All articles tagged with #nl central
Milwaukee's Pat Murphy was named NL Manager of the Year for the second consecutive season after leading the Brewers to a franchise-record 97 wins and a deep playoff run, beating out Rob Thomson and Terry Francona in the voting.
The Chicago Cubs achieved a season-high 21 games over .500 with a sweep in Anaheim, narrowing their division gap to 5 games and maintaining playoff hopes, while players like Kyle Hendricks and prospects like Brennen Davis contribute to the team's ongoing success.
The Milwaukee Brewers continue to dominate the NL Central, maintaining their lead and proving that their success is due to a well-run organization rather than managerial magic, as Chicago Cubs media blame manager Craig Counsell for their recent struggles.
The article analyzes the trade deadline moves of NL Central teams, highlighting the Milwaukee Brewers' modest yet impactful trades, the Cubs' solid additions but lack of starting pitching help, the Reds' strategic acquisitions to contend, the Cardinals' sell-off of veterans, and the Pirates' mixed approach with some prospects gained. It invites readers to vote on which team had the best deadline in the division.
The Detroit Tigers lead the MLB power rankings, with the Dodgers and Astros close behind. The rankings reflect recent team performances, injuries, and standings, with the Reds making a significant jump and the Mets sliding due to a poor June. The upcoming trade deadline and All-Star break are influencing team strategies and standings.
Max Scherzer is set to return from injury for the Blue Jays, Zach Neto may miss time due to shoulder soreness, and a notable pitchers' duel is scheduled in Milwaukee between Jacob Misiorowski and Paul Skenes, highlighting key developments in baseball today.
Cardinals' Sonny Gray is set to make his debut after being sidelined with a hamstring strain, hoping to bolster the struggling starting pitching staff; Cubs' Julian Merryweather placed on injured list with a shoulder strain, opening up a spot for Daniel Palencia in the bullpen; Brewers' Jakob Junis placed on IL with a shoulder impingement, but the MRI came back clean and he hopes to return soon, with Aaron Ashby filling in for him.
Cubs' Jameson Taillon experiences lower back tightness, Cardinals' Sonny Gray making progress with hamstring strain, Tommy Edman doubtful for Opening Day due to wrist issues, Pirates' Yasmani Grandal dealing with plantar fasciitis but expected to return to games soon.
The Chicago Cubs are thrilled about the return of free agent Cody Bellinger, who agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract, with the ability to opt out after each season. Bellinger's return is celebrated by the team and fans, as he was a key player in the Cubs' success last season. His presence is seen as instrumental in the team's bid for the NL Central title, and the Cubs may still make further moves in the free-agent market to bolster their roster.
Jonathan India's plantar fasciitis is still affecting his availability for the Reds, Aaron Ashby is making progress after shoulder surgery and hopes to win a spot in the Brewers rotation, Carlos Santana expressed interest in returning to the Pirates but ultimately signed with the Twins, and the Pirates are facing challenges in their rebuild due to issues with international signings, disconnect between traditional and modern approaches, and limited spending under owner Bob Nutting.
The Chicago Cubs have made significant moves to strengthen their team, signing Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga and acquiring first baseman Michael Busch in a trade with the Dodgers. These additions address key areas of need for the Cubs, making them a tough challenge for the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central. The Cubs are also reportedly negotiating with several other players, and are expected to be strong contenders alongside the Cardinals in the upcoming season.
The St. Louis Cardinals dropped to the seventh overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft after participating in the draft lottery. Despite having the fifth-best odds, they ended up with a lower pick than any other team in the NL Central, with the Cincinnati Reds securing the second overall pick. The Cleveland Guardians will have the first overall pick, marking the first time in franchise history. Former Cardinals pitcher Jason Motte represented the team at the lottery but was unable to bring them luck. The Cardinals have not held the first overall pick in the MLB draft and have been reassessing their approach to drafting and developing pitchers.
Jackson Chourio is expected to sign an eight-year, $82 million extension with the Milwaukee Brewers, making it the largest contract ever given to a player before his MLB debut. The Pittsburgh Pirates' recent signing of catcher Ali Sanchez has sparked speculation about a potential trade involving one of their catchers for a young pitcher. The Cincinnati Reds have a surplus of promising young infielders, with Elly De La Cruz expressing willingness to play wherever the team needs him. The Chicago Cubs' rumored interest in Tyler Glasnow has not progressed, as the Rays are reportedly seeking a controllable young pitcher in return.
The departure of Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers to become the manager of the Chicago Cubs has intensified the rivalry between the two NL Central teams. The move has left Brewers fans livid, as Counsell was highly regarded and beloved in Milwaukee. The Cubs, who fired their own manager David Ross to hire Counsell, offered him a five-year, $40 million contract, making him the highest-paid manager in baseball history. The Brewers are now scrambling to find a replacement, with bench coach Pat Murphy being a potential candidate. The heated Midwest rivalry between the Brewers and Cubs is expected to intensify with Counsell's move.
The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the NL Central title after the Chicago Cubs suffered a meltdown against the Atlanta Braves, allowing the Braves to rally from a 6-0 deficit and win the game. The Brewers celebrated their fourth Central crown and third in the last six years, despite their own loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.