The 2016 baseball season is almost upon us, which means it’s time for predictions. So many things happen in any given season. There is, at least, one team rebuilding this season in the NL Central (Cincinnati Reds). There is also one clear-cut favorite to win the division (Chicago Cubs) and perhaps the world series. As we get closer to the start of the regular season, LWOS will be releasing a series of bold predictions, things that aren’t likely but might just happen. Here are our 2016 NL Central bold predictions.
The Chicago Cubs will win the world series
The 2015 Chicago Cubs team had plenty to be happy about, but now they are hungry for more. The Cubs will potentially have the best lineup in all of MLB, with the likes of Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo, Dexter Fowler, and Jorge Soler in the lineup. The offense will not be an issue for the Cubs. Chicago will need their pitching staff to stay healthy if they want to reach the Fall Classic.
The Cincinnati Reds will not lose 100 games
The 2016 Cincinnati Reds team will look vastly different from the 2015 iteration. Gone are Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier, Johnny Cueto, and other key players from years past. There are two main things to look for while watching the Cincinnati Reds this year. If all the newer pitchers and players can maintain their composure, then the Reds will not lose 100 games. The key thing to keep an eye on will be the state of the pitching staff.
Brandon Phillips will still be a Red by the end of the season
The Reds second baseman has been the subject of a couple trade rumors during the off-season, both to the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals. What helps him the most is he is a 10-5 player. It’s highly doubtful that Phillips will accept a trade to any team; he loves it in Cincinnati. However, if he wants a Championship, ring I suggest that he accept a trade to a contending team in 2016.
St. Louis, Chicago, and Pittsburgh will beat up on Cincinnati and Milwaukee
The top three teams from last year will be the same this year. However, I believe the order will be different. All three of these will have one thing in common: they will use the Brewers and Reds as punching bags to beef up their records. The St. Louis Cardinals will fall to third place while the Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates take the first two spots in the division.
The World Series Champion will come from the NL Central
St. Louis, Chicago, and Pittsburgh all have the opportunity to win
the NLDS and advance to the Fall Classic. It also wouldn’t be surprising if one, or both of, the wild card teams come from the NL Central once again. I will say that at least one of the wild card teams will from the Central.
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