NL Central Reloaded: A Look at the Division’s New Faces Heading Into Spring Training
The Super Bowl confetti has barely settled, and just like that, baseball is back on the radar. Spring training is kicking off, and while Brewers fans are still learning the names of Milwaukee’s newest additions - Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams, Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, Shane Drohan, Sammy Peralta, Angel Zerpa, Akil Baddoo - it’s not just the Brew Crew that’s been busy.
The entire National League Central has seen a shake-up this offseason. From splashy free-agent signings to calculated trades, the division's landscape looks different - and in some cases, a whole lot more competitive. Let’s break down the biggest new arrivals across the NL Central and what they bring to the table.
Chicago Cubs: Big Names, Big Expectations
Alex Bregman, 3B
The Cubs didn’t just make a move - they made the move.
Chicago landed Alex Bregman on a five-year, $175 million deal, bringing in one of the most polished bats in the game. Coming off a season with Boston where he posted 18 home runs and an .821 OPS, Bregman immediately becomes one of the premier offensive threats in the division.
He’s a proven postseason performer with a championship pedigree, and his presence in the heart of the lineup gives the Cubs a serious edge.
Edward Cabrera, SP
Cabrera arrives via trade from Miami, and he’s got electric stuff.
A 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts in 138 innings tells part of the story, but what really stands out is his improved command - a key development in his growth. The Cubs gave up top outfield prospect Owen Caissie to get him, signaling just how much they believe in Cabrera’s upside.
Phil Maton, RP
Maton quietly put together a stellar 2025, posting a 2.79 ERA over 63 appearances split between St.
Louis and Texas. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable - and with a 1.098 WHIP over the past three seasons, he’s exactly the kind of bullpen arm contending teams covet.
He joins the Cubs on a two-year, $14.5 million deal.
Hunter Harvey, RP
When healthy, Harvey has late-inning stuff.
Injuries limited him to just 12 games last year with the Royals, but the Cubs are betting on a bounce-back with a one-year, $6 million deal. If he returns to his 2022-23 form, this could be a steal.
Hoby Milner, RP
Cubs fans might recognize Milner from his days with the Brewers.
The lefty reliever is now wearing enemy colors on a one-year, $3.75 million deal. He’s not a headliner, but he adds depth to a bullpen that could be sneaky good.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Making Moves With Purpose
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B
The Pirates stepped up their free-agent game by landing O’Hearn on a two-year, $29 million deal.
The left-handed slugger hit 17 homers last year with an .803 OPS and brings a much-needed veteran presence to the lineup. He’s not a superstar, but he’s a solid middle-of-the-order bat who can help stabilize Pittsburgh’s offense.
Brandon Lowe, 2B
Acquired in a three-team deal involving the Rays and Astros, Lowe is coming off an All-Star season in Tampa.
He hit 31 home runs with a .785 OPS and brings legit power at second base - a position where the Pirates have lacked consistency. If he stays healthy, Lowe could be one of the more impactful additions in the division.
Marcell Ozuna, DH
Ozuna’s production dipped a bit last year (.756 OPS), but he’s just one season removed from back-to-back years in the .900s.
On a one-year, $12 million deal, the Pirates are hoping he rediscovers that pop. He’ll slot in as the primary DH and could be a difference-maker if his bat heats up.
Gregory Soto, RP
Soto’s coming off a rough 2025, but the Pirates are banking on a return to form.
From 2021-22, he was one of the most dominant relievers in the game. If he can regain that edge, Pittsburgh’s bullpen gets a serious jolt.
Cincinnati Reds: Reunions and Reinforcements
Eugenio Suárez, 3B
Suárez is back in Cincinnati, where he spent seven seasons and became a fan favorite.
After a 49-homer campaign last year - tying his career best - he returns on a one-year, $15 million deal. His power is real, but he’ll need to be more consistent than he was post-trade last year in Seattle.
Still, there’s no denying the fit: Suárez and the Reds just make sense.
Caleb Ferguson, RP
Ferguson quietly had a solid 2025, posting a 3.58 ERA between Pittsburgh and Seattle. He adds a left-handed option to the bullpen, which gives the Reds more flexibility late in games.
Pierce Johnson, RP
Johnson brings experience and a live arm, signing a one-year, $6.5 million deal. He’s had success in high-leverage roles and should slot into the back end of the Reds’ bullpen.
Dane Myers, OF
Myers came over in a trade with the Marlins and adds depth to the outfield. He’s not expected to be a star, but he brings some versatility and a solid glove.
St. Louis Cardinals: Pitching, Pitching, Pitching
Dustin May, SP
May is a classic high-risk, high-reward signing.
Injuries have derailed what once looked like a breakout career, but the Cardinals are giving him a shot on a one-year, $12.5 million deal. He had a 4.96 ERA last season between the Dodgers and Red Sox after missing all of 2024.
If he can stay healthy, he’s got the stuff to be a mid-rotation weapon.
Hunter Dobbins, SP
Dobbins had a 4.13 ERA in 13 games (11 starts) with the Red Sox last year. He came over in the trade that sent Sonny Gray to Boston and could compete for a rotation spot or provide depth if injuries strike.
Richard Fitts, SP
Also acquired in the Gray deal, Fitts posted a 3.97 ERA over the past two seasons in limited action with Boston. Like Dobbins, he’s a young arm with upside and gives the Cardinals more options as they reshape their pitching staff.
Ryne Stanek, RP
Stanek brings veteran experience to the bullpen, signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal after a stint with the Mets. He’s a hard thrower who can handle high-leverage spots if needed.
Brewers Departures: Who’s Gone?
Milwaukee’s roster churned quite a bit this offseason. Notable exits include:
- Freddy Peralta (Mets)
- Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler (Red Sox)
- Isaac Collins, Nick Mears (Royals)
- José Quintana (Rockies)
- Danny Jansen, Jordan Montgomery (Rangers)
- Tobias Myers (Mets)
- Erick Fedde (White Sox)
- Aaron Civale (Athletics)
- Rhys Hoskins, Shelby Miller (still unsigned)
That’s a lot of turnover, and it means Brewers fans will be getting to know a new-look squad over the next few weeks in Arizona.
Final Word
The NL Central didn’t sit still this winter. The Cubs made the biggest splash, the Pirates quietly improved, the Reds brought back a fan favorite, and the Cardinals bet big on pitching depth. It’s shaping up to be a fascinating race - and while the Brewers are still sorting out their own roster, one thing’s clear: the competition around them just got tougher.