National League Central: What Needs to Go Right for Each Team

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are entering an important year for the franchise. After winning their first World Series championship in over 100 years back in 2016, it was thought that it would only be the beginning for this dynastic Cubs core. However, since then the Cubs have been blown out of the NLCS and bounced in the wild card game. This is a must win season for the Cubs and they will need everything to go right to get it done.

Most of the question marks surrounding the Cubs revolve around the pitching staff. The team currently has five starting pitchers projected for 2 wins above replacement or better. As currently constructed, the Cubs can survive with this production out of the starting rotation due to their immense talent and depth on the position player side. However, they will need these five starters to either take the ball every fifth day all season long, which is highly unlikely, or get some positive contributions from the likes of Mike Montgomery, Tyler Chatwood and Albert Alzolay.

Staying on the pitching side, the Cubs will also need to piece together a bullpen to compete in the 2019 season. They have the parts to make a solid unit, however they will need peak performances out of several of their arms to compete with the rest of the division. Brandon Morrow will need to be healthy and productive on the back-end, while Pedro Strop and Carl Edwards lock down the seventh and eighth innings. The team also has quality relievers for the middle innings, but they are all going to have to perform to the top of their abilities to hold down leads in this tough National League Central.