Call to the pen
Fansided

1 bold prediction for each National League Central team in 2023

By Noah Yingling

Sep 30, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a one run single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a one run single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Cubs
Jun 19, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; A member of the grounds crew wipes off the Chicago Cubs’ on deck logo prior to a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: They will finish the season around .500

In 2022, the Chicago Cubs went 74-88, which was still good enough for third place in the NL Central.

However, they have the most improved lineup in the NL Central and one of the most improved lineups in the sport. They added shortstop Dansby Swanson, first baseman Eric Hosmer, DH Trey Mancini, outfielder Cody Bellinger, and catcher Tucker Barnhart. They also shored up the backend of their bullpen with Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger.

The thing that will hold them back is their starting rotation. Outside of Marcus Stroman, the Cubs have a bunch of fourth and fifth starters. New acquisition Jameson Taillon is their second starter. In each of the last two seasons, he has had an ERA+ of 100, which is quite literally a league-average pitcher. He should be a fourth starter on a playoff team, not a number two.

Most sportsbooks have their over/under at or around 76.5. Our bold prediction is that they will win 80 games, which would be a six-game improvement over 2022.

Milwaukee Brewers: William Contreras will lead the team in home runs

The Milwaukee Brewers missed the postseason entirely in 2022 after they were in first place on August 5. Part of this was because of missteps by the front office at the trade deadline but the offense really struggled down the stretch. William Contreras should help them out, especially in the power department.

He only played in 97 games in the majors with the Braves last season but he still had 20 home runs. In 2022, Willy Adames and Rowdy Tellez had 31 and 35 home runs. They could each easily eclipse 30+ home runs again but Contreras could very well do that too.

The problem for them will be if the rest of the offense can deliver. That largely lies on whether or not Christian Yelich is the Yelich of 2018 and 2019.

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