NL Central Power Rankings: Reds trail division rival despite key offseason upgrades

Whether you are upset that the Cincinnati Reds didn't land a big-name free agent, or you are thrilled with how the offseason went, president of baseball operations Nick Krall set the team up for success in 2025.

The Reds finished a disappointing 77-85 last season, but with a new skipper and a retooled roster, there's a lot of optimism in Cincinnati. However, the Reds weren't the only organization in the NL Central who made some moves this offseason. How do the five NL Central teams shape up heading into spring training?

NL Central Power Rankings: Reds trail Cubs despite key offseason additions

1. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs biggest splash this offseason was landing Kyle Tucker. Tucker will immediately add consistency to the revolving-door in right field where three separate Cubs played at least 49 games last season, including Cody Bellinger who was shipped off to the New York Yankees shortly after the Tucker acquisition.

Other than Tucker, the Cubs have added significant depth to their Bullpen. Chicago had the 11th best bullpen ERA in 2024, but the additions of longtime Houston Astros closer Ryan Presley and Caleb Thielbar among others, are assuredly welcome. Along with the great number of additions this offseason, the Cubs have numerous key prospects, including seven in the top 100 who could be key contributors in 2025.

2. Cincinnati Reds

Along with Francona, Krall has made fantastic additions this offseason. Gavin Lux, Austin Hays, Brady Singer, and Taylor Rogers being the headline additions for a Reds organization that didn't give up much outside of second baseman Jonathan India.

India and Fernando Cruz were the Reds biggest losses. India was solid last season, but struggled at times while Cruz was electric yet volatile. Expect the Reds to outperform other 2025 predictions and finish with a solid season if they stay healthy.

3. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers always seem to out-perform predictions each season, but this year Milwaukee may fall back to earth. The Brewers have won three of the last four division titles but have yet to make any major offseason additions. The Brewers lost their HR/RBI leader Willy Adames via free agency and traded away their historically dominant closer, Devin Williams.

That type of production is difficult to reproduce, especially if the Brewers don't make any more moves before Opening Day. The lack of offensive additions may comeback to bite them this season. The Brewers have four top 100 prospects entering 2025, but none of them are likely to turn into difference-makers this season.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have finished either 4th or 5th in the NL Central every year since 2017. The Bucs boast the reigning NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes, and Bryan Reynolds is an All-Star caliber player. Oneil Cruz has high upside and David Bednar is much better than his 2024 stats suggest.

The Pirates lack depth everywhere on the diamond, but have two outstanding arms ready to push into the majors in Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington. But yet again, the Pirates should quietly finish the season swimming in mediocrity.

5. St. Louis Cardinals

Amid reports of the Cardinals aggressively attempting to dump the aging Nolan Arenado and his contract onto a contender, the Redbirds have entered a season of rebuilding. St. Louis lost longtime first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, but Masyn Winn emerged as a solid major league shortstop with a promising future. The rookie led the Cardinals in bWAR last season.

Nolan Gorman has loads of power but lacks plate discipline and is seriously injury prone. Even with some solid players returning this season, expect the Cardinals to be lousy in 2025.

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