The National League Central should be interesting this season. From the huge additions in Yelich and Cain by the “Brew Crew”, the signing of Marcell Ozuna in St. Louis, and to a very talented Cubs team. They will draw some attention this season as it looks the division just got more competitive.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals definitely upgraded with the acquisition of Marcell Ozuna in the trade with Miami. Ozuna adds power to a lineup which includes the likes of Matt Carpenter and Dexter Fowler. Martinez is the anchor of the rotation, which includes Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright. The Cardinals added a huge piece in Ozuna and could turn a lot of heads this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The losses of Andrew McCutchen and ace Gerrit Cole definitely have taken a toll on the Pirates. The loss of the two stars puts a damper on their hopes of succeeding within the division this season. Josh Harrison is leading a lineup that has certainly lost a lot of spunk with the loss of McCutchen. However, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco may provide a little help for Harrison in the long run. Jameson Tailon and Ivan Nova will look to take the heap of the load in regards to the pitching staff with the loss of Gerrit Cole.
Cincinnati Reds
The only name to focus on in regards to the Reds is Joey Votto. Votto, coming just two points shy of the NL MVP last season, is looking to have another how you say a very “Joey Votto” type of year. Last season, he slugged 36 homers and 100 RBI’s while compiling an average of .320. He’s definitely capable of topping off numbers like that this season as he possibly may have a shot at another MVP in the future before he finally calls it quits. They also have Billy Hamilton and I heard that he’s the fastest guy in the league or something.
Milwaukee Brewers
Watch out for the Brew Crew this season. Milwaukee added two HUGE additions in Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. This will definitely provide a large impact in the lineup which includes Eric Thames (31 Home runs in 2017) and “The Mayor of Ding Dong City” himself Travis Shaw. The Brewers lineup looks scary this season which is going to be very exciting to watch. All they need is the right pieces in the pitching staff and you have a club that could go deep into the postseason.
Chicago Cubs
Straight up, they’re going to win the division this year. It’s almost no contest if you don’t take the Brewers lineup in account. The addition of Yu Darvish is simply a luxury as it only makes them even better than they already were. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo return as the big threats of a very talented lineup. Which is also compiled of Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, Wilson Contreras, and Jason Heyward. Ben Zobrist and Albert Almora Jr. (who is entering his third season after hitting .298 last campaign), look to provide their talents in a big way per usual. With a rotation of Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, newly acquired Yu Darvish, José Quintana, and Tyler Chatwood there is no doubt at all the Cubs take the division again this season.
Final Standings
Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers
St. Louis Cardinals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds