Predicting the Division winners for the 2019 MLB Season

NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers

The NL Central is an interesting case

The NL Central is an interesting case, since the team that made the most moves isn’t even in contention to win the division, and probably not even the Wild Card.

The defending champion Milwaukee Brewers only major move this offseason was signing free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal.

They also brought back Mike Moustakas, so their offense will be more than fine. They have arguably the best bullpen in the majors, but definitely the best in the National League.

Their major weakness is their starting pitching depth. They are rumored to be a finalist for Craig Kimbrel, which would be big since Corey Knebel and Jeremy Jeffress are injured.

The Cubs also had a silent winter, making no major signings. However, they are still a very dangerous team with a lineup that has Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javy Baez.

They have a decent starting rotation featuring Kyle Hendricks, Cole Hamels, and Joh Lester is certainly good enough to regain control in the Central.

The Cardinals arguably had the best offseason of the Central teams. They signed Andrew Miller, who if he can return to his form from a few years ago, is a huge addition to their already deep bullpen.

They also traded for arguably the best 1st basemen in the NL in Paul Goldschmidt. The Cardinals were in contention for a Wild Card berth until the last weekend of the season, and with a better team this season you can expect them to do the same this year.

The Reds are the most interesting team in the division and the ones to keep an eye on. They acquired Alex Wood, Matt Kemp, and Yasiel Puig from the Dodgers in a huge trade. They got Sonny Gray and Tanner Roark from the Yankees and Nationals respectively.

They also added Zach Duke and Jose Iglesias. The Reds have a good enough offense to contend with the other teams in the Central, but their huge weakness is their pitching. Wood and Roark will help that, but that probably isn’t good enough to contend.

If they are out of contention by the trade deadline, keep an eye on the Reds as the team others talk to about making moves with.

In the end, the Central will be a three-team race between the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs much like last year.

The difference this year is that I think the Cardinals will overtake the Cubs for the second but will fall short to the Brewers. Also, like last year, the division will come down to the final weeks of the season.