NL Central Power Rankings after Cubs sign Trey Mancini, Dansby Swanson
By Drew Koch
4. NL Central Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates
While the Chicago Cubs have made some intriguing offseason additions, the Pittsburgh Pirates have not just sat on their hands. The Buccos have made some improvements and will look to crawl out of the NL Central basement next season.
The Cincinnati Reds’ lack of talent will certainly help, and the Pirates faithful will look forward to a full season of Oneil Cruz in the big leagues. Cruz posted a 107 OPS+ in his rookie season and there are big things expected for Cruz and fellow infielder Ke’Bryan Hayes.
What the Pirates do prior to the season as it relates to outfielder Bryan Reynolds could see the Bucs rise or fall in the NL Power Rankings. There’s been plenty of trade rumors involving the All-Star, but parting ways with the 27-year-old would in no way strengthen the Pirates current roster.
3. NL Central Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
After enjoying some very successful seasons, the Milwaukee Brewers took a step back in 2022. The Brew Crew missed the postseason for the first time in five years and parted company with longtime closer Josh Hader at last year’s trade deadline.
The Brewers still have two of the best starting pitchers in the National League in Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, but the postseason window may be closing on Milwaukee rather quickly with both pitchers approaching free agency after the 2024 season.
The Milwaukee Brewers have an elite-level reliever in Devin Williams and swung a trade for William Contreras as well. The Brewers aren’t rebuilding in the same way as the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates, but they’ll nee key contributions from some of their outfield prospects if Milwaukee hopes to return to the postseason in 2023.