National League Central
Aside from a couple of notable moves, the NL Central pretty much stayed put this offseason. It leads to believe the division will see similar results in 2018 as it saw in 2017. Ultimately, the Central doesn’t quite have the firepower that the remaining two divisions have.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are still the talk of MLB, deservedly so. They are in their prime as a unit, and any result shy of a World Series victory will be a disappointment. Agree with it or not, the Cubbies are the third best team in the NL as we currently stand.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brew Crew is very intriguing. Adding outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich will deepen the lineup and increase RBI opportunities for the Brewers’ power bats. However, do they have the starting pitching to contend for a division title?
St. Louis Cardinals
Moving on, the Cardinals had a quiet offseason. Marcel Ozuna will undoubtedly strengthen the Cards’ lineup; however, St. Louis failed to bring in a much-needed lights out closer. Greg Holland is still available, but the team seems ready to move forward with what they already have.
Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha will be under the spotlight this season. The Cardinals rotation will need at least one of them to regain their prized form to compete in the NL Central.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds appear to be still stuck in neutral. Though they have a few exciting young players, the team continues to be the brunt of the division, and they’ll be one of the lesser MLB teams.
Pittsburgh Pirates
With that being said, the Pirates could give them some competition for last place. Pittsburgh finally got rid of Andrew McCutchen. They of course parted ways with Gerrit Cole as well. The Pirates will have their worst season in quite some time in 2018.