The past few weeks, we dove into the American League divisions, and now we shift our focus to the National League. Deemed as one of the least competitive divisions in baseball, the NL Central has three teams that could potentially make the playoffs and two teams that do not seem to have a shot.

The Milwaukee Brewers project to be the favorite, but the Chicago Cubs are not far behind them. I wouldn’t expect this division to produce the pennant winner, but they have 3 teams that should be taken seriously. 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Acquisitions

• LHP Andrew Heaney: Signed a one-year, $5 million contract. Heaney brings veteran experience to the rotation, having posted a 4.28 ERA over 160 innings with the Texas Rangers in 2024. 
• LHP Caleb Ferguson: Joined the Pirates on a one-year deal. Ferguson has previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros, bringing a career ERA of 3.68 over multiple seasons.
• LHP Tim Mayza: Signed a one-year contract. Mayza adds depth to the bullpen with his experience as a reliable reliever.
• 2B Adam Frazier: Returned to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal. Frazier previously played for the Pirates and is known for his versatility and contact hitting.
• OF Tommy Pham: Added on a one-year contract. Once known for slapping another player on an opposing team due to a disagreement in fantasy football, the fiery outfielder will be a strong voice in the clubhouse.
• 1B Spencer Horwitz: Acquired in a three-team trade involving the Blue Jays and Guardians. Horwitz is expected to compete for playing time at first base.
• INF/OF Enmanuel Valdez: Obtained via trade with the Red Sox, Valdez adds versatility to the roster with his ability to play multiple positions.

Notable Departures

• LHP Aroldis Chapman: Signed with the Boston Red Sox after 1 year in Pittsburgh.
• RHP Luis L. Ortiz: Traded to the Cleveland Guardians in the Spencer Horwtiz trade.
• OF Bryan De La Cruz: Joined the Atlanta Braves after being a former top prospect for the Miami Marlins.
• 1B Connor Joe: Signed with the San Diego Padres.
• OF Michael A. Taylor: Moved to the Chicago White Sox.

Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates made several small acquisitions this offseason, including signing left-hander Andrew Heaney, aiming to add veteran experience to their pitching staff. They also brought back second baseman Adam Frazier on a one-year contract, providing versatility and contact hitting.

Additionally, the Pirates added outfielder Tommy Pham, known for his fiery demeanor and clubhouse presence. It is never really expected for the Pirates to make large moves but they don’t seem to be looking to compete in 2025. 

Pittsburgh’s farm system is ranked around the middle of the pack ranging anywhere from No. 13 to No. 16. They currently have four top 100 prospects according to MLB Pipeline. Two of which are projecting to be middle infielders (Temarr Johnson & Konnor Griffen) while two project to be future starting pitchers in Thomas Harrington and Bubba Chandler. (sick name btw)

Their rankings took a huge blow with the graduation of phenom pitcher and Cy Young contender Paul Skenes and is rather top heavy so if those four don’t pan out, it’s looking rather bleak.

The future doesn’t look very promising for Pittsburgh Pirates fans, something they are pretty accustomed to. They easily rank as one of the two worst teams in the division and with a middle of the pack farm system, it’s fair to question if help is on the way in the coming years.

They have some young talent, but with a front office that rarely splurges or makes major moves, other than trading their top guys for more prospects, I don’t see this team going anywhere for not only this year but the following seasons as well. 

Record Prediction: 61-101

Milwaukee Brewers

Notable Acquisitions

• LHP Nestor Cortes: Acquired via trade with the New York Yankees for former closer Devin Williams.
• LHP José Quintana: Signed to a one-year deal, a journeyman in the majors was previously part of the Mets magical run in 2024. 
• RHP Grant Anderson: Obtained in a trade with the Texas Rangers, Anderson adds depth to the bullpen.
• RHP Elvin Rodríguez: Signed to a one-year contract, Rodríguez is anticipated to contribute as a reliever.
• LHP Tyler Alexander: Joining on a one-year deal, Alexander provides versatility as both a starter and reliever.
• LHP Grant Wolfram: Signed to a one-year contract, Wolfram is expected to add depth to the bullpen.
• OF Mark Canha: Brought in on a minor league deal, the former A’s and Mets outfielder brings extra depth, especially if he stays with the organization not making the Opening day roster. 

Notable Subtractions

• SS Willy Adames: Signed with the San Francisco Giants on a 7 year deal after being traded to Milwaukee from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021.
• RHP Devin Williams: Traded to the New York Yankees in a deal that included Nestor Cortes.
  RHP Frankie Montas: Signed with the New York Mets.
  C Gary Sánchez: Signed with the Baltimore Orioles after 1 year in Milwaukee.
• LHP Hoby Milner: Moved to the Texas Rangers.
• RHP Joe Ross: Signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
• LHP Wade Miley: Joined the Cincinnati Reds in another stop in his journeyman career.
• RHP Colin Rea: Signed with the Chicago Cubs after 3 years with the club. 

Analysis

The Milwaukee Brewers were active this offseason, notably trading for left-hander Nestor Cortes from the New York Yankees in exchange for former closer Devin Williams. They also signed veteran left-hander José Quintana to a one-year deal, adding experience to their rotation after a magical postseason run with the New York Mets last year.

Additionally, the Brewers added multiple arms to bolster a bullpen that lost a few guys from the 2024 squad. Losing two top players in shortstop Willy Adames and closer Devin Williams will be a huge blow to the team but they have enough young talent to be able to fill those gaps. 

Milwaukee’s farm system is ranked amongst the top 10 in the majors according to MLB Pipeline. The Brewers boast four top prospects and multiple guys who will eventually burst into the top 100 potentially. Two of them look to come up in 2025, with projected starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski and catcher Jeferson Quero.

They look to have other guys who could contribute this year, as well as having multiple young talented players that have already graduated from the system. The young talent in Milwaukee is looking promising for the coming years squads to make post season runs in an NL Central without one true dominant team. 

Fresh off a 2024 postseason appearance and division title, Milwaukee looks to defend that title and find a way back to October baseball. With ace Freddy Peralta, a quality bullpen and lineup that has no real weakness, they look to be a serious contender in 2025. With a few moves at the deadline, it might be time to take this team seriously. 

Record Prediction: 89-73

St. Louis Cardinals

Notable Acquisitions

• RHP Phil Maton: Signed to a one-year deal, Maton is expected to bolster the bullpen.

Notable Subtractions

• 1B Paul Goldschmidt: Traded to the New York Yankees.
• RHP Andrew Kittredge: Signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

Analysis

The St. Louis Cardinals experienced a relatively quiet offseason, with the most notable transaction being the trade of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to the New York Yankees. Additionally, they signed right-hander Phil Maton to a one-year deal, giving a little help to the bullpen in what could be assumed as a candidate to be moved at the trade deadline.

They are desparate to get rid of their former star and multiple platinum glove winner Nolan Arenado but their asking price has been too high to convince any suitors to take on a declining player. They are clearly in a rebuilding process that looks to be rough for a fan base so accustomed to winning. 

St. Louis’ farm system is ranked in the bottom third in MLB Pipeline’s rankings, not a good combination to have with a team trying to rebuild. They currently have three top 100 prospects, two of which are pitchers looking to be promoted in 2025 (Tink Hence and Quinn Mathews).

After that, the drop off from the rest of the farm system talent is rather apparent. They hope to boost their prospect pool by trading Arenado but do not seem to have much other talent to try and cash in on. 

In what I would call a disastrous offseason, the Cardinals by far made the least amount of moves of anyone in the division. The future looks ugly for the organization and the losing seasons can easily pile on for the coming years.

Every team has to go through this at some point, but it’ll be a tough pill to swallow for the St. Louis faithful that’s accustomed to post season appearances. 

Record Prediction: 64-98

Chicago Cubs

Free Agents

• LHP Drew Smyly

Notable Acquisitions

• OF Kyle Tucker – Traded from the Houston Astros for a package of players, Tucker is regarded as one of the best outfielders in baseball and is a huge upgrade for the Cubs. He is on the last year of his deal before hitting free agency so there’s a large risk he will only be playing in the Windy city for one year. 
• LHP Matthew Boyd – Brought in on a 2 year deal, the former Guardian brings solid rotation depth despite recent injury concerns.
• RHP Ryan Pressly – In a separate trade from Kyle Tucker, Pressly was brought in as a Veteran closer with heavy playoff experience to strengthen the bullpen. 
• RHP Eli Morgan – traded from the Cleveland Guardians, the versatile reliever with a deceptive changeup, adds bullpen flexibility.
• C Carson Kelly – Signed on a 2 year deal, Kelly provides a reliable backup option behind the plate.
• 1B Justin Turner – The long time Los Angeles Dodger brings veteran leadership and a solid bat, likely to split time between 1B/DH.
• LHP Caleb Thielbar – Signed on a 1 year deal, he is a crafty lefty to balance the bullpen.
• RHP Ryan Brasier – a 2 time world series champ, Braiser brings a high-leverage arm with postseason experience.
• RHP Colin Rea – in a 1 year contract, Rea returns to Chicago to provide pitching depth.
• 3B Jon Berti – Playing a majority of his career for Miami, he is known for his speed and defensive versatility around the infield.
• RHP Cody Poteet – Traded from the New York Yankees, A depth arm with upside if healthy.
• UTIL Vidal Bruján – A former Tampa Bay Ray’s top prospect, Bruján speedy, versatile utility play can be useful in late game defensive switches. 
• INF Nicky Lopez (MiLB deal) — Defensive specialist who offers middle infield depth.

Notable Subtractions

• OF Cody Bellinger – The biggest subtraction of the offseason, Bellinger was traded to the New York Yankees with Tucker joining the team. 
• RHP Kyle Hendricks – The longtime Cubs starter moves on after a decade with the team including being on the 2016 World Series winning squad, he moves on to the Washington Nationals
• OF Mike Tauchman 
• RHP Jorge López – signed with the Washington Nationals in yet another stop in his journeyman career.
• 3B Isaac Paredes – Traded to the Houston Astros as part of the package that brought Tucker and Pressly to Chicago.
• RHP Hayden Wesneski – Also traded to the Houston Astros in the Kyle Tucker Deal

Analysis

The Chicago Cubs made a “video game-like” amount of moves this offseason, notably acquiring outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in exchange for a package of players, including Infielder Isaac Paredes, top third base prospect Cam Smith and pitcher Hayden Wesneski.

Chicago also bolstered their pitching staff by signing left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year deal and trading for veteran closer Ryan Pressly. Additionally, the Cubs added catcher Carson Kelly on a two-year contract and infielder Justin Turner, who brings veteran leadership and a solid bat.

However, they parted ways with long-time starter Kyle Hendricks, who signed with the Washington Nationals and Cody Bellinger who was traded to the Yankees. 

The Cubs’ farm system is highly regarded, tied with the Seattle Mariners for the most top 100 prospects in MLB according to MLB Pipeline, with seven players recognized. Six out the seven project to make the roster during the 2025 season, a luxury only few other teams have.

Notable prospects include third baseman Matt Shaw, who leads their pipeline and is currently in the top 20. With a team with good Major league talent, they have plenty more reinforcements coming during the season. 

The Cubs look serious to compete this year. They are sorta in win-now mode, trying to maximize on their potential 1 year rental in Kyle Tucker. They had a long winded list of acquisitions to go along with him and were right outside of making the playoffs last year.

With a robust farm system, the Cubs are poised for both immediate competitiveness and long-term success. I would not be surprised to see this team sneak in as a wild card team. 

Record Prediction: 86-76

Cincinnati Reds

Free Agents

• None

Notable Acquisitions

• RHP Nick Martinez — Re-signed after accepting a qualifying offer, Martinez continues to be a valuable asset in the Reds’ rotation.
• RHP Brady Singer — Acquired via trade with the Kansas City Royals, Singer is expected to strengthen the starting rotation.
• 2B Gavin Lux — Brought in through a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lux adds athleticism and offensive potential to the infield.
• LHP Taylor Rogers — Acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants, Rogers is anticipated to be a key component in the bullpen.
• OF Austin Hays — Signed to a one-year deal, Hays brings defensive versatility and a solid bat to the outfield.
• C Jose Trevino — Acquired via trade with the New York Yankees, the former All-Star Trevino is expected to provide defensive strength behind the plate.
• RHP Scott Barlow — Signed to a one-year contract with an option for 2026, Barlow adds depth to the bullpen.

Notable Subtractions

• LHP Justin Wilson — Signed with the Boston Red Sox on a 1-year deal
• 2B Jonathan India — Traded to the Kansas City Royals with Joey Weimer for Brady Singer.
• 1B Ty France — Joined the Minnesota Twins after being acquired off waivers after multiple years with the Seattle Mariners. 
• SS Amed Rosario — Signed with the Washington Nationals after being on 3 teams in 2024 (Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers & Cincinnati Reds) 
• RHP Jakob Junis — Moved to the Cleveland Guardians
• OF Joey Wiemer — Traded to the Kansas City Royals with 2B Jonathan India for Brady Singer

Analysis

The Cincinnati Reds offseason lacked a blockbuster move, but they addressed several needs from last season. They acquired right-handed pitcher Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer, enhancing their starting rotation.

Additionally, the Reds traded for infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers, sending outfield prospect Mike Sirota and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick in return, giving them a quality utility guy in the infield.

To further solidify their bullpen, the Reds acquired left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers from the San Francisco Giants, exchanging minor league right-hander Braxton Roxby. Additionally, the Reds traded catcher José Trevino to the New York Yankees for pitcher Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson.

Marked as a small market franchise, Cincinnati is finding a way to compete.

The Reds’ farm system continues to develop promising talent. In the 2024 MLB Draft, they secured the second overall pick and selected right-handed pitcher Chase Burns from Wake Forest University, who is anticipated to make a significant impact in the coming years.

They also have six top 100 prospects according to MLB. Pipeline, with a few of them expected to make it to the majors this season. They are ranked consistently amongst the top 12 organizations in baseball and look to have more talent that could boost that ranking as the year goes on.

The Reds are not sitting on their hands it seems. The team is serious about starting to get to contention for a championship. The additions of Singer, Lux, and Rogers address key areas, helping to boost a team that has one of the top up and coming players in baseball in Elly De La Cruz.

In my rankings, they seem to be a team that might sneak into the playoffs or be on the outside looking in. I wouldn’t count them out, but I also wouldn’t take my money to vegas and put it on them. 

Record Prediction: 84-78

Division Prediction

• Milwaukee Brewers
• Chicago Cubs
• Cincinnati Reds
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Pittsburgh Pirates

Final Thoughts

The disparity between the top three teams and bottom two teams is rather large, and it looks to be that way for years beyond 2025.

Milwaukee looks to be primed as the favorite and could find themselves four wins away from a World Series appearance. While this may be the least competitive division in the National League, it is not a complete joke.

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