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National League power rankings: Who’s the team to beat?

By Steven Kubitza

Mookie Betts, #50, Los Angeles Dodgers, (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Mookie Betts, #50, Los Angeles Dodgers, (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Brewers
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with teammates after scoring a run in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park on September 08, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

NL Central

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates remain a disaster and that is a true shame. The team bottomed out at 69-93 in 2019 and that led to the end of the Clint Hurdle era. The Chris Archer deal looks like a disaster and it is hard to ever have faith in this organization.

4. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are ranked fourth here, but the race should be a tight one separated by only a few games. Joey Votto and Mike Moustakas provide pop in the lineup and Trevor Bauer, as interesting as he is, can be a true ace. Expect the Reds to compete for a playoff spot in this competitive division.

3. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals’ magical 2019 season was cut short by a sweep in the NLCS. The core is back and the Cardinals are the defending division champions. The only question is how the veteran team will do in a rushed and shortened season.

2. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are another team in a unique spot. Star player Kris Bryant doesn’t exactly see eye-to-eye with the front office and this may be the final full season for him with the club. Jon Lester may also be on his way out and a new manager in David Ross should be able to rally the team.

1. Milwaukee Brewers

Christian Yelich is healthy and is looking to help the Brewers avenge a brutal loss in last year’s NL Wild Card Game. A late bullpen collapse sent the Brewers home and the expectation should be the team does even better with Yelich back in the fold.

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