Welcome to the early 2025 prediction series! This is not for the division winners, but just a bold prediction for every team in each division for the 2025 season. There is still more time in the winter, but for now let’s take a swan dive into these predictions. Now we take a look into the NL Central!

Pittsburgh Pirates

Prediction: Paul Skenes Wins NL CY Young

What more can we say about the man with the best mustache in baseball? Paul Skenes was the most anticipated pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg and he delivered on all fronts. Skenes was the first pitcher in MLB History to have an ERA below 2.20 and over 150 strikeouts through their first 21 appearances. Also, he joined Nolan Ryan as the only pitchers to have seven no hit innings and 11 strikeouts. Pretty elite company to be in.

Skenes was an all-star and was named the starting pitcher for the National League. He finished the year with a 1.96 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He won rookie of the year in the NL and was also a finalist for NL CY Young. Chris Sale deserved it, but Skenes will win it in 2025.

There was a lot to love about Skenes. From his fastball that averages 98 MPH, to his high strikeout rate, to getting players to swing and miss, Skenes will build off his strong rookie season and continue to be the ace of the Pirates.

Chicago Cubs

Prediction: Winning the NL Central

This one does not seem bold, but in a way it can be given the season they had. After giving Counsel the biggest contract for a manager, it did not go nearly as well and the team that let him go won the division and made the playoffs. For the Cubs, they’ll look to not only win the division, but finally bring playoff baseball back to Wrigley Field.

The Cubs have a very good starting rotation, especially when healthy. They added Colin Rea and Matthew Boyd to shore up their depth. The bullpen improved as the 2024 season went on, but still a question mark. They did make a big splash trade by acquiring Kyle Tucker, who gives the Cubs a batter they’ve desperately needed.

With the losses the Brewers had, the division is up for grabs and the Cubs grab it and bounce back.

Milwaukee Brewers

Prediction: Jackson Chourio Does Not Suffer a Sophomore Slump

The sophomore slump can be a real thing and that’s across all sports. The Brewers made a good bet by signing Chourio before he even played a game for the club. Chourio had an impressive rookie season, making him a nominee for rookie of the year alongside Jackson Merrill and Paul Skenes.

Chourio slashed .275/.327/.464 with a .791 OPS. His 117 wRC+ stood out tremendously alongside his 21 home runs and 79 RBI. According to Fangraohs he is projected to hit 27 home runs and have 80 RBI’s. He is also projected to slash .279/.327/.464 with a .796 OPS. Seems to me all signs point to a non sophomore slump for Chourio and I agree.

Cincinnati Reds

Prediction: Win over 80 games and finish third in the division

This is the year that the Cincinnati Reds take the next steps as a team. With the Cardinals turning a corner and aiming to get younger and shed payroll. The Pirates have a good rotation, but the bats are much to be desired. The Reds take the mantle and finish third and win over 80 games.

Their pitching has become something special. Hunter Greene took the necessary steps as a starter, having a career year. Andrew Abbott is growing into his role. Nick Lodolo is in the fold. But the Reds made a smart move and acquired Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals. Pitching is now their strength.

If Elly De La Cruz can build off his MVP type season and the bats can pull their weight, the Reds can certainly compete in this division. They could use another outfielder, but that’s another topic to discuss. Terry Francona came out of retirement and that’s a guy who will help right the ship.

St. Louis Cardinals

Prediction: Nolan Arenado Gets Moved…Eventually

The hottest topic surrounding the Cardinals has been their third baseman Nolan Arenado. It’s truly the end of an era for the Cardinals, as all their franchise icons have retired or flown on to greener pastures. Arenado is the last man standing.

He has been the topic of trade rumors all winter, as the Cardinals are trying to shed payroll. He originally had his preferred destinations laid out with the Dodgers, Padres, Red Sox and Mets to name a few. But with the suitors dropping out, he’s willing to expand his list.

The bat may not be what it once was, but it is still impactful. He is also elite defensively and can man the hot corner. Painful times ahead for the Cardinals, but the bandaid will get ripped off at some point.