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MLB division preview and predictions: NL Central

By Jack McKenney

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 24: Paul Goldschmidt #46 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a two-run home run in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs in game one of a doubleheader at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 24: Paul Goldschmidt #46 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a two-run home run in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs in game one of a doubleheader at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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There’s been a lot of movement over the offseason in the NL Central. Can the Cubs swipe a Wild Card spot after adding Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger? Does adding Willson Contreras once again make the Cardinals the best team in the division? Can Corbin Burnes and the Brewers starting rotation carry Milwaukee to another division title?

Let’s answer all these questions and more in our NL Central preview for 2023

NL Central preview: 5. Cincinnati Reds

Can you believe the Reds almost made the playoffs two years ago? It’s almost impossible to comprehend, with the team now having one of the worst rosters in Major League Baseball. The young starting pitching staff is highlighted by Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft. These three players are the future of Cincinnati’s pitching staff for years to come, with all three hoping to make big strides of improvement this season. It was a tough rookie season for Greene, who went 5-13 with a 4.44 ERA (4.37 FIP) over 125 innings of work. Greene showed glimpses of domination last year, but it remains clear that he must improve his secondary pitches to better complement his 99+ mph fastball. The 25-year-old Ashcraft is a similar case. Ashcraft showcased a cutter that averaged 97.3 mph last season, registering a strongly effective pitch value of 4.2 runs above average. However, every other pitch was below average, in turn bringing his final ERA to 4.89 last season (4.21 FIP). Former top prospect Nick Lodolo lived up to the hype last season, registering seven games with eight or more strikeouts. It was by all means a dominant rookie campaign for the lefty, who posted 135 strikeouts over 103 innings of work, finishing with a 3.66 ERA (3.90 FIP). Cincinnati will hope for these three talented young arms to showcase further impressive strides this season.

While the lineup remains incredibly grim, Cincinnati added Wil Myers and Chad Pinder, two solid MLB vets who could potentially be dealt at the trade deadline for some prospects. Future Hall of Famer Joey Votto will potentially play his last season in Cincinnati. The 39 year old was hilariously optimistic over the offseason, predicting aliens will help the Reds bring home a World Series title. Former NL Rookie of the Year Jonathan India and catcher Tyler Stephenson are the young pieces that highlight this lineup. However, they could be joined midseason by two stud young shortstops. Elly De La Cruz comes in as the 10th-ranked prospect, with a chance of a possible debut later this season. The 21 year old hit over .300 in both single and double-A last season while showcasing impressive defensive tools. Noelvi Marte, the 29th-overall prospect in baseball, was the main piece Cincinnati received in a trade that sent former ace Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners. Though expected to make his debut in 2024, the 21-year-old is certainly someone to keep an eye on. Alexis Diaz, brother of Edwin Diaz, will be fun to watch closing games out of the bullpen. However, it’s hard to imagine we’ll see him all that often this year.

It’s gonna be another losing season for Cincinnati, and currently there isn’t much light at the end of the tunnel.

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