2021 MLB predictions: Previewing the NL Central
The season is about to get underway, and with that comes out 2021 MLB predictions. Next on the docket is a division that could be too close to call – the NL Central.
At this point, four teams seem to have an excellent chance at emerging with the division, with the rebuilding Pirates left behind. However, that may be the only path for a team in the Central to reach the postseason, as each team has flaws that may limit how well they perform this season.
2021 MLB predictions: The NL Central
Perhaps more than in any other division, what teams do at the trade deadline will make an impact on the playoffs. None of these teams appear to be a finished product, especially as they were somewhat limited by financial concerns due to a season without fans.
Let’s take a look at the NL Central as it currently stands and look into our crystal ball to see who will win the division.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are continuing to rebuild, and maybe this time, they can do it correctly.
Ben Cherington is now in his second year with the franchise, evaluating which pieces can be a part of the long term solution. Ke’Bryan Hayes is an obvious answer, and the Pirates have attempted to engage him regarding an extension, but he has rebuffed their advances thus far. It is understandable as to why – he could end up signing at a massive discount and likely wants to see the direction the team is heading in the next couple of years before engaging in those discussions.
The next few years will be spent attempting to determine who those pieces are, but they may be difficult in the standings. While the rest of the division is flawed, Hayes is the only superlative player left on the roster. Steven Brault has shown flashes, and Mitch Keller has the pedigree, but this is just not a good team.
The Pittsburgh Pirates will need to go through a painful rebuild before they can contend. That rebuild has only just begun.
4. Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds reached the postseason last year based on excellent starting pitching and an offense that was essentially all or nothing. The nothing side showed up in the playoffs, as they were shut out during the Wild Card round.
In theory, this would have been the offseason to address those issues. Instead, the Reds offseason is more of a tale of who they lost instead of who they brought in. Trevor Bauer predictably departed, heading to the west coast, and Rasiel Iglesias was traded in a pure salary dump. It is hard to say that the Reds have really improved.
But there is hope. Cincinnati is hoping that they solved their shortstop issue by moving Eugenio Suarez back to his original position. This moved Mike Moustakas to third and opens second base for prospect Jonathan India. Michael Lorenzen is set to get his chance in the rotation, and there is some talent in the bullpen.
Maybe the Cincinnati Reds can surprise this year. However, as currently constructed, they just do not have enough to win the division.
3. Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs seemed as though they could not determine a direction this offseason.
They had traded Yu Darvish to the Padres in a move that seemingly signaled the beginning of their rebuilding process, making it probable that any of their big name impending free agents would be next. Instead, the Cubs found some extra money and added to their roster, bringing back the remnants of Jake Arrieta and signing Joc Pederson.
On the balance, this is a team that is trying to take one last run while keeping an eye on their future. Nico Hoerner was sent down in an obvious move to delay his free agency, and the prospects that they received for Darvish have yet to play at the High-A level. It is probable that the Cubs are a major player at the trade deadline, either as a seller with their impending free agents, or in trying to supplement their core for that final shot at a World Series.
The Chicago Cubs are a flawed team that seems torn between a rebuild and taking this final run. For now, the 2021 MLB predictions will slot them third in the division.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals essentially return the same team that won the division in 2020 with one major upgrade.
When the Cardinals stole Nolan Arenado from the Rockies, it sent a message to the rest of the division that at least one team was going for it. St. Louis then brought back their own free agents, keeping Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright where they belonged in the first place.
But the Cardinals are gambling that Arenado will be enough to put them over the top once again. St. Louis needs key pieces to bounce back from down years, as staff ace Jack Flaherty was not the same pitcher he had been and shortstop Paul DeJong saw his power evaporate. That will be the key to their season – can the players that struggled return to form?
The St. Louis Cardinals are essentially the same team as last year with one major upgrade. But they are getting older and have several question marks.
1. Milwaukee Brewers
Of all the teams in the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers may be the most complete.
Their rotation has promise, with a formidable duo of Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff setting the tone. The bullpen has two of the best relievers in the game in Josh Hader and Devin Williams, whose Airbender has become one of the most viral pitches in the game. Getting Lorenzo Cain back will help both the lineup and defense. Milwaukee also addressed any defensive shortcomings by signing Kolten Wong and Jackie Bradley Jr., both of which should make their pitching even better.
While those additions should help, the biggest key for the Brewers will be a return to form for two of their power bats. Christian Yelich had an uncharacteristically down season last year, while Keston Hiura regressed. If they can get back to their 2019 production, Milwaukee may well be the best team in the division.
Next. Previewing the NL East. dark
As it currently stands, the Milwaukee Brewers are the best team in the NL Central. But that could change in a few months.