The National League Central was essentially a 1 team race through the final two months of the season. This division however could be a very fun one in 2023. Multiple teams got a lot better and could make this division interesting come the latter half of 2023.
- St. Louis Cardinals: 93–69
The Cardinals had one of the best if not the best constructed lineups in baseball last year. Though the departures of All-Time Greats in Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols have occurred, the Cardinals wasted no time filling the void through the off-season.
Postseason Finish: Lost NLWC (2–0 to PHI)
2. Milwaukee Brewers: 86–76
The Brewers fell apart in August and September. They didn’t get much better this winter besides angering their best player after taking him to arbitration over $700,000. They have a few bright spots but the Brewers haven’t been the same ever since Christian Yelich’s production declined.
3. Chicago Cubs: 74–88
The Cubs after tearing down their core in 2021, trading Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez, they let Wilson Contreras walk to a division rival, but they still had a pretty good off-season, and could be a team to contend in the Wild Card race in 2023.
4. Cincinnati Reds: 62–100
The Reds were downright bad last year, they didn’t have that many bright spots but they could see an uptick in young talent on their roster, as top prospects including Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte could both make impacts at the major league level next year.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates: 62–100
The Pirates were bad last year but they had a few bright spots, O’Neil Cruz’s rookie campaign went decent all things considered, the results weren’t really there but when you’re hitting rockets off the Right Field wall at 125 MPH it doesn’t matter too much. Their pitching staff isn’t great but they signed a few veteran pieces that could make them not a bad team.
Recapping the Off-season:
St. Louis Cardinals:
Notable Additions:
C Wilson Contreras
3B/OF Jordan Walker (Call up)
Notable Departures:
1B Albert Pujols (Retirement)
C Yadier Molina (Retirement)
OF Corey Dickerson
LHP Jose Quintana
The Cardinals didn’t do much this off-season, they attempted to acquire an ace, going after LHP Carlos Rodón and RHP Pablo Lopez among others, they whiffed on all of them. Offensively the Cardinals are one of the best constructed teams in baseball. I think they’re far and away the best team in this division and I’m not sure how it’s particularly close.
Milwaukee Brewers:
Notable Additions:
DH William Contreras
LHP Wade Miley
UTL Brian Anderson
OF Jesse Winker
LHP Justin Wilson
Notable Departures:
INF Kolten Wong
OF Andrew McCutchen
OF Hunter Renfroe
C Omar Narvaez
The Brewers made enough moves to remain somewhat competitive, but the questions will once again be their lineup. It hasn’t been the force it used to be in recent years, the Brewers have a decent team led by a great pitching staff but that will only take them so far.
Chicago Cubs:
Notable Additions:
INF Dansby Swanson
OF Cody Bellinger
RHP Jameson Taillon
C Tucker Barnhart
1B Eric Hosmer
DH/OF Trey Mancini
LHP Drew Smyly
Notable Departures:
C Wilson Contreras
OF Rafael Ortega
INF Jonathan Villar
RHP Mychal Givens
The Cubs had a nice off-season. I think they could make some noise in the wild card race, Swanson is a decent pickup but I love the signing of Jameson Taillon. He was a staple with the Yankees the last two season and he can definitely be that with the Cubs next year.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
Notable Additions:
OF Andrew McCutchen
C Austin Hedges
LHP Rich Hill
OF Connor Joe
1B Carlos Santana
1B Ji-Man Choi
Notable Departures:
INF Kevin Newman
RHP Bryse Wilson
RHP Zach Thompson
The Pirates had a nice off-season, is it enough to make them a force in the Wild Card, probably not. But this season could be a huge step into bringing competitive baseball back to Pittsburgh. O’Neil Cruz is primed for a year two breakout, top prospect Endy Rodriguez is projected to be very good. Lots to look forward to in Pittsburgh.
5. Cincinnati Reds:
Notable Additions:
OF Nick Solak
Notable Departures:
INF Kyle Farmer
The Reds kinda just had a “meh” off-season. Not that much was done, but this team isn’t going anywhere next year. Contributions from young players could lead them in the right direction, the Reds will be running Low Payrolls for a while and will continue to try and stack up their farm system.
2023 Projections: (Via Pecota/Baseball Prospectus)
Milwaukee Brewers: 87-75
St. Louis Cardinals: 85-77
Chicago Cubs: 76-86
Pittsburgh Pirates: 72-90
Cincinnati Reds: 70-92
BS Reports 
Leave a comment