MLB Spring Training: Who will take advantage of the wide open NL Central?

• The MLB’s National League Central division has no clear favorite. Which of the five teams will take advantage of a wide-open race to take the title?
• The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals to the line last season, winning their third title in four years.
• The Cincinnati Reds hired manager Terry Francona out of retirement. The Pirates will bank on pitching to give them hope.

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Spring Training is underway across Major League Baseball as teams workout in Arizona and Florida. In the National League Central, there is no clear favorite. Which of the five teams will take advantage of a wide-open race?

Can the Cubs finally return to the playoffs?

The Chicago Cubs have missed the playoffs in four straight seasons, which could explain why they made the biggest moves in the division this offseason. They brought in one of the best outfielders in the game, former Houston Astro Kyle Tucker, signed starting pitcher Matthew Boyd and acquired closer Ryan Pressly to shore up their biggest weakness, the bullpen. Tucker, along with Seiya Suzuki, Micheal Busch and Ian Happ, should drive the offense.

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun playing in Wrigley field year-round, so I mean, I got to experience it on the Wayside last year. Just seeing all the fans come out and support,” Tucker said. “So, I always hear that’s always sold out and everything, and to be able to experience that last year was pretty cool, and I’m happy to be a part of it on the home side now.”

Will the Brewers defend their title?

The Cubs could be in a better position simply because the 2024 Division Champion Milwaukee Brewers lost a couple of big pieces in shortstop Willy Adames and closer Devin Williams. That said, Jackson Chourio can carry this team for stretches. Will they have the pitching to lean on? Freddie Peralta and former Yankee Nestor Cortes will anchor a staff that mostly overachieved last season. Any regression will open the door for the rest of the division.

Will Terry Francona be a difference-maker?

Cincinnati’s pitching staff got a boost when Brady Singer joined from the Kansas City Royals. He’ll team with Hunter Greene and their #2 prospect, Rhett Lowder, to help shut opponents down. However, the biggest offseason move was likely bringing in future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona. His job is to help superstar Elly De La Cruz take his game to an even higher level. Last season, he hit for a .259 average, with 25 homers and 76 runs batted in.

“He’s such a good kid. He wants to be so good, and I hope I can have a part in him becoming better,” Francona said. “I just told him I want him to be the best player in baseball on the best team. That’s the goal.”

Can the Cardinals keep their star players?

The St. Louis Cardinals won 83 games last season, tied with the Cubs for second in the division. The big question surrounding this team is: How long will Nolan Arenado hang around before he’s traded? If he leaves, candidates to fill that power void may include Nolan Gorman, Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker. Those are all young players who have had spotty production but should get better with more playing time. The Cardinals rotation led by Sonny Gray and Erick Fedde had 52 wins last year. 

Can pitching make the Pirates contenders?

Pitching is the strength of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The trio of Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller hope to continue their progression and stay healthy. If that happens, the Pirates could shake up the entire division. The offense was ranked 23rd in the majors last year. Any improvement in scoring runs, with that pitching, in this division could give Pittsburgh some hope. Hope, however, is the one thing in abundance this time of year.