SD Padres on Top of the NL West… Can They Hold On?

August 14, 2025 — MLB — (Photo: SBNation)

The San Diego Padres went all-in this season: on the final day of the trade deadline they gave up their top prospects, including shortstop Leo De Vries — ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect by MLB — in order to bolster their pitching staff and offense. Among the most notable additions to the team are closer Mason Miller (RP) from the Athletics, Ryan O’Hearn (1B) and Ramón Laureano (RF) from the Orioles, as well as catcher Freddy Fermín from the Royals.

These trades, completed on the last day of July, have been a key factor in placing the Padres at the top of their division, surpassing the LA Dodgers. Since the new players joined the roster, San Diego hasn’t lost a single series (six series and counting), with their most recent success being a sweep over the Giants at Oracle Park.

Now, the Padres will face the Dodgers on the road. With just a one-game lead for San Diego, it’s fair to say this series could decide the leader of the National League West. The Los Angeles Dodgers, unlike San Diego, haven’t been as fortunate after their own trades. With only two series wins out of four — the latest being a sweep by the Los Angeles Angels — the Dodgers have shown that an effective offense doesn’t guarantee victory without solid pitching.

What can we expect from the Padres–Dodgers series?

Even if Dodgers fans won’t admit it, an organic rivalry has developed between LA and San Diego, and it’s palpable in every one of their matchups. Hit-by-pitches, bench-clearing incidents, celebrations, taunts, and, in general, an extra level of effort from both teams compared to other series.

In the current season, the Dodgers have dominated the Padres in previous matchups. Moreover, Los Angeles just defeated the Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium — an impressive feat considering Toronto leads both their division and the entire American League. However, this series marks the first time the Dodgers will face the Padres in the second half of the season.

The starting pitchers for this series are as follows:

• Rándy Vásquez [ERA 3.93] vs Clayton Kershaw [ERA 3.14]

• Dylan Cease [ERA 4.52] vs Blake Snell [ERA 2.37]

• Yu Darvish [ERA 5.61] vs Tyler Glasnow [ERA 3.08]

It’s worth noting that Michael King was originally set to start the first game for the Padres, but unfortunately he suffered another setback due to knee inflammation, leading to Rándy taking his place.

In conclusion, the San Diego Padres — in top form and riding a positive streak — visit the shaky Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, a team that has still managed to beat strong opponents at home.

Tell us: Who do you think will take the series? And who will claim first place in the National League West?