NL West filled with top-tier outfielders

The National League West isn't short on star outfielders. It features a pair of MVPs in Los Angeles, a former batting champ in Colorado and some potent sluggers in San Francisco, San Diego and Arizona.

• NL West outlook by positions: C | 1B/3B | 2B/SS

Here's a rundown of how the division should line up in the outfield in 2020, with a look into a few key question marks on each team:

D-backs
The known: David Peralta and Kole Calhoun will start just about every day at the corner outfield spots. Calhoun got off to a slow start in his first year with the team in 2020 but finished strong and could be counted on to hit leadoff this year. Peralta was his usual steady self last year. The two veterans are both left-handed hitters, though, which could create some matchup problems.

The unknown: How much center field will Ketel Marte play is the biggest question when it comes to the outfield. Marte figures to bounce back and forth between second and center unless someone steps up at one of the positions. Tim Locastro figures to get a fair share of at-bats as he can play all three outfield spots and is right-handed. With a big spring, Daulton Varsho could vault himself into playing time in center, and he can also back up on the corners. Pavin Smith can play both corners as well, though he is also a left-handed hitter. -- Steve Gilbert

Dodgers
The known: When the Dodgers take the field against the Rockies on Opening Day, Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and AJ Pollock will likely be the starting outfielders. Bellinger has been recovering from offseason surgery on his right (non-throwing) shoulder, but manager Dave Roberts has said he still expects the former NL MVP to be available come Opening Day. With the departure of Joc Pederson this offseason, the Dodgers will depend a lot on Betts, Bellinger and Pollock to provide most of the production in the outfield this season.

The unknown: While Betts, Bellinger and Pollock will get most of the playing time, the Dodgers will need at least one more player to help out with added production in the outfield this season, especially with Pederson gone. Chris Taylor and Zach McKinstry will get most of their work at second base, but could also slide out to the outfield, when needed. Same goes for Matt Beaty, who has played first base and both corner outfield spots in his career. Zach Reks, DJ Peters and Luke Raley will also be in the mix. -- Juan Toribio

Giants
The known: Mike Yastrzemski will be back to lead the outfield corps after finishing eighth in National League MVP voting in 2020, and Alex Dickerson and Darin Ruf are projected to form a platoon in left field. Mauricio Dubón and Austin Slater emerged as particularly effective weapons against lefties last season and are expected to play prominent roles in the Giants’ outfield mix as well. Slater was limited to designated hitter duties after suffering an elbow injury last August, but he’s entering Spring Training healthy and isn’t expected to be restricted defensively.

The unknown: Center field remains a bit of a question mark. Dubón handled himself well out there after making the transition from the middle infield last season, but he didn’t produce consistent results against righties (.664 OPS), so the Giants could opt to pair him with a left-handed-hitting outfielder like Yastrzemski, LaMonte Wade Jr. or Steven Duggar. Jaylin Davis will be another candidate for the fifth outfield spot and has already been blistering the ball during batting practice. Outfield prospect Heliot Ramos isn’t viewed as a candidate for the Opening Day roster, but he could become a center-field option for the Giants at some point in 2021. -- Maria Guardado

Padres
The known: The Padres' starting outfield is fairly straightforward. Trent Grisham will man center field, flanked by Tommy Pham in left and Wil Myers in right. Grisham capped his breakout 2020 season with a Gold Glove Award in center. Myers also authored the best season of his career in '20, and was excellent defensively in right. Pham, on the other hand, was slowed by injury. But the Padres expect him to bounce back in a big way. Behind those three, Jurickson Profar will serve as a backup at all three spots.

The unknown: It's worth wondering how frequently Profar will play. No, he's not a starter. But there's a case for him to play in the corners somewhat frequently against tough right-handers, giving Pham and Myers a breather. In the build-up from 60 games to 162, those breathers might be necessary. There are also questions about which players will join that quartet in the outfield. Brian O'Grady is a potential bench piece who can play all three outfield positions, including a solid center field. And considering the depth in the infield, might Jake Cronenworth and Ha-Seong Kim get a look in left? -- AJ Cassavell

Rockies
The known: With his 1,248th appearance, right fielder Charlie Blackmon, who turns 35 on July 1, will surpass Carlos González for second on the team's all-time list. A constantly productive player and steadying influence, Blackmon as much as anyone has to be happy to leave the wild swings of 2020 in the past. He started camp late because of a COVID-19 diagnosis, batted .500 through the first 17 games and stayed above .400 for 28, then struggled the rest of the way and finishing at .303. Interestingly, after being punished by defensive metrics in center field -- an issue Blackmon always disputed -- his 2020 metrics were kind enough to him that he was a Gold Glove Award finalist.

The unknown: With David Dahl having been non-tendered (he signed with the Rangers) and Ian Desmond deciding not to play (although a change of heart isn't off the table), plans are fluid and opportunity is plentiful. Raimel Tapia (.321, .369 OBP in 51 games) is likely in left, but could move to center. However, Garrett Hampson, who had dramatic highs and lows offensively, is seen as a potential impact defender in center. The Rockies remain intrigued by Sam Hilliard's power potential but need to find ample at-bats. Chris Owings, an infielder by trade, is also good enough in the outfield that his presence could save a roster spot in another area. Out-of-options Yonathan Daza, a strong defender, must improve his offense to challenge for a spot. -- Thomas Harding