Feb 23, 2023; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) poses for a portrait during spring training photo day. MLB spring training Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Spring training is often a time for optimism. The Brewers, Reds, Pirates, Cardinals and Cubs have plenty to be excited about.
Entering spring training, the St. Louis Cardinals are the consensus favorite to win the National League Central. Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt are once again strong MVP candidates and have an offense filled with talent around them.
But they aren’t invincible. Their pitching depth is a concern and Adam Wainwright’s velocity will be something to monitor. The other teams in the division, most notably the Milwaukee Brewers, have the talent to overtake the Cardinals if their pitching falters.
Elsewhere in the division, the Chicago Cubs are trending in the right direction after signing Dansby Swanson, Jameson Taillon, Drew Smyly and numerous others. The Pittsburgh Pirates are trending in the right direction and could even be a playoff team as soon as 2024. And the Cincinnati Reds are, well, the Reds.
Here’s an early look at the NL Central, with one bold prediction for each team for the 2023 season.