In a shortened MLB season there are a number of giant question marks. Of all the divisions the NL Central is one of the biggest unknowns. Which team will come out on top? Will Christian Yelich have the support to lead the Brewers atop the division? What kind of team will the Chicago Cubs be this season? And many more. Here is our attempt to address the question marks of each NL Central team and what to expect in a shortened season.
St. Louis Cardinals
The NL Central race of 2019 finished with the St. Louis Cardinals taking the top spot. After very active and loud off seasons from the red birds in recent years there were few teams that did less than them this offseason. In fact, they lost key outfielder Marcell Ozuna and only added two players. One reason could be because of the lower than expected production from recent signings. Dexter Fowler and Andrew Miller are two of the highest paid Cardinals in the lineup, but also are probably the most disappointing.
Last season, Paul Goldshmidt took awhile to heat up, and now with just a short sixty game season run support is a major question for the team from St. Louis. With a strong defense and great pitching rotation the amount of runs their offense can bring in to support their pitching is what this season hinges on. 2020 should be a great season for players like Tyler O’Neil and Tommy Edman as they hope to add the much needed support the Cardinals need.
Prediction: The Cardinals just don’t have enough pop in their lineup to score and support their defense in a shortened season. 4th in the NL Central.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers made major roster shifts this offseason after losing in the National League Wild Card Round. Some of the standout additions are outfielder Avisaíl García, catcher Omar Narváez and former Dodgers righthander Josh Lindblom, 32, who has spent two strong years in the Korean Baseball Organization (2.85 ERA). But, the team also had a major loss when their star catcher Yasmani Grandal.
The Brew Crew are counting on the continued strong strides from their National League MVP, Christian Yelich as well as second baseman Keston Hiura. Lorenzo Cain is due for a comeback season after struggling with a below 3.0 WAR and battling injuries.
Aside from their strikeout king Josh Hader the Brewers seem to have a major flaw in their rotation and bullpen, and these flaws seem to be be the only thing holding this team back from being the team to beat in the NL Central.
Prediction: The Brew Crew’s offence isn’t enough to make up for their inconsistencies on the mound. 3rd place finish.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are as big of a question mark as any this season. After firing the manager that led them to the 2016 world series they have replaced Joe Maddon with the catcher on that world series team, David Ross.
Perhaps, no NL Central team benefits more from the universal DH in the shortened season than the Chicago Cubs. The team ranked 11th in the NL in defensive efficiency in 2019 and being able to move Kyle Schwarber into the designated hitter spot is a major advantage offensively and defensively for the Cubs. The move also allows the Cubs to have two possible gold glovers in the outfield with Albert Almora Jr. and Jason Heyward.
The question with the Cubs in 2020 will be with the pitching. With an aging rotation the shortened season hinges on the type of season their veteran arms can produce.
Prediction: Their upgrades on defense and a fresh start with David Ross will combine with strong bats and the Cubs finishing 1st in the NL Central.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds were extremely active this offseason and paid big to bring both Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos to boost their offense. The team also added to their bullpen with Pedro Strop and a great rotation player in Wade Miley.
Bauer, Grey and Castillo have the potential to be a top rotation in the NL Central. If Trevor Bauer returns to the pitcher he was before the Reds this is a team to look out for.
Prediction: Key additions along with a strong rotation make the Reds a serious contender in 2020 and could finish 2nd in the NL Central division race.
Pittsburgh Pirates
One team that can benefit from a shortened season is the Pirates. With less games any team has the chance to surprise us for 60 games. The Pirates rotation looks poor in 2020, and the bats won’t be among the teams leading the NL in runs scored. Josh Bell and Gregory Polanco seem to be the two bright spots for the Pirates this summer.
Prediction: Too many limitations for the Pirates this year. 5th in the NL Central
