NL Central Preview 2025: Can Anyone Stop the Cubs? | 69

Welcome to Episode 69 of Tablesetters! The NL Central has been one of baseball’s most competitive and chaotic divisions over the past decade, but as we enter the 2025 season, the Cubs appear poised to reclaim dominance. With Chicago making the biggest offseason splash and other teams either retooling or rebuilding, the question is: Can anyone keep up?

In this episode, Devin and Steve break down the division from top to bottom, analyzing each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and offseason moves, as well as whether they’ll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

🔹 Chicago Cubs – Trading for Kyle Tucker was a massive statement. With a deep lineup and a revamped bullpen, is this the best Cubs team since 2016?
🔹 Milwaukee Brewers – Back-to-back division titles were nice, but losing Willy Adames and Devin Williams stings. Do they still have enough firepower to three-peat?
🔹 Cincinnati Reds – The Terry Francona hire was huge, and adding Brady Singer & Gavin Lux gives them depth. But are they ready to truly contend?
🔹 St. Louis Cardinals – They leaned on veterans again, but is this a Wild Card team or just a franchise in denial about needing a rebuild?
🔹 Pittsburgh Pirates – Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds are exciting, but with Paul Skenes waiting in the wings, are they still a year away?

🔥 Did the Cubs officially take control of the Central?
🔥 Who’s a real contender, and who’s just pretending?
🔥 Buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?
🔥 Biggest X-Factor in the division?

The NL Central might not have a clear juggernaut, but that makes it all the more interesting. Who’s primed for a deep run, and who’s in danger of fading fast? Join the conversation and let us know YOUR thoughts!

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