As the previous season approached, many experts anticipated that the NL Central would showcase the most competitive landscape across all of baseball. Indeed, the last-place Pirates were only 17 games behind, making it the tightest race from first to last in the league. However, the battle for the top was not as thrilling, as the Brewers secured the division title with a comfortable 10-game lead. The other four teams were separated by just seven games, hinting at potential excitement for a five-team race this coming season.
Even after trading closer Devin Williams and losing shortstop Willy Adames to free agency, the Brewers enter 2025 as favorites in the NL Central, following their fourth division title since 2018. Meanwhile, the Cubs had a disappointing season with 83 wins again, but the addition of MVP-caliber player Kyle Tucker is a positive factor. The Cardinals underperformed in 2024 but still managed to win 83 games; they are in transition but shouldn’t be underestimated. Both the Reds and Pirates possess considerable talent, providing an intriguing angle to see how they develop. The Pirates have a young ace in Paul Skenes, while the Reds are guided by future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona.
Projection systems indicate a narrow margin, with some showing as little as a six-game spread between first and last place. Regardless of the differences, a common observation is that there are no clear weak teams in the division. Unlike other divisions that house bottom-dwelling teams like the Rockies or the Marlins, all five teams in the NL Central possess enough talent to be playoff contenders. The coming season will reveal how the excitement unfolds.
It’s likely that not all five teams will remain closely bunched, as some may rise to the top while others fall behind. Nonetheless, it’s a tantalizing possibility to consider.
Milwaukee Brewers
Projected starting lineup
1. Jackson Chourio, RF
2. Christian Yelich, DH
3. William Contreras, C
4. Garrett Mitchell, CF
5. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
6. Brice Turang, 2B
7. Joey Ortiz, SS
8. Sal Frelick, LF
9. Oliver Dunn, 3B
The Brewers will likely rely heavily on their bench, particularly on Mark Canha. Additionally, Blake Perkins will return from injury for increased playing time.
Projected rotation
RHP Freddy Peralta
LHP Nestor Cortes
RHP Aaron Civale
LHP José Quintana
LHP Tyler Alexander
A notable addition is two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff, who is expected to return strong post shoulder surgery. Tobias Myers is also currently dealing with an oblique injury.
Key Question: Can they finally achieve a deep playoff run?
The Brewers are in what can be described as their Golden Era, having reached the postseason six times in the last seven years with winning records for seven consecutive full seasons. Before this stretch, the Brewers only made the playoffs four times (1981-82, 2008, 2011). However, since a deep run to Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS against the Dodgers, the Brewers have had limited success in the playoffs, winning only 2 out of 12 playoff games.
Although they lost key players Williams and Adames, the Brewers might still possess the talent necessary for a deep postseason push this year. With Chourio on the verge of stardom, a potentially top catcher in Contreras, and a healthy Yelich, their chances of success look promising. Pitchers Peralta and Woodruff leading a strong rotation transfuses confidence in a bullpen where Megill showcased his potential last season. The Brewers are also ranked among the top base-stealing teams in baseball during an era where such tactics are regaining importance.
This squad has the potential to surprise opponents. The pivotal question remains: will they deliver when it matters most?
Chicago Cubs
Projected starting lineup
1. Ian Happ, LF
2. Seiya Suzuki, DH
3. Kyle Tucker, RF
4. Michael Busch, 1B
5. Matt Shaw, 3B
6. Dansby Swanson, SS
7. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
8. Miguel Amaya, C
9. Jon Berti, 2B
Nico Hoerner will resume his role as the everyday second baseman upon returning from injury, with Justin Turner also receiving significant at-bats.
Projected rotation
LHP Shota Imanaga
LHP Justin Steele
RHP Jameson Taillon
LHP Matthew Boyd
RHP Colin Rea
Injured Javier Assad might still play a significant role. Also expect contributions from Ben Brown, Brad Keller, and Jordan Wicks for the back of the rotation.
Notable relievers
RHP Ryan Pressly
RHP Porter Hodge
RHP Ryan Brasier
RHP Tyson Miller
RHP Nate Pearson
Key Question: Can the Cubs regain a competitive spirit?
Flashback a decade, and the Cubs were synonymous with success, making three consecutive NLCS appearances and clinching the 2016 World Series. They enjoyed six straight winning seasons till 2020, marked by multiple playoff appearances and three NL Central titles. However, after disassembling the championship team in 2021 and promising a swift rebuild, followed by a dismal 2022, mediocrity has taken root with two seasons of 83 wins each. President Jed Hoyer faces a crucial year, needing to deliver a playoff-bound team or face repercussions.
The Cubs possess adequate talent both on the field and within management, led by second-year coach Craig Counsell, yet they remain lackluster. It’s vital for them to play like robust contenders throughout the entire season, especially with the addition of Tucker and potential impacts from Pressly and Boyd. It’s crucial that players like Busch, Crow-Armstrong, and Amaya advance, and Suzuki and Steele also deliver full seasons.
While 0-2 isn’t an ideal start, a season in a closely contested division shouldn’t be written off just yet.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Projected starting lineup
1. Tommy Pham, LF
2. Bryan Reynolds, RF
3. Oneil Cruz, CF
4. Andrew McCutchen, DH
5. Joey Bart, C
6. D.J. Stewart, 1B
7. Nick Gonzales, 2B
8. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B
9. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, SS
Offseason acquisition Spencer Horwitz will return to first base upon recovery from surgery. Other depth pieces include Adam Frazier, Jack Suwinski, and Jared Triolo.
Projected rotation
RHP Paul Skenes
RHP Mitch Keller
LHP Andrew Heaney
LHP Bailey Falter
Righthander Jared Jones is experiencing elbow discomfort and is undergoing testing. If the findings are minor, he could hold the No. 3 starter position; otherwise, Carmen Mlodzinski may be considered for the fifth spot.
Notable relievers
RHP David Bednar
RHP Dennis Santana
RHP Colin Holderman
LHP Tim Mayza
LHP Caleb Ferguson
Key Question: Is there enough offensive capability?
The potential ace in Skenes might position the Pirates atop the pitching hierarchy in 2025. Keller is also All-Star caliber, and Jones has significant talent as well, although it’s uncertain if all three can excel concurrently this year. The rotation could indeed prove solid, alongside a bullpen with enough pieces to align successfully, despite many unknowns. The concern, however, lies in the offense. The Pirates ranked 24th in runs last season, 23rd in batting average, 26th in on-base percentage, and 27th in slugging percentage, with most players returning.
There’s optimism that Cruz could evolve into a star at 26, Hayes might rebound from an injury-marred season, and Horwitz could return strong after his surgery. It’s hopeful that Bart’s breakout is genuine, alongside Pham and McCutchen delivering in what could be their final attempts at success. Nonetheless, it seems to be a daunting position to consistently score runs, particularly with a solid pitching rotation.
Cincinnati Reds
Projected starting lineup
1. TJ Friedl, CF
2. Matt McLain, 2B
3. Elly De La Cruz, SS
4. Austin Hays, LF
5. Jeimer Candelario, 1B
6. Gavin Lux, 3B
7. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, DH
8. Jake Fraley, RF
9. Jose Trevino, C
Tyler Stephenson will assume the primary catching duties once he recovers from an oblique injury, and Spencer Steer will also play a key role after his return. Additionally, Santiago Espinal might see playing time at third base, and Noelvi Marte could earn a spot in the majors.
Projected rotation
RHP Hunter Greene
RHP Brady Singer
LHP Nick Lodolo
RHP Nick Martinez
LHP Andrew Abbott
The right-handed Graham Ashcraft could also contribute significantly.
Notable relievers
RHP Alexis Díaz
LHP Taylor Rogers
RHP Emilio Pagán
LHP Sam Moll
Key Question: What impact will Francona have?
The Reds have had a number of young talents who have yet to fully develop or have battled injuries in recent years. Last season, we witnessed De La Cruz as an emerging star and Greene showcasing ace capabilities. Players like Marte, Encarnacion-Strand, Lodolo, and Steer are expected to join them in progress. There’s still growth potential in players like Friedl, Fraley, Stephenson, Abbott, and Ashcraft, alongside newcomers Lux and Singer.
With the key addition of a proven manager in Francona, the central question revolves around how many wins he could contribute. His management style not only influences individual game strategies but is vital for fostering team culture and performance. Francona turned around a 68-win team in Cleveland to 92 in his first year. The Reds won 77 games last season; how much of an improvement can be anticipated?
St. Louis Cardinals
Projected starting lineup
1. Masyn Winn, SS
2. Lars Nootbaar, LF
3. Willson Contreras, 1B
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Brendan Donovan, 2B
6. Iván Herrera, C
7. Alec Burleson, DH
8. Jordan Walker, RF
9. Victor Scott II, CF
Nolan Gorman will also receive significant playing time.
Projected rotation
RHP Sonny Gray
RHP Erick Fedde
RHP Miles Mikolas
RHP Andre Pallante
LHP Steven Matz
Notable relievers
RHP Ryan Helsley
LHP Matthew Liberatore
RHP Ryan Fernandez
LHP JoJo Romero
RHP Phil Maton
Key Question: How will they handle the youth movement alongside contention?
The Cardinals traditionally do not undergo rebuilds. After finishing last in 2023, a position they haven’t held at season’s end since 1990, the organization finds itself in a transition phase. With Paul Goldschmidt leaving in free agency and unsuccessful trade attempts for Nolan Arenado, they possess both veteran presence and emerging talents.
If a full rebuild were on the horizon, they might have explored trading gray and Contreras alongside Arenado. Instead, the Cardinals are deciding to blend youth with veteran presence. Players like Gorman, Winn, Burleson, Walker, and Scott are part of the younger wave, along with top prospects like catcher Jimmy Crooks, and pitchers Tink Hence and Sem Robberse may join them soon.
As for ongoing operations, club president John Mozeliak is set to transition leadership to Chaim Bloom by the end of the season. If the Cardinals quickly fall out of playoff contention, it may facilitate a more future-focused approach, but with their current talent, they are capable of remaining competitive.
