2022 MLB predictions: Dodgers will outpace NL West rivals

2022 MLB predictions: Dodgers will outpace NL West rivals.

Dodgers are going to be a dominant team in the NL West this season. Mookie Betts is the key player.

Andrew Heaney will slot behind Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw and perhaps Tony Gonsolin in the Dodgers' stacked rotation.

The Dodgers will outpace their NL West rivals in the future. Their 2020 first-round pick is throwing triple-digit heat.

Trevor Bauer is on administrative leave as MLB investigates sexual assault allegations. Cody Bellinger's bat has disappeared since his 2019 MVP season.

2022 MLB predictions: Dodgers will outpace NL West rivals. Last season's team won 106 games. This year's squad has a better core and has added Craig Kimbrel and Freeman.

Gabe Kapler was named NL Manager of the Year for the Giants last season. He used line shifts and platoon advantages to win the division.

Joey Bart is the player who will need to step up after Buster Posey retired. Bart was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft.

Sean Hjelle is 6-foot-11 and will be the tallest player in major league history. He rose to Triple-A last season.

Carlos Rodon is the new No. 2 for the Chicago Cubs. Anthony DeSclafani was great against everyone except the Dodgers last season. Alex Wood and Alex Cobb have lengthy injury histories.

The Dodgers won a franchise-record 107 games last season. They are one of the most talented teams in baseball history.

Fernando Tatis Jr. is out for possibly the next three months after wrist surgery. Manny Machado has been steady and excellent in three seasons since signing.

Blake Snell is coming off his Cy Young Award. Chris Paddack, Yu Darvish, Dinelson Lamet and Mike Clevinger were ordinary last year. Sean Manaea will help, but will any fallen star join Joe Musgrove atop the rotation?

CJ Abrams is the Padres' top prospect. Tatis' injury may open the door for Abrams to get more at-bats.

2022 MLB predictions: Dodgers will outpace NL West rivals. Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers are coming off down seasons and San Diego needs to find a trade partner.

Bob Melvin is tasked with maximizing talent. The Dodgers are expected to outpace their NL West rivals.

Kris Bryant is the key player for the Colorado Rockies. He is a left-fielder who is worth $182 million.

Antonio Senzatela is on a new $50.5 million deal with the Rockies. Senza had a great 2020 (3.44 ERA) but took a step back last season.

Elehuris Montero is a corner-infielder who was acquired from Colorado as part of the Arenado trade. Monterso hit 28 home runs between Double- and Triple-A last season.

The Rockies had the sixth-worst ERA in baseball last season. They lost reliable starter Jon Gray this offseason.

Daulton Varsho is the face of new-age flexibility at premium positions. Varsho posted a .290/.349/.530 slash line after the All-Star break last season.

Madison Bumgarner needs to step up for Arizona. The team needs him to improve after two disappointing seasons.

Alek Thomas has been to two All-Star Futures Games and should make his major league debut this season. He hit .313 with 18 homers in Double- and Triple-A last season and is a smooth-swinging outfielder.

Arizona's bullpen was the team's biggest question mark last season.

The Diamondbacks lost 110 games last season. They did nothing this offseason to promise a turnaround.