The National League Central, a battleground of baseball tradition and emerging talent, stands poised for an enthralling 2025 season. Spring training has faded into memory. The crack of the bat now echoes with renewed vigor. The division’s five contenders – the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Pittsburgh Pirates – each have different goals. Some aim to defend a title, while others want to signal a new era of contention. The anticipation for the upcoming campaign is palpable. Storylines are already taking shape. They promise a season filled with intense rivalries and unexpected twists. The division has often defied expectations. 2025 looks set to continue this trend. Several teams seem to be on the cusp of either breakthrough success or significant transition.

Looking Back: The 2024 NL Central Season

The 2024 season saw the Milwaukee Brewers emerge as the kings of the NL Central. They showcased a blend of consistent pitching and timely hitting. This secured the division crown . Their strong performance earned them a spot in the National League Wild Card Series. The final standings painted a picture of a division with varying levels of success:  

Team	Wins	Losses	Division Rank
Milwaukee Brewers	93	69	1
St. Louis Cardinals	83	79	2
Chicago Cubs	83	79	3
Cincinnati Reds	77	85	4
Pittsburgh Pirates	76	86	5

The Brewers demonstrated their ability to consistently compete, even with financial considerations playing a role in their roster construction. The Cardinals and Cubs both finished with identical records. It was a testament to their competitive spirit. However, this perhaps fell short of loftier expectations given their higher payrolls. For the Reds, 2024 was a season marked by the exciting development of their young core. It hinted at a bright future. The Pirates, meanwhile, continued their efforts to blend developing prospects with strategic veteran additions. One of the overarching narratives from the previous year was the Brewers’ sustained success. They did not always have the highest payroll in the division. This underscored their strong organizational approach. The Cubs and Cardinals, with more financial flexibility, faced pressure to translate that into deeper postseason runs. The Reds focused on their youth movement, signaling their aim to build for long-term success. The Pirates, on the other hand, balanced player development with immediate competitiveness.  

Milwaukee Brewers: Defending the Crown?

The Brewers enter 2025. They face the challenge of defending their NL Central title. This comes after an offseason that saw some significant changes. Notably, they bid farewell to star shortstop Willy Adames. He moved on in free agency. They also traded their dominant closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees . These departures undoubtedly create voids on both offense and in the crucial late innings. To address these losses, Milwaukee made several key acquisitions. They brought in veteran left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana on a one-year deal with an option for 2026. They signed left-handed pitcher Tyler Alexander on a one-year contract. They also acquired left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes in the trade that sent Williams to the Bronx. These additions primarily focus on bolstering the pitching staff. They aim to compensate for the loss of their All-Star closer. The additions provide experienced options in the rotation. The Brewers signed several players to minor league contracts. Veteran first baseman/outfielder Mark Canha is one of them. Outfielder Manuel Margot is another. These players could provide valuable depth. They may also contribute at the major league level.  

Looking at their projected lineup, the Brewers will likely rely on the continued offensive production of catcher William Contreras (.281 AVG, 23 HRs, 92 RBIs in 2024), outfielder Christian Yelich (.315 AVG in 73 games), and the promising young outfielder Jackson Chourio (.275 AVG, 21 HRs, 79 RBIs in the minors). With Adames gone, Joey Ortiz is very likely to move to shortstop. He showed promise in 2024. The projected starting rotation is expected to be anchored by right-handers Freddy Peralta (11-9, 3.68 ERA in 2024) and Tobias Myers (9-6, 3.00 ERA in the minors), along with the newly acquired Cortes (9-10, 3.77 ERA with the Yankees), right-hander Aaron Civale (8-9, 4.36 ERA with the Rays and Brewers), and the veteran Quintana (8-9, 3.71 ERA with the Mets) . The bullpen will look different without Williams, with right-hander Trevor Megill (1-3, 2.72 ERA, 21 saves in 2024) likely stepping into the closer role, supported by key relievers like right-hander Joel Payamps and left-hander Jared Koenig.  

Several key storylines will shape the Brewers’ 2025 season. The primary question is whether they can maintain their competitive edge. This is a challenge due to the significant departures. They are also facing continued payroll considerations . The development of young talents like Chourio will be crucial in carrying the offensive load . The revamped pitching staff’s performance is crucial. Cortes and Quintana’s ability to provide stability is key. This will help offset the loss of Williams’ dominance at the back end . Additionally, the impact of Pat Murphy, in his second season as manager , will be closely watched. While the Brewers have consistently defied expectations, they have lost key players. The financial realities suggest that repeating as division champions will be a significant challenge in the competitive NL Central.  

St. Louis Cardinals: Resetting and Reloading?

The St. Louis Cardinals enter 2025 in what appears to be a period of transition. This change is marked by the departure of long-time cornerstones. There is also a clear emphasis on lowering payroll. The offseason saw the departure of iconic first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. He declared free agency. While third baseman Nolan Arenado remains for now, his future with the team is a subject of speculation. Other veteran players like Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson were also let go. The Cardinals primarily focused on adding pitching depth. They signed right-handed reliever Phil Maton to a one-year contract. The team also made numerous minor league signings and continued to invest in international player development. The retirement of shortstop Brandon Crawford was another notable transaction. The Cardinals’ projected payroll for 2025 shows a significant decrease compared to the previous year. This decrease highlights their intention to limit spending. 

The projected starting lineup for the Cardinals in 2025 will likely feature returning veterans. It will also showcase emerging young talent. Shortstop Masyn Winn, outfielder Jordan Walker, and second baseman Nolan Gorman are expected to take on larger roles offensively. Catcher Willson Contreras will likely see time at first base as well. Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan are also expected to be key contributors in the lineup. The projected starting rotation will likely feature right-handers Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Erick Fedde. It will also include left-hander Steven Matz and right-hander Andre Pallante. Young pitchers like Michael McGreevy and Gordon Graceffo could also see opportunities. The bullpen will likely be anchored by right-hander Ryan Helsley. He had a franchise-record 49 saves in 2024. The bullpen will also feature left-hander JoJo Romero and right-hander Ryan Fernandez. 

The Cardinals’ 2025 season will revolve around several key storylines. The most prominent question is whether the team is truly embarking on a “reset.” What does that really mean for their competitive aspirations in the short term? The young core of hitters must step up. They need to compensate for the lost production of Goldschmidt and potentially Arenado. The impact of the reduced payroll on their ability to compete with division rivals remains a significant question . The development and performance of their young pitching prospects will also be a key focus as the season unfolds. The Cardinals are in a transitional phase. Considering the overall strength of the NL Central, they face an uphill battle. Contending for the division title in 2025 will be challenging.

Chicago Cubs: Aiming for the Top Spot?

The Chicago Cubs made significant strides in the offseason. They have signaled their clear intent to compete for the NL Central crown in 2025. Their biggest splash was the acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in a blockbuster trade. This move is expected to provide a major boost to their lineup. The Cubs also strengthened their roster further. They added veteran right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly from the Astros. They also acquired left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd. Additionally, they signed veteran infielder Justin Turner. Cody Bellinger, a notable departure, signed with the New York Mets. However, acquiring Tucker is seen as a significant upgrade.

The Cubs’ projected starting lineup is expected to be strong. It features Kyle Tucker in right field, Ian Happ in left field, and Dansby Swanson at shortstop. Seiya Suzuki will likely see time at designated hitter, while Michael Busch is projected to play first base. Young players like Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field and Matt Shaw at third base could also play key roles. Nico Hoerner is expected to hold down second base. The projected starting rotation is expected to be led by left-handers Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. Right-hander Jameson Taillon, left-hander Matthew Boyd, and right-hander Javier Assad will join them. The bullpen has also been significantly strengthened with the addition of Ryan Pressly. He is expected to take on the closer role. He will join other key arms like right-hander Eli Morgan and right-hander Porter Hodge. 

Several key storylines will define the Cubs’ 2025 season. The primary focus will be on their significant offseason additions. Can these additions propel them past the Brewers? The goal is to win the NL Central title. The impact of Kyle Tucker on the offense and his fit within the lineup will be closely watched. The stability provided by the revamped bullpen will be crucial for their playoff aspirations. Manager Craig Counsell’s influence will be significant in their success. He is in his second year with the team. With their aggressive offseason moves and high expectations, the Cubs are widely considered a frontrunner in the NL Central race.  

Cincinnati Reds: The Young Guns Ready to Contend?

The Cincinnati Reds have been actively building towards contention. Their offseason moves for 2025 suggest they believe their time might be now. Key acquisitions include right-handed pitcher Brady Singer. He was acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals. Infielder Gavin Lux was obtained from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Catcher Jose Trevino was brought in from the New York Yankees. Perhaps their most significant offseason addition was the hiring of veteran manager Terry Francona. He is a two-time World Series winner. He was brought in to lead their young core. A notable departure was infielder Jonathan India, who was traded to the Royals.  

The Reds’ projected starting lineup highlights their exciting young talent. It features shortstop Elly De La Cruz, second baseman Matt McLain, and first baseman Spencer Steer. Gavin Lux, a new addition, is expected to play third base. Austin Hays, who was signed as a free agent, will likely be in left field. TJ Friedl is projected to play center field, with Jake Fraley in right field and Jose Trevino behind the plate. The starting rotation is projected to feature a mix of youth and experience. It includes right-handers Hunter Greene and Brady Singer. Left-hander Nick Lodolo and right-hander Nick Martinez are also part of it. Young pitching prospect Rhett Lowder could also see significant innings. The bullpen will likely be anchored by right-hander Alexis Díaz as the closer. Key setup roles will be filled by the newly acquired left-hander Taylor Rogers. Right-hander Scott Barlow will also take on a key setup role.  

The 2025 season holds high stakes for the Reds. The primary storyline is whether their talented young core is ready to take the next step. They are under the experienced guidance of Terry Francona. Can they compete for a playoff spot? The impact of the additions of Singer, Lux, and Trevino on the team’s overall performance will be closely watched. The consistency of their pitching rotation, a blend of promising youngsters and seasoned veterans, will be crucial. The development of key young players like De La Cruz and McLain is crucial. Their health is also of utmost importance for the team’s success. The Reds had a proactive offseason. There is a buzz around their potential. They are considered a team with the ability to surprise in the NL Central.  

Pittsburgh Pirates: Building for the Future, Competing Now?

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to develop young talent. They complement this by adding veteran players. This strategy guides them into the 2025 season. Key offseason acquisitions include left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney and outfielder Tommy Pham. First baseman Spencer Horwitz had wrist surgery last month, and will most likely miss some time to start the season. The Pirates also brought back veteran designated hitter Andrew McCutchen for another season. These moves aim to provide both experience and offensive support to their developing roster.  

The Pirates’ projected starting lineup features outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Center fielder Oneil Cruz and designated hitter Andrew McCutchen are key offensive pieces. Tommy Pham is expected to play right field. Spencer Horwitz will likely take over at first base when healthy. Catcher Joey Bart and second baseman Nick Gonzales are also projected to be everyday players. The projected starting rotation excites Pirates fans. This excitement is highlighted by the emergence of right-handers Paul Skenes and Jared Jones. They will join veteran right-hander Mitch Keller and left-hander Andrew Heaney. Right-hander David Bednar is expected to anchor the bullpen as closer. Key relievers will include left-hander Caleb Ferguson and left-hander Tim Mayza.  

Several key storylines will shape the Pirates’ 2025 season. The most prominent question is whether their highly touted young pitching talent can deliver as expected. Paul Skenes, in particular, is under the spotlight to enhance the team’s competitiveness. The veteran additions of Pham and Horwitz are expected to provide a much-needed offensive boost. Right-hander David Bednar will be looking to rebound from a challenging 2024 season. He aims to solidify his role as the team’s closer. The continued development of young hitters like Oneil Cruz is important. Nick Gonzales must also thrive for the team’s long-term success. While the Pirates are still likely a step or two away from true contention, their promising young pitching shows potential. Strategic veteran additions suggest they could be a team capable of surprising some of their division rivals in 2025.  

NL Central: Division-Wide Outlook and Predictions

The National League Central in 2025 appears to be a division brimming with potential for a tight and compelling race. The Chicago Cubs, with their significant offseason acquisitions, enter the season as betting favorites to win the division . However, the Milwaukee Brewers, despite losing key players, have a track record of consistent competitiveness and cannot be counted out. The Cincinnati Reds have an exciting young core. With the addition of Terry Francona, they are widely considered a team on the rise. This team has the potential to surprise. The St. Louis Cardinals are in a clear transitional phase. They are focusing on developing their younger players. This might make contending for the division title in 2025 a difficult task. The Pittsburgh Pirates are fueled by their promising young pitching talent. They are aiming to be more competitive. However, they are generally viewed as still building towards future contention.  

Expert predictions for the division vary, reflecting the perceived competitiveness and uncertainty. Some projections see the Cubs and Brewers as the top contenders. The Reds might also be in the mix for a Wild Card spot. The Cardinals are often predicted to finish in the middle or lower half of the division. The Pirates are generally expected to be at the bottom. However, they have the potential to outperform expectations due to their pitching.  

Projected Final Standings for the 2025 NL Central:

1. Chicago Cubs: Their aggressive offseason moves and talented roster position them as the team to beat.
2. Milwaukee Brewers: Despite key losses, their strong organizational foundation and young talent will keep them competitive.
3. Cincinnati Reds: The combination of their exciting young core and veteran leadership could lead to a surprising season.
4. St. Louis Cardinals: In a transitional phase, they will likely focus on developing their young players.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Their promising pitching staff provides hope, but they may still lack the offensive consistency to contend.

Rule Changes and League Developments Impacting the NL Central

Several MLB rule changes for the 2025 season could have a minor impact on the NL Central. The stricter penalties for infield shift violations might slightly benefit hitters who tend to pull the ball. When a fielder violates the rule, the batter would be awarded first base, and runners would advance. This change could lead to a small increase in offensive production for those players across the division. Expanded replay review will now allow officials to check if a player overruns second base on a force play. Officials will also check if a player overruns third base. They can call them out for abandonment. This change is likely to have a marginal impact across all teams. The scheduling format has been modified. This increases the number of games between “prime” interleague rivals. This could lead to some tougher matchups for NL Central teams, depending on their AL Central counterparts. Additionally, MLB uniforms have reverted to the previous cut and materials. This follows the controversial Nike Vapor Premier changeover in 2024. The change focuses more on player comfort and fan aesthetics than on-field performance. A significant league-wide development is the Oakland Athletics’ relocation to West Sacramento, California. They will stay there for at least three seasons. Afterward, they plan to move to Las Vegas. While this doesn’t directly impact the NL Central, it represents a significant shift in the MLB landscape.  

Conclusion: What to Expect from the NL Central in 2025

The 2025 National League Central season promises excitement. There is a compelling mix of teams striving for different goals. The Chicago Cubs enter as the favorites, armed with significant offseason additions and high aspirations. The Milwaukee Brewers, despite some key departures, remain a formidable force with a strong track record. The Cincinnati Reds have exciting young talent. They are led by a new Hall of Fame manager. They are poised to make a serious push for contention. The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a transitional period, focusing on the development of their next generation of stars. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Pirates boast a promising young pitching staff. They are aiming to take another step forward in their rebuilding process. Fans can anticipate a season filled with intense divisional battles. They can look forward to intriguing player development stories. There is always the possibility of unexpected outcomes in this historically competitive division.