The 2025 Major League Baseball postseason has already delivered its fair share of drama, and nowhere has that been more evident than in the National League West. With the San Diego Padres falling to the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round, the division is poised for significant change as teams reflect, regroup, and prepare for another run at glory next year.
For the Padres, this season was supposed to be the culmination of years of aggressive roster-building and high-stakes gambles. They went all-in at the trade deadline, adding key pieces like Luis Arráez, Ryan O’Hearn, and Dylan Cease in hopes of finally breaking through for a World Series appearance. The front office, led by A.J. Preller, committed a hefty $270.9 million against the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT)—well above the $241 million threshold—demonstrating their willingness to spend in pursuit of a championship.
But baseball can be a cruel game. The Padres' postseason run was cut short by the Cubs, who clinched the Wild Card series with a 3-1 victory on October 2, 2025. Despite the star power of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., the pair managed just two hits in 22 at-bats during the series. The Padres' offense sputtered, and the Cubs’ pitching staff, led by Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon, proved too much to overcome. According to Cubs Insider, “Cubs’ starting pitchers combined to allow just three earned runs in 12.1 innings during the series,” while the bullpen was nearly untouchable, recording 14 straight outs at one point. Even when Jackson Merrill homered in the ninth to break up a shutout, the Cubs’ relievers slammed the door shut.
“When the lights were bright in the first playoff game of the postseason, the arms showed up,” wrote Cubs Insider, highlighting the decisive role of pitching in the series. Craig Counsell, in his first playoff series managing the Cubs, made five pitching changes on October 3 to secure the win, a testament to his deft touch and the depth of his staff. Now, the Cubs advance to face the San Francisco Giants in the Division Series, leaving the Padres to answer tough questions about their roster and future direction.
The Padres’ offseason will be one of the most closely watched in baseball. With a core still intact—Machado, Tatis Jr., and rising star Jackson Merrill—San Diego faces the prospect of losing several marquee players. Dylan Cease and Ryan O’Hearn are both set to hit free agency, and Luis Arráez is also in line for a significant payday. All three are expected to command more than $10 million annually in their next contracts, a figure that may be out of reach for a team already facing luxury tax penalties. The Padres have $46.2 million available to spend this offseason if they wish to remain below the threshold, but exceeding it would result in a 20% tax from MLB for a first-time offender—an amount that would only increase with repeated violations.
“While it wouldn’t surprise me if they went over the $241 million line, it would be wise to re-sign only the players who provide the most value,” wrote a Padres analyst, adding that Ryan O’Hearn should be the top priority for the front office. “A reliable designated hitter who can also play first base when needed and provides solid defense. He has struggled at the plate in his time with the Padres, but he should return to his old form next season. It just takes time to adjust to a new place.” Decisions made by Preller and his staff in the coming months will shape the Padres’ trajectory for years to come.
Elsewhere in the NL West, the Arizona Diamondbacks are taking a different approach. After finishing fourth in the division with an 80-82 record—just behind the Giants, who notched 81 wins—the Diamondbacks have confirmed that Torey Lovullo will return as manager for his 10th season in 2026. Lovullo’s contract runs through the end of next year, putting him in a so-called “lame-duck” season. Teams usually prefer to avoid such scenarios with managers and front office executives, so Lovullo’s situation will be an interesting storyline to follow throughout the year. It’s a testament to the faith the organization has in Lovullo, who led the Diamondbacks to an improbable World Series run in 2023, only to fall to the Texas Rangers in five games. But after a disappointing 2025 campaign, the pressure is on for Arizona to turn things around and recapture that postseason magic.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are embarking on a major transition of their own. General manager Bill Schmidt stepped down in 2025 after holding the post since 2021 and spending over two decades in the Rockies’ front office. His departure comes on the heels of a brutal 119-loss season—the team’s seventh consecutive losing campaign. The Rockies have not enjoyed a winning record since 2018, when they won 91 games but were eliminated by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. As the organization searches externally for a new general manager, fans are left to wonder if a fresh perspective can finally reverse the franchise’s fortunes. The Rockies’ front office shakeup signals a willingness to change course after years of frustration, but the challenge ahead is daunting.
Back in San Francisco, the Giants themselves are in the midst of a managerial search, hoping to build on a modestly successful 2025 season that saw them finish just ahead of Arizona. With the Cubs looming in the Division Series, the Giants are keenly aware of the razor-thin margins that separate postseason glory from disappointment. The division’s competitive landscape ensures that no team can afford to stand pat, and every move—whether a blockbuster signing, a managerial change, or a front office overhaul—carries significant weight.
Looking ahead, the NL West promises to be one of the league’s most fascinating divisions in 2026. The Padres’ aggressive strategy has brought both excitement and uncertainty, the Diamondbacks are banking on stability with Lovullo, and the Rockies are seeking a new vision after years of struggle. With the Giants and Cubs set to clash in the Division Series, the drama is far from over.
As the dust settles on the Padres’ postseason exit and the rest of the division braces for change, one thing is clear: the NL West remains a hotbed of intrigue, ambition, and unpredictability. Fans can expect another wild ride as teams reload and chase their World Series dreams once again.