NL Central Arms Race: Best Offseason Add for Each Team

St. Louis Cardinals

After a shocking down year for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023, which saw them finish in the basement of the NL Central, the Red Birds revamped their starting rotation, headlined by signing AL Cy Young runner-up Sonny Gray. The crafty right-hander had a sensational season with the Minnesota Twins and will look to help propel the Cardinals back to the top of the division. St. Louis boasts the shortest odds to win the NL Central at +145, while Gray is also in the mix for the NL Cy Young at +3000. 

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds surprised a lot of folks with an 82-win campaign in 2023. It looked like an offseason where the Reds would promote some talent from the farm and try to go after an NL Central crown with a big move or two in free agency. That hasn't happened, but they brought in starter Frankie Montas. The righty will look to return to his 2022 form with a Reds team that boasts +430 odds to win the NL Central. 

Milwaukee Brewers

After missing all of 2023 with an injury, former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins has a new area code with the Milwaukee Brewers. Hoskins enters the mix for a Brewers team desperate to add more offense to their batting order. Hoskins looks healthy and ready to go for the Brewers, which is a positive considering how winable this division is. Despite selling off some pieces, the Brewers still hold +550 odds to capture the NL Central in 2024. 

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates had a solid first half in 2023 but tailed off toward the end of the year and ended up in fourth place in the division. With the continued growth of their youngsters, the Pirates expect to continue heading on an upward trajectory in 2024. The issue for the Pirates is off the field with management, who seem reluctant to spend money in free agency. Signing Aroldis Chapman for the backend of their bullpen will help, but management could have given this team more of a chance. The Pirates have the longest odds to win the NL Central at +1600. 

St. Louis Cardinals

After a shocking down year for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023, which saw them finish in the basement of the NL Central, the Red Birds revamped their starting rotation, headlined by signing AL Cy Young runner-up Sonny Gray. The crafty right-hander had a sensational season with the Minnesota Twins and will look to help propel the Cardinals back to the top of the division. St. Louis boasts the shortest odds to win the NL Central at +145, while Gray is also in the mix for the NL Cy Young at +3000.