Can any NL team dethrone the Dodgers? Sure! Here are the possibilities

Every MLB team is chasing the Dodgers these days, but the National League has several contenders who could challenge them

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:59am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, creating a dynamic and fragmented visual representation of the action.The race to unseat the Dodgers as the National League's dominant force promises an intense, multi-angled battle on the diamond this season.Philadelphia Today

While the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the team to beat in the National League, several NL clubs have made significant offseason moves to position themselves as potential challengers. The New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies are among the top contenders, with the Mets leading the pack thanks to their revamped roster. The Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks are also in the mix, though they may face an uphill battle against the Dodgers' dominance.

Why it matters

The race to dethrone the Dodgers in the National League is particularly compelling, as the road to the World Series often runs through Chavez Ravine. This offseason has seen several NL teams make bold moves to improve their rosters and challenge the Dodgers' supremacy, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season.

The details

The Mets have made major defensive changes, moving Bo Bichette to third base and Jorge Polanco to first, while also acquiring Freddy Peralta and Luis Robert Jr. to bolster their rotation and outfield. The Braves are hoping for bounce-back seasons from Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Ronald Acuña Jr. after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. The Phillies' rotation remains a question mark, with uncertainty around Zack Wheeler's return from surgery and the development of prospect Andrew Painter.

  • The Mets missed the playoffs in 2025 after a disappointing season.
  • The Braves won the NL East in 2025 but were swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS.
  • The Phillies have been trying to prove themselves in recent Octobers but have yet to break through.

The players

Bo Bichette

The Mets' new third baseman, acquired in a trade this offseason.

Jorge Polanco

The Mets' new first baseman, acquired in a trade this offseason.

Freddy Peralta

A starting pitcher acquired by the Mets this offseason to bolster their rotation.

Luis Robert Jr.

The Mets' new center fielder, acquired in a trade this offseason.

Chris Sale

The Braves' veteran starting pitcher, looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.