The NL Central features two teams fighting at the top of the division and three teams completely in sell mode.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are hoping to finally return to the playoffs while the St. Louis Cardinals are looking for another World Series ring. At the same time, the Cincinnati Reds have won 10 straight entering play Monday despite losing Canadian slugger Joey Votto for 3-4 weeks following knee surgery. All three teams could be looking to make additions via trade that could help put them over the top.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs are looking to rebuild their organization after new team president Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer took over before the start of the season. With the likes of Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and Alfonso Soriano, the Cubs have numerous attractive players to potential buyers.
The Milwaukee Brewers have already traded Zack Greinke and George Kottaras and are likekly to continue selling assets. After trading away Brett Lawrie in 2010, the Brewers will be looking to add more elite prospects.
Chicago Cubs
General Manager: Jed Hoyer
Opening Day Payroll: : $109,316,000
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 14
Status: Seller
Needs: Young outfielder, middle-of-the-order power, front-end pitcher, upgrade at second base/third base
Major league trade chips: Matt Garza (SP), Ryan Dempster (SP), Alfonso Soriano (OF), Bryan LaHair (1B/OF), Geovany Soto (C), Carlos Marmol (RP), David Dejesus (OF)
Top prospects: Javier Baez (SS), Albert Almora (OF), Jorge Soler (OF)
The Skinny: With Theo Epstein in charge, the Cubs are looking to rebuild their organization and re-stock the farm system. Acquiring first baseman Anthony Rizzo was a good start but the Cubs still have several veteran players that could be in demand. The Cubs would like to exchange them for younger, more controllable players as they have few building blocks outside of Rizzo and all-star shortstop Starlin Castro.
Cincinnati Reds
General Manager: Walt Jocketty
Opening Day Payroll: $87,826,167
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 16
Status: Buyer
Needs: Veteran middle-of-rotation starter, upgrade in left field, veteran catcher
Major league trade chips: Homer Bailey (SP), Ryan Ludwick (OF), Mike Leake (SP)
Top prospects: Devin Mesoraco (C), Billy Hamilton (SS), Daniel Corcino (RHP)
The Skinny: The Reds are in tough after losing Joey Votto for up to a month. They now have a glaring hole in the middle of their lineup and seriously lack left-handed batters. For now, they are likely to stay put and hope their current players can keep them atop the NL Central while Votto rehabs his injury.
Houston Astros
General Manager: Jeff Luhnow
Opening Day Payroll: $60,799,000
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 18
Status: Seller
Needs: Power-hitting first baseman, upgrade at third base/left field, middle-of-rotation starter
Major league trade chips: Brian Bogusevic (OF)
Top prospects: Carlos Correa (SS), Jonathan Singleton (OF/1B), George Springer (OF)
The Skinny: Houston is still in the early stages of a long-term rebuilding plan. The Astros have already traded away Wandy Rodriguez (Pittsburgh) and Brett Myers (Chicago White Sox) this month and they remain open for business.
Milwaukee Brewers
General Manager: Doug Melvin
Opening Day Payroll: $98,150,833
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 26
Status: Wait and see
Needs: Young front-end starter, controllable shortstop, upgrade in centre field br>
Major league trade chips: Shaun Marcum (SP), Francisco Rodriguez (RP), Aramis Ramirez (3B), Randy Wolf (SP), Nyjer Morgan (OF)
Top prospects: Wily Peralta (RHP), Jed Bradley (LHP), Taylor Jungman (RHP)
The Skinny: The Brewers weren’t able to build off last season’s success, in large part because they lost Prince Fielder in free agency. With Marcum scheduled to hit free agency, he could soon find himself, like Greinke, sporting another uniform.
Pittsburgh Pirates
General Manager: Neil Huntington
Opening Day Payroll: $51,932,333
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 11
Status: Buyer
Needs: Upgrade in right field, veteran shortstop, bench depth
Major league trade chips: Clint Barmes (SS), Alex Presley (OF)
Top prospects: Gerrit Cole (RHP), Jamison Taillon (RHP). Josh Bell (OF)
The Skinny: The Pirates look to make their first playoff appearance since 1992 and could feel pressure to make a move. Several teams have been inquiring about their top two pitching prospects but Pittsburgh is reportedly hesitant to move them. Expect the Pirates to look into cheaper, short-term acquisitions.
St. Louis Cardinals
General Manager: John Mozeliak
Opening Day Payroll: $111,858,500
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 10
Status: Buyer
Needs: Upgrade in right field, veteran shortstop, bench depth
Major league trade chips: Jaime Garcia (SP), Skip Schumaker (IF), Jon Jay (OF)
Top prospects: Oscar Taveras (OF), Shelby Miller (RHP), Carlos Martinez (RP)
The Skinny: Last season’s World Series champions have been able to lurk the playoff race, despite Chris Carpenter’s injury and losing Albert Pujols to free agency. The Cardinals have strong depth throughout their roster and have a strong group of prospects in the minor leagues making them a candidate to make a big splash.
