National League Central Odds Show Cubs Have Chance to Win Division
With an offseason that can be viewed in multiple ways, the Chicago Cubs put themselves in a position to win the National League Central.
Was it a great winter?
Is winning the NL Central the hardest thing to do in baseball?
The questions to both of those answers are an easy no, but Cubs players can only control what they can control. They can't make decisions for the front office.
Signing Shota Imanaga, Hector Neris, and others certainly helped. Bringing back Cody Bellinger saved the offseason after it looked to be as disappointing as any in baseball.
However, it's fair to say that there was more that could've been done.
Despite the lack of moves, Chicago's still the favorite to win the NL Central, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Cubs are +185 to win the division, the same odds as the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cincinnati Reds (+340), Milwaukee Brewers (+700), and Pittsburgh Pirates (+1600) follow the two favorites.
The Brewers won the division in 2023, but with Craig Counsell leaving and Corbin Burnes being traded, it's expected that they'll struggle. Despite the horrendous showing from the Cardinals last season, where the finished 71-91, it's safe to say that they'll be a better team this year.
St. Louis has been one of the best organizations in baseball and there's more than enough talent on the roster to win a below-average NL Central.
As for the Reds, they showed promise throughout last season and should be even better.
Chicago will have a chance to win the division, and on paper, arguably have the best roster. Another move or two during the season could also be a big help for them as they chase their first playoff appearance since 2020.
