The Texas Rangers’ Derek Hill was caught stealing by the Milwaukee Brewers’ Brice Turang during a spring training game in Phoenix.
The St. Louis Cardinals signed Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. The Chicago Cubs added Shota Imanaga and Héctor Neris. Even the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates made moves in free agency.
Currently, there are no tanking teams in the NL Central, making the division wide open. St. Louis or Milwaukee has won the division five out of the past six years.
In 2023, Milwaukee clinched the NL Central, finishing nine games ahead of second-place Chicago. However, the Brewers’ rotation took a hit when Corbin Burnes was traded to Baltimore and Brandon Woodruff underwent shoulder surgery.
This challenge falls to Pat Murphy, who was promoted to manager after Craig Counsell left for Chicago, adding excitement to one of the division’s best rivalries.
“Glad he’s on our side now,” Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said of their new manager.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Luis Lara dives back to first base as the Chicago White Sox’s Andrew Vaughn makes the catch during a spring training game in Phoenix. (AP photo)
Cincinnati was a playoff contender in 2023 but finished with an 82-80 record. The Reds improved their pitching staff by signing Frankie Montas, Nick Martinez, and Emilio Pagán.
Pittsburgh also made moves, adding reliever Aroldis Chapman, left-hander Martín Pérez, and bringing back Andrew McCutchen on a one-year deal.
The Reds last won the division in 2012. The Pirates have never won the NL Central; their last division title was in the NL East in 1992.
HOW THEY PROJECT:
1. **Chicago Cubs:** The Cubs had a strong offseason, adding Counsell, Imanaga, and retaining Cody Bellinger. Imanaga is a Japanese left-hander with an impressive skill set. He joins a rotation led by Justin Steele, who had a breakout season with a 16-5 record and a 3.06 ERA. Bellinger seeks to build on his career-best .307 average with 26 homers and 97 RBIs. Michael Busch was acquired in a January trade with the Dodgers, and the Cubs hope he is ready for a regular role. Christopher Morel, a streaky slugger, hit 26 homers but struck out 133 times in 107 games.
2. **Cincinnati Reds:** The Reds’ young infield, led by Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, suffered a setback when Noelvi Marte was suspended for 80 games for a performance-enhancing substance. Jeimer Candelario signed in free agency, and Jonathan India may also contribute. Injuries plagued the rotation last season, but Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson gained valuable experience. Montas joins the rotation after an injury-filled stint with the Yankees.
3. **St. Louis Cardinals:** After a 71-91 finish in 2023, the Cardinals focused on improving their rotation. Gray signed a $75 million, three-year deal after a strong season with Minnesota. Lynn and Gibson each received one-year deals, but all three right-handers are over 34. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado anchor the lineup, and Jordan Walker aims to improve after a solid rookie season.
4. **Milwaukee Brewers:** Rhys Hoskins fills a hole at first base after signing a $34 million, two-year contract. The team also has a promising group of young players, including Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, and Brice Turang. Freddy Peralta, who went 12-10 with a 3.86 ERA last year, is now the top starting pitcher. Wade Miley was re-signed but has been slowed by injuries. If the Brewers struggle early, closer Devin Williams and shortstop Willy Adames could be trade targets. Williams will start the season on the injured list due to back fractures.
5. **Pittsburgh Pirates:** With Oneil Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Henry Davis, the Pirates have a promising young core. Cruz aims for a healthy season after missing most of last year with an ankle fracture. Hayes won his first Gold Glove and hit .271 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs. Davis, a catcher and right fielder, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft. Marco Gonzales was acquired from Atlanta, adding another veteran arm to the rotation behind All-Star Mitch Keller.
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