL if not the majors, expectations are really, really low. Fans will be allowed back at PNC Park this spring, but given the lack of buzz in general the Pirates may be hardpressed to even fill those seats after the initial “we’re glad baseball is back” crowd gets its fix.

NL EAST ATLANTA BRAVES

2020: 3525, first place, lost to Dodgers in NL Championship Series.

Manager: Brian Snitker (sixth season). Outlook: Even though the rest of the NL East bulked up, the Braves show no signs of slipping after winning three straight division titles. They finally won a postseason series — two of them, in fact — to break a drought going back to 2001. Then the Braves came within one win of the World Series, taking a 31 lead in the NL Championship Series before the Dodgers rallied to win the last three games. That bitter disappointment only strengthened the Braves’ resolve; this season, it’s World Series or bust. Atlanta moved aggressively to bolster its rotation by signing RHP Charlie Morton and LHP Drew Smyly to oneyear contracts. When RHP Mike Soroka (a 13game winner and AllStar in 2019) is fully recovered, the rotation could be one of baseball’s best. The hitters are a dynamic group, with MVP 1B Freddie Freeman and LF Marcell Ozuna providing a powerful 12 punch in the middle of the lineup. If CF Ronald Acuña Jr. recaptures the form he showed in 2019, when he had 41 homers and 37 stolen bases, the Braves will have three of the game’s most feared offensive players. The only major question mark is the bullpen.

MIAMI MARLINS

2020: 3129, second place.

Manager: Don Mattingly (sixth season). Outlook: After a surprising run to their first playoff berth in 17 years, the Marlins are widely projected to backslide and finish below .500 this season. They could exceed expectations if one or more of their hitting prospects breaks out. Pitching is the team’s strength, thanks to a group of eight starters all 26 or younger. RHPs Sixto Sánchez and Edward Cabrera are considered potential future aces, and 2020 firstround draft pick Max Meyer could crack the rotation later this year. Small crowds will be back at Marlins Park, with attendance initially limited to about 25% capacity, or around 9,300 spectators.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

2020: 2832, third place.

Manager: Joe Girardi (second season).

Outlook: Seeking their first winning season since 2011, the Phillies are determined to end a nineyear postseason drought. They have a strong offense that tied for fifth in scoring last season and returns everyone in the starting lineup. RF Bryce Harper, C J.T. Realmuto and SS Didi Gregorius anchor the middle of a deep batting order. RHPs Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler are a formidable 12 punch atop the rotation, and Zach Eflin is solid in the No. 3 spot. A dismal bullpen that had a 7.06 ERA is much improved with the additions of RHPs Archie Bradley and Brandon Kintzler and LHP Jose Alvarado. A return to October baseball is a possibility. The Phillies will allow up to 8,800 fans to attend games at the start of the season.

NEW YORK METS

2020: 2634, tied for fourth place.

Manager: Luis Rojas (second season).

Outlook: Following a flurry of moves, the Mets have 18 newcomers on the 40man roster. They focused on building depth and landed a big star in SS Francisco Lindor as the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade with Cleveland that netted RHP Carlos Carrasco as well. The addition of C James McCann also makes a dangerous lineup even longer, but the Mets need to deliver in the clutch. They ranked second in the majors in onbase percentage last year and third in OPS, yet finished 13th in runs. The defense is shaky at several spots, and questions remain in middle relief. The rotation is led by RHP Jake deGrom, a twotime Cy Young Award winner. RHP Marcus Stroman accepted an $18.9 million qualifying offer to return for one year after missing the start of last season with a calf injury and then opting out because of coronavirus concerns. The team hopes to get RHP Noah Syndergaard back from Tommy John surgery in June, but the Mets’ depth will be tested early. New York looks talented enough to end a fouryear playoff drought, but it won’t be easy in a tough division ruled by Atlanta. Expectations are high and there is pressure to win now. Citi Field will welcome back fans at 20% capacity (capped at 8,492 seats) early in the season.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

2020: 2634, tied for fourth place.

Manager: Dave Martinez (fourth season). Outlook: After a big step back from World Series champions in 2019 to tied for last place in the NL East in pandemicshortened 2020, a lot of familiar faces are gone, and the Nationals are counting on their potentially bestinbaseball starting staff — if healthy — and a beefedup batting order to get them back to the postseason. The offense revolves around the reigning NL batting champ, RF Juan Soto, and SS Trea Turner, and the hope is the additions of — and bouncebacks by — 1B Josh Bell (via trade) and LF Kyle Schwarber (free agency) will offer help to the two holdover stars. RHP Max Scherzer is entering the final season of his sevenyear, $210 million deal and turns 37 in July, but still seems capable of the sort of form that earned three Cy Young Awards. RHP Stephen Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP, will try to rebound after right wrist surgery; LHP Jon Lester is hoping the removal of a parathyroid gland in March will alleviate the sluggishness he felt in his last season with the Cubs. LHP Brad Hand helps the back end of a bullpen. A big question mark is whether CF Victor Robles can get on base enough to bat leadoff. The D.C. city government cleared the way for 5,000 fans per game at Nationals Park; the team is hoping that number can increase.