NL Central
Cubs
Good: The team is currently at the top of the division after underachieving last season. Big trade acquisition OF Kyle Tucker from the Astros has been solid so far leading the team. The top bats have played well in 2B Nico Hoerner and OF’s Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Pete-Crow Armstrong, who has improved in year 2. 1B Michael Busch has played well and provided nice power to the lineup. After getting no production from the Catcher position last year, Carson Kelly has been hot showing good power. The pitching unit has played well overall, mostly the starting unit which goes 6 players deep, led by ace Shota Imanaga and free agent pickup #2 Matthew Boyd. Trade acquisition P Ryan Pressly has filled in nicely at Closer.
Bad: SS Dansby Swanson is off to another slow start but showing power. Rookie 2B/3B Matt Shaw is off to a slow start. Free agent addition veteran 3B/1B Justin Turner has struggled. The team could probably use a depth level bat and a relief pitcher.
Brewers
Good: The pitching unit has played well overall led by starters ace Freddy Peralta and late free agent pickup Jose Quintana who is 3-0 after sitting on the market too long. The top bats have stepped up led by 2nd year OF Jackson Chourio, 2B Bryce Turang, and OF Sal Frelick. OF Christian Yelich is healthy and hitting for power. 1B Rhys Hoskins is playing well after a slow start.
Bad: Starting pitchers Aaron Civale and trade acquisition Nestor Cortes have struggled and are already injured. The team might still need closer help after trading Devin Williams for Cortes. While the bats are playing well, the team could use an upgrade at SS with Joey Ortiz off to a slow start moving from 3B and just depth overall, so they could use two more bats.
Reds
Good: The pitching unit has played well overall led by the trio of starters Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and trade acquisition Brady Singer who is 4-0. Star SS Elly De La Cruz continues to play well leading the team. Additions 2B/OF Gavin Lux and OF Austin Hays have been hot lately while getting off to a good start. OF T.J. Friedl has been healthy and productive at the lead off spot. 3B Noelvi Marte and C Austin Wynns have stepped up to help the offensive struggles. The production from the Catcher position.
Bad: 3B/OF Spencer Steer, 2B Matt McClain, OF Jake Fraley, 1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and 3B Jeimer Candelario have gotten off to slow starts. P Nick Martinez has struggled so far. Injury to P Andrew Abbott after a good start, but he does have good trade value or value to keep around. The team is still a mid-level team with good pitching unless the bats step up.
Pirates
Good: The starting pitching has been good and the pitching unit overall led by 2nd year ace Paul Skenes. Top player Oneil Cruz has transitioned nicely to CF. The top bats have produced in the outfield in Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen, and Cruz. Versatile veteran Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been consistent at SS taking over for Cruz.
Bad: The team is already behind in a tough division. The bats are struggling overall and the free agent additions of veterans 2B/OF Adam Frazier and OF/DH Tommy Pham haven’t worked out. OF Jack Suwinski continues to struggle after showing power early in his career. 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes is off to a slow start again. The pitching is good, but not strong enough to carry the team.
Cardinals
Good: The starting pitching has been good led by ace Sonny Gray and #2 Erick Fedde. The bats have played well overall despite standing pat in the offseason. 2B Brendan Donovan has played well so far. 2nd year 2B/SS Thomas Saggese has filled in nicely for injured young SS Masyn Winn. 3B Nolan Arenado has played well keeping his trade value high. 2nd year OF Victor Scott II has played well getting on base and showing good speed/base stealing. OF Lars Nootbaar is showing power early tied for the team lead in homeruns.
Bad: The team is tied for the bottom of a competitive division. 1B/DH Willson Contreras has gotten off to a slow start. Young OF Jordan Walker continues to struggle. Injury to Winn. The bullpen/relief pitching outside of closer Ryan Helsley and starter Steven Matz who moved to the bullpen. The team could use another productive bat and a relief pitcher or two.
