NL Central Power Rankings after Cubs sign Trey Mancini, Dansby Swanson

2. NL Central Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs

Whether you realize it or not, the Chicago Cubs have been one of the most active clubs during the 2022-23 MLB offseason. The Cubbies have made a slew of moves to help get them over the hump and back into the conversation as one of the best teams in the NL Central Division.

The Cubs have made some major additions with the free agent signings of Trey Mancini and Dansby Swanson. Chicago also inked two-time Gold Glove catcher Tucker Barnhart along with former NL MVP Cody Bellinger.

Will all these moves pay off? That’s debatable. What’s not debatable, however, is that the Cubs are looking more like a contender than a pretender. The North Siders also added Eric Hosmer, Jameson Taillon, and Brad Boxberger. Ian Happ, Nico Hoener, and Seiya Suzuki will be back in 2023 as well. This team could make some noise.

1. NL Central Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals

To quote Ric Flair, “To be the man, you got to beat the man. Woo!” The St. Louis Cardinals haven’t made a lot of noise this offseason, but they really haven’t had the need to. One move that will probably go unnoticed, is the fact that Nolan Arenado did not opt out of his contract. The best defensive third baseman in the game will remain in the Gateway City for years to come.

The Cardinals did find a replacement for longtime backstop Yadier Molina. It just so happens to be former Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. Adding Contreras’ bat to a lineup that features Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt will form an imposing middle of the order for every opposing pitcher.

Adam Wainwright will be back for one more season, and one would assume that Jack Flaherty will return healthy in 2023. Those two, along with Jordan Montgomery, could be a nightmare for NL Central hitters next season.