MLB Preview: NL Central

The NL Central will be one of the most interesting divisions to watch this year. The top 3 teams in the division, the Cubs, Cardinals, and Brewers, have all gained valuable pieces. This division could be one of the hottest in baseball, as far as the top 3 go. The bottom 2, not so much.

Last Place: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have very little to be excited about this year. After trading away Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole, it will be time to start the long and rough rebuilding process. They will look to go younger and cheaper. They still have two veterans in Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco, that can add some spark to a lineup. Hope is not all lost, but in my opinion, Pirates fans, it’s time to buckle up for a couple long seasons.

4^th Place: Cincinnati Reds

A young Reds team will take the field in 2018. Yes, they will still have veterans Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton, but their plan is to play the young guys. I would fully expect Nick Senzel to make his major league debut early this season, if not on opening day. The starting rotation will be where the majority of the question marks are. Luis Castilla, made his debut last year and put up a 3.21 ERA in 20 starts. He will definitely have a spot in the rotation, manned by veterans, Homer Bailey, Anthony DeSclafini, and Brandon Finnegan. The young talents of Robert Stephenson, Sal Romano, Tyler Mahle, and Cody Reed will compete for the other open spot. Open spots could open up depending on the health of the rotation. The Reds have made big strides as far as young talent goes, but I wouldn’t consider them ready to compete just yet.

3^rd Place: Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers made a big splash this offseason when they signed for Lorenzo Cain and traded for Christian Yelich. Those two will add a huge burst to a lineup anchored by Ryan Braun and Eric Thames. There is no doubt that the Brewers lineup is ready to compete. The question for me is the pitching rotation. The rotation will be led by Zach Davies, Chase Anderson, and eventually Jimmy Nelson (once he returns from shoulder surgery). Can these guys provide enough quality starts to compete with the stacked Cubs and the newly loaded Cardinals? That’s my problem with the Brewers. IN my opinion, until they sign or trade for a true ace on the mound, then I don’t see the Brewers being able to stay at pace with the Cubs and Cardinals.

2^nd Place: St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals added a huge piece to their lineup when they traded for Marcell Ozuna. He posted a 145 OPS+, with 37 home runs, and 124 RBIs. This is the first real middle-of-the-order threat since Albert Pujols left. Then you have Matt Carpenter, Dexter Fowler, and Tommy Pham who will make big impacts. The lineup looks strong and so does the pitching rotation. The rotation will be strong with Carlos Martinez, Adam Wainwright, and Michael Wacha. The back end will feature young Jack Flaherty and Luke Weaver. If these two can hold up their end of the bargain then the rotation will definitely be something to fear. The question to me remains the bullpen. The bullpen has to provide solid innings and I’m not sure they can do that. Another question, can Luke Gregerson hold up the closer’s role. Those two questions are enough for me to slide them behind the Cubs in the division. Saying this, I still think that the race between these will be exciting come September.

1^st Place: Chicago Cubs

There is little doubt in my mind that the Cubs will win the division. The doubt is by how much will they win the division. After signing Yu Darvish, they look like they are ready to go long into October. The Cubs former ace, Jake Arrieta, sits in free agency still and if the Cubs were able to resign him than I would call off the division race because they will just be too strong. The lineup will be its usual self with Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Willson Contreras, and Kyle Schwarber. Not to mention, Javier Baez, Ian Happ, and Addison Russell. This lineup not only has star power but it has depth. If their rotation and bullpen holds up, there will be another NL Central pennant heading to Chicago.

Written by Justin Raley