1 bold prediction for every NL Central team

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Feb 23, 2023; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) poses for a portrait throughout spring coaching picture day. MLB spring coaching Necessary Credit score: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports activities
Spring coaching is usually a time for optimism. The Brewers, Reds, Pirates, Cardinals and Cubs have a lot to be enthusiastic about.
Getting into spring coaching, the St. Louis Cardinals are the consensus favourite to win the Nationwide League Central. Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt are as soon as once more sturdy MVP candidates and have an offense full of expertise round them.
However they aren’t invincible. Their pitching depth is a concern and Adam Wainwright’s velocity will probably be one thing to watch. The opposite groups within the division, most notably the Milwaukee Brewers, have the expertise to overhaul the Cardinals if their pitching falters.
Elsewhere within the division, the Chicago Cubs are trending in the proper course after signing Dansby Swanson, Jameson Taillon, Drew Smyly and quite a few others. The Pittsburgh Pirates are trending in the proper course and will even be a playoff team as quickly as 2024. And the Cincinnati Reds are, nicely, the Reds.
Right here’s an early have a look at the NL Central, with one bold prediction for every team for the 2023 season.