chicago cubs
Expectation: This season Chicago will be a force that can dethrone the Brewers from their throne at the top of the NL Central. Despite losing Kyle Tucker to free agency, they signed Alex Bregman to enhance the offense and fill out their infield.
Worry: The rotation is fantastic, especially after trading for Edward Cabrera, but the bullpen is sorely lacking. There isn't much behind Daniel Palenica that the Cubs can rely on to fill out their relief innings.
milwaukee brewers
Expectation: The value of brewers is decreasing year by year. And year after year they destroy expectations and win the division. But this offseason they traded away their best players without getting very good returns. Their main strength is an offense with everyone able to contribute, but it looks like this could be the year the Brew Crew's surprise wears off.
Worry: Milwaukee has a solid rotation, but without ace Freddy Peralta and season opener Quinn Priest to anchor it, the onus falls on the youngest players like Kyle Harrison and Brandon Sprott to anchor the rotation.
pittsburgh pirates
Expectation: The Pirates may actually make the postseason this year. After failing to make the playoffs since 2015, Pittsburgh made several moves to upgrade its offense. But their real strength lies in their rotation, with reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes returning to anchor the group.
Worry: Despite a great offense and a stellar rotation, the bullpen isn't so good. After trading David Bednar to the New York Yankees last year, the only solid relief option is Gregory Soto. As long as the offense continues and the starters go deep, Pittsburgh will have a successful 2026.
cincinnati reds
Expectation: The Reds made the playoffs last year! It's easy to forget after getting bounced so quickly by the eventual World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The team's bright spot is superstar Eli de la Cruz. If he can finally put it all together, he could really have an MVP-caliber season for Cincinnati.
Worry: Cincinnati's pitching is poor due to injuries. With Hunter Greene out for most of the season, the starting rotation will be manned by Andrew Abbott and Chase Burns. The relief squad isn't very inspiring, but is solid enough to keep the club competitive in most games.
St. Louis Cardinals
Expectation: St. Louis will not reach the playoffs this year. They probably won't be as competitive, but JJ Weatherholt's MLB debut along with other young stars will be the story of the Cardinals' 2026 season.
Worry: Everything. There is nothing particularly good about this roster other than its young stars. They traded away most of their talent this offseason in Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, Brandon Donovan, and Sonny Gray. This year, they will determine what their group will look like for the next few seasons, but will mostly flounder in the NL Central.
