Predictions by Division: NL Central

A lot in the NL Central has changed since 3 teams (Cardinals, Pirates, and Cubs) made the playoffs in what was the toughest division in baseball back in 2016. We're going into 2018 with a possibility of a new team that could rise to the top of the division, while the Pirates and Cardinals are left wondering what their next steps will be. The Reds are trying to progress young prospects while the Cubs and Brewers are expected to battle it out for first place this season

There is a very fine line between the Cubs and Brewers this season in terms of who will come out on top. My pick for the NL Central champion isn't playing it safe but is rather taking a risk by choosing the team that hasn't had the immense success over the last few years. By now, I'm sure you know who I'm picking.

1st Place: Milwaukee Brewers

I really, truly, want the Cubs to win the Central once again, but I cannot deny the talented team that the Brewers have built. Travis Shaw had a breakout season for Milwaukee last season in which he hit over 100 RBI, and that's just the beginning. Their 2 major offseason additions were outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich. Adding both of these star outfielders makes the Milwaukee outfield one of the very best in baseball. They also have developed a pretty good pitching staff that includes Zach Davies and Corey Knebel. The one thing that worries me about the Brewers is their lack of experience playing as a team, which could lead to some early season struggles. But I'm a believer that if they stick with the team they've got, the Brewers will dethrone the Cubs as NL Central champs.

2nd Place: Chicago Cubs

We all know what this Cubs team has to offer. After all, it's virtually the same team that won the World Series back in 2016. However, this team has gone through some changes and none greater than having Jake Arrieta sign with the Phillies just a few weeks ago. The one good thing about the Cubs, however, is they always plan ahead. They knew Arrieta would be leaving, so they decided to bring in Yu Darvish on a massive contract to replace him. Superstars Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo will see what they can do in their 4th season together and will be assisted by Ian Happ who will be playing in his first full season. The team is very young and eager to prove that they can be as good as they were in 2016. But with some tough competition coming from Milwaukee, it will be tough for the Cubs to take home the Central title for the 3rd year in a row.

3rd Place: St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals made one of the biggest trades of the offseason by acquiring superstar outfielder Marcell Ozuna from the Marlins. They gave up some pretty good prospects to get Ozuna, but I feel that the Cards were very smart to get Ozuna as he could very well end up being just as good, or even better than Stanton. Ozuna did it all last season by hitting 37 homers along with 124 RBI while having a batting average of .312. He'll be teaming up with Paul DeJong, who the Cardinals just signed a massive extension with. What St. Louis lacks is star pitchers, especially after Lance Lynn signed with the Twins. The lack of pitching is bound to hold St. Louis back this year, but possibly adding Greg Holland could be the pitcher that the Cardinals need in order to contend.

4th Place: Cincinnati Reds

If the rest of this Reds team played as well as Joey Votto, they would easily be the best team in baseball. Unfortunately, that is not the case and so we're left with a Reds team that's on the verge of breaking out into a threat, but needs another year or 2 to do so. Votto had one of his best seasons ever last year after finishing 2nd only to Giancarlo Stanton in the NL MVP voting. Billy Hamilton is expected to steal many bases once again as well as make stupendous catches like the one shown on this card. However, that's about it for players that can help the team truly succeed, showing how much work needs to be done for them to succeed. Nick Senzel and other prospects highlight a very talented farm system but don't expect these guys to suit up opening day to help the Reds win. There are definitely signs that the Reds could be a contender in the upcoming years, but for now, they're stuck near the bottom of the NL Central

5th Place: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates shocked everyone by trading their franchise centerpiece Andrew McCutchen to the Giants last offseason, thus completely entering a rebuilding stage. The Pirates also dealt Gerrit Cole to the defending World Series champion Houston Astros in exchange for some players that include Joe Musgrove. The Pirates have a few players that are preventing them from being last in the division and one of those players is Gregory Polanco. Polanco along with Starling Marte did not do as well as expected last season but have the ability to turn it around this year and bring the Pirates the help they so desperately need. I hear they do have some pretty good prospects, but I'm not sure when they're expected to debut. All I know is, without McCutchen, this will definitely be a strange year for the Pirates.