After a wild finish to the 2018 season, it seems that the NL Central is completely up for grabs this year. The offseason saw some surprising moves that will potentially upend expectations for the 2019 season. So, how does each team stand as the baseball season gets underwa?.
Milwaukee BrewersLast season, the Brewers beat the Cubs in game 193 to win the division and made it all the way to game seven in the NLCS, where they were defeated by the Dodgers. After a quiet offseason, the team is looking to defend their division title.
Biggest Strength: The bullpen
The Brewers’ bullpen was lights out last season, and the team will continue to rely on their relievers as they work towards another division title. Of course, the loss of Corey Knebel to an injury will test the abilities of the bullpen.
Wild Card: Starting pitching
The starting rotation has struggled to stay consistent in 2018, and whether or not they can maintain consistency this season will be a huge factor in their push for the playoffs.
Chicago Cubs
After a disappointing end to the 2018 season, the Cubs are looking to make a comeback. The team is confident that their core group of players will be able to make it to the postseason for the fifth consecutive year.
Biggest Strength: The lineup
With Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Willson Contreras and Javier Báez at the top of the order, the Cubs should have no problem putting runs on the board.
Wild Card: Production
The Cubs’ offense notoriously “broke” in the final days of the 2018 season, ending their World Series run. This season it will be crucial for the Cubs to consistently have high-scoring games.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals narrowly missed a playoff spot last year and will be seeking another opportunity to get to the postseason in 2019. After signing Andrew Miller and Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals are looking like a much more competitive team.
Biggest Strength: Pitching
The pitching staff was given a huge boost with the addition of reliever Andrew Miller. The effectiveness of the starting rotation should also help the Cardinals stay competitive this season.
Wild Card: Consistency
There is so much raw talent on the Cardinals, but that doesn’t always translate to a cohesive offense. The big question for 2019 is whether or not the Cardinals will be able to consistently produce runs.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates finished the 2018 season with a winning record and are optimistic in what they can achieve in 2019.
Biggest Strength: The bullpen
Despite the loss of Edgar Santana to injury, the bullpen remains strong with Kyle Crick, Keone Kela and Richard Rodríguez.
Wild Card: Power
The Pirates have some strong hitters, but with the powerhouse offenses of the Cubs and Brewers, the Pirates will have to step up if they plan to seriously compete in the division.
Cincinnati RedsAfter another disappointing season in 2018, the Reds’ main goal this year is to avoid another season with more than ninety losses.
Biggest Strength: Power
Both Scooter Gennett and Joey Votto stand out in an otherwise mediocre lineup. Unfortunately for the Reds, Gennett will miss the next several months of the season with an injury.
Wild Card: Pitching
The Reds’ pitchers really struggled in 2018, and improving their pitching in 2019 will be critical if the Reds want to be contenders this year.
The NL Central is looking more competitive than ever, and this season is sure to be a close race for the division title. Of course, the season is long and only just beginning, so who’s to say what will happen as the season continues. In the meantime, we can all be grateful that that baseball is finally back!