NL Central division expected to be highly competitive in 2025

The NL Central division is shaping up to be a competitive race in the 2025 season, with all five teams having potential playoff talent. The Milwaukee Brewers are the favorites, despite losing some key players. They won the division title last year and are looking to make a deeper playoff run this time. Their lineup features stars like Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, while their pitching rotation is led by Freddy Peralta and expected return of Brandon Woodruff from injury. The Chicago Cubs are hoping to regain their former glory after two seasons finishing with 83 wins. They added star Kyle Tucker to their roster, aiming to improve. The team needs to start strong to remain relevant in the playoff race. The Pittsburgh Pirates have young talent, including promising pitcher Paul Skenes. However, their offense struggled last season, ranking low in runs scored. Fans are hoping for improvements from players like Oneil Cruz and Andrew McCutchen. The Cincinnati Reds are embracing change under new manager Terry Francona. With strong young players like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, there's optimism for significant growth. The team's success will hinge on how well Francona can pull the team's talents together. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are in a transitional phase. With a mix of youth and experienced players, they aim to stay competitive while also developing their younger talent. The balance between winning now and preparing for the future will be crucial for their success. Overall, this division promises an exciting season as teams jostle for position in a tightly packed race. Each team has strengths and weaknesses, making for a thrilling watch in the months ahead.