NL Central Preview

With Opening Day just a short time away, it’s time to look at the National League Central Division for this upcoming 2025 season.

Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers came away with the division crown in pretty dominant fashion. The Brew Crew won the division by 10 games over second place Chicago.

In the postseason, the NL Central’s representative was bounced in the wild card round by the New York Mets in a 2-1 series. Brewers’ closer Devin Williams gave up four runs in the ninth inning, blowing what would’ve been a series clinching save.

For this preview, that’s where we will start, with the division champs.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers finished last season with a 93-69 record, which was good for third in the National League.

However, with the losses of Willy Adames and Devin Williams, it could prove to be difficult to retain that level of success.

This is not to say that the Brewers still don’t have one of the more solid rosters in the National League. William Contreras is one of the best catchers in baseball, Jackson Chourio is fresh off of a 20-20 rookie season and Christian Yelich is back after back surgery forced him to end his 2024 season prematurely.

While the loss of Williams is huge, Trevor Megill looks to step in as the new closer. Megill pitched to a 2.72 ERA last season in 46.1 innings of work while also recording 21 saves.

Freddy Peralta highlights the starting rotation and newly added Nestor Cortes will help out as well. Brandon Woodruff, who was hurt for all of 2024, looks to return sometime during the first half.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies are coming off of a second place finish, with an 83-79 record. They are already 0-2 this season after being swept in Tokyo by the Dodgers.

Cody Bellinger is gone to New York but Kyle Tucker is in. The young slugger is on a one-year deal, so his services will be uber important to making a potential run this year.

The outfield looks to be a strength for the Cubs, with Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong joining Tucker to create a formidable trio.

Nico Hoerner will be back for Opening Day after being out for the first two games.

Shota Imanaga leads what looks to be a solid rotation and Ryan Pressly is a big name out of the bullpen.

Manager Craig Counsell looks to lead the Cubbies back to the postseason for the first time since the shortened 2020 season.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals finished in third place last season, also going 83-79. The roster is in an interesting spot coming into this year, with lots of young talent taking over in big spots.

Paul Goldschmidt is now in New York and taking over his place will be Willson Contreras, moving over from behind the plate.

Nolan Arenado is back but could potentially be moved soon in order to clear up some money. A trade of Arenado could also open up third base for 24-year-old Nolan Gorman.

Masyn Winn also looks to take another step this season. The 23-year-old was second in the National League in defensive WAR but needs to clean up some parts of his game, as he had 18 errors last season.

Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas are back in the starting rotation and Ryan Helsley is back after a fantastic 2024 season.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds finished under .500 for the 3rd time in Manager David Bell’s six seasons and was let go after 2024. In steps Terry Francona.

The two-time World Series champion skipper looks to lead a group of younger players to their first postseason berth since 2020.

Superstar Elly De La Cruz highlights this lineup, new additions Gavin Lux, Austin Hays and Jose Trevino offer a veteran presence for the younger guys.

Matt McLain looks promising in the middle infield. The 25-year-old hit .290 in 89 games in 2023.

Hunter Greene is the ace of what could be a solid rotation by year’s end.

Pittsburgh Pirates

It was another season of landing in the NL Central cellar for Buccos last season but with one of the better starting rotations in the MLB, the team looks to finish higher than 4th for the first time since 2016.

Jared Jones, another young pitcher and Mitch Keller are the top-3 in what should be one of baseball’s best rotations.

The outfield also looks to be solid, with Oneil Cruz commanding center field and Bryan Reynolds in left, who was an All-Star last season. Right field is still a question.

Ke’Bryan Hayes is still at third, though was not healthy for most of 2024.

The veteran Andrew McCutchen is still with the squad for this season. The 38-year-old will most likely DH.

Evan Pochas is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ejp5753@psu.edu.