How the Cubs Stack Up Against the Rest of the NL Central

Cubs

Apr 14

As the 2025 MLB season gets under way, the Chicago Cubs are poised to make a significant impact in the National League Central division. With strategic offseason moves and a blend of seasoned talent and promising newcomers, the Cubs aim to reclaim their dominance in the division. Here's an in-depth look at how the Cubs stack up against their NL Central rivals for the upcoming season.

Chicago Cubs: A Revitalized Contender

The Cubs enter the 2025 season as the clear division favorites...

Notable Additions: The acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker stands out as a significant move. Tucker, known for his consistent offensive production, is expected to provide a substantial boost to the Cubs' lineup. Additionally, the signing of pitcher Matthew Boyd aims to strengthen the starting rotation, addressing previous inconsistencies from the 2024 season.

Emerging Young Talent: Rookie 3B Matt Shaw is generating buzz as a potential breakout star. Projected to secure the starting third baseman role, Shaw's impressive minor league stats—hitting .284 with 21 home runs and 31 stolen bases last year—highlight his potential impact in the lineup.

Pitching Staff: Pitchers Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga were expected to lead the rotation, with anticipated Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 2.8 and 2.6, respectively. Their performance would be crucial in setting the tone for the Cubs' pitching staff. Unfortunately, just as I was finalizing this post came the news that Steele will miss the rest of the season after just four starts. It remains to be seen if the Cubs can replace his production and still reach their goals for the year.

One Bold Prediction: Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has a breakout season and earns a starting spot on the NL All-Star Team.

Milwaukee Brewers: Consistent Contenders

The Brewers have maintained a competitive edge in recent seasons:

2024 Performance: Despite losing key players, the Brewers managed to secure 93 wins last season, showcasing resilience and depth in their roster.

Key Players: Catcher William Contreras played a pivotal role in the team's success last year. His continued performance will be essential for the Brewers to remain contenders in the division.

Bold Prediction: The Brewers miss the playoffs, and their window of contention rapidly begins to close.

Cincinnati Reds: The Dark Horse

The Reds are emerging as a team to watch, blending youthful talent with experienced leadership (Similar to the roster construction that the Cubs implemented back in 2016 during their historic World Series run).

New Management: The appointment of veteran manager Terry Francona brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the clubhouse. Francona brings along a very impressive resume that includes managing the Cleveland Indians (now “Guardians”) to an AL Pennant in 2016.

Young Star on the Rise: Players like Elly De La Cruz are expected to make significant contributions. De La Cruz, in particular, is highlighted as a key player to watch this season.

Bold Predictions: The Reds finish 2nd in the division and sneak into the postseason as a dangerous wild card.

St. Louis Cardinals: Transition Phase

The Cardinals appear to be in a period of transition:

Roster Changes: Discussions around trading star third baseman Nolan Arenado indicate potential shifts in the team's strategy and lineup.

Season Outlook: With significant roster changes, the Cardinals' performance remains uncertain, and they may face challenges maintaining their traditional competitiveness.

Bold Prediction: The Cardinals instantly look like sellers when the trade deadline comes.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Rebuilding Mode

The Pirates seem to be in a rebuilding phase:

Team Direction: A series of departures and acquisitions suggest a lack of clear direction, potentially leading to another challenging season with over 90 losses anticipated. However, with stars like SP Paul Skenes, they are definitely on the right track to be a contender down the line.

Bold Prediction: Paul Skenes wins the NL Cy Young Award unanimously.

Predicted Win Totals and Division Odds

Betting Odds to Win the Division (according to DraftKings):

· Cubs: +125

· Brewers: +260

· Cardinals: +600

· Reds: +650

· Pirates: +700

Projected Win Totals (according to DraftKings):

· Cubs: O/U 85.5

· Brewers: O/U 83.5

· Reds: O/U 78.5

· Cardinals: O/U 77.5

· Pirates: O/U 77.5

Connor Sullivan