If you were feeling a bit uneasy about Seiya Suzuki's injury during the World Baseball Classic, you're not alone. The Cubs' faithful have been watching closely, and there's more to keep an eye on in the NL Central. FanSided's MLB insider Robert Murray has highlighted some developments that Cubs fans might find concerning.
In a recent Q&A, Murray mentioned two key points that should be on Chicago's radar. First, Jim Bowden recently spotlighted Brandon Sproat as a standout for the Milwaukee Brewers during spring training. But that's not all - Murray suggests that another Brewers' addition, Kyle Harrison, might be ready to shine this season.
Harrison, a third-round pick back in 2020, had a minor setback with a blister issue in his last outing. However, the buzz around him is hard to ignore.
Industry insiders are saying Harrison looks different in Milwaukee, suggesting he's finally poised to tap into his immense potential. The Brewers' pitching development has a track record of reviving careers, and Harrison might be the latest success story.
Milwaukee's not showing any signs of slowing down. Their farm system alone is robust enough to keep them competitive. When you combine that with a front office that nails its major trades, you're looking at a formula for long-term success - something that could challenge the Cubs' aspirations.
But it's not just Milwaukee. Keep an eye on Cincinnati and Pittsburgh as well. The Pirates had an active offseason and boast baseball's top prospect, shortstop Konnor Griffin.
Now, here's where it gets interesting for Pirates fans: there's talk of a possible extension for Griffin before Opening Day. If Pittsburgh can lock him down early, it could be a game-changer.
At just 19, Griffin has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. If he waits, a bigger payday could be on the horizon, but securing him now would be a strategic move for the Pirates.
Pittsburgh missed their chance to secure Paul Skenes before he became a top pitcher, so they might be looking for redemption with Griffin. Locking in such talent could pose a significant challenge to the Cubs over the next decade.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but there's plenty of chatter in the division. The Cubs might have had a successful offseason and high hopes for the season ahead, but the rest of the NL Central isn't planning to just step aside. It's shaping up to be an exciting race, and Cubs fans should stay tuned.