The NL Central has been a notorious bloodbath since, well, forever. In recent years the Cardinals and Cubs have won World Series, and the Brewers have been a consistent championship contender. Even the lowly Pirates have been competitive (at times).
This year is definitely up in the air as to who will win it all. The Pirates and Cubs have a lot of young talent, and the Reds genuinely seem like they could step up this year. Even with Corbin Burnes being traded, the Brewers are always a playoff contender.
And the Cardinals are the Cardinals.
Here’s a full rundown of the NL Central, and the current betting odds each team has to win the division by year’s end.
Chicago Cubs
2023 Record: 83-79
The Chicago Cubs are entering a new era with first-year manager Craig Counsell running things, despite having a winning record last year. The Cubs had their sights on adding both veteran leadership and offense by signing a household name in Cody Bellinger. Keeping Willson Contreras and Nico Hoerner healthy will also be crucial, as it’s hindered them in past seasons.
The future is somewhat bright for the Cubs, but their 2016 championship feels like forever ago. There’s no guarantee they’ll ever get back to that level of success.
2024 Goal: Reach Wild Card Round
Cincinnati Reds
2023 Record: 82-80
The Reds are like the Cubs, albeit with a brighter future. Elly De La Cruz will continue to grow as a face of the league, and their core pitching rotation is solid with guys such as Hunter Greene and Frankie Montas holding the fort down.
With that being said, Joey Votto is getting older and older, and his health is still a major concern. One of their biggest prospects Noelvi Marte has been suspended for the first 80 games, so that’s a concern.
2024 Goal: Reach Wild Card Round
Can The Milwaukee Brewers Win The NL Central Again?
2023 Record: 92-70
The Brewers may just be the defending NL Central champs, but that doesn’t mean they’ll reach that status once again. The team lost their best player Corbin Burnes (sorry for the reminder), and despite having a great rotation without him, it will hurt this year. The defense is still really nice, but the offense is in limbo. There aren’t many prospects that inspire hope for the 2024 season.
2024 Goal: Win the division
Pittsburgh Pirates
2023 Record: 76-86
The Pirates broke out to a great start last year but fell apart by the All-Star break.
Look for more breakout seasons from Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds. Ke’Bryan Hayes anchors the defense at third and will continue to rise. The team might be like the Orioles last year; so many young talented players getting better and better, but a severe lack of pitching holds them back from reaching the promised land.
2024 Goal: Reach Wild Card round
St. Louis Cardinals
2023 Record: 71-91
The Cardinals are primed for a bounce-back year in 2024. Their offense boasts a potential six 20-homer hitters, led by veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. Youngsters like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker could be breakout stars.
Injuries and age hamper the pitching, but expecting them to fall short in consecutive years is a bad idea.
2024 Goal: Win the division
