Chicago Cubs: Who stands in the way of the NL Pennant?

Oddsmakers like the Chicago Cubs in 2016, but they won’t be the only team vying for the NL’s best. Who could stand in their way?

It has already been established that the Chicago Cubs are a heavy favorite to win the World Series in 2016 thanks in large part to the team’s successful offseason adds. However, before champagne bottles can be popped on the Northside, we must acknowledge the competitors — or blockades in the road if you will — that pose a threat to the Cubs’ quest to win it all.

While nothing is guaranteed, the Cubs additions make them a legitimate contender, although some other teams may see it differently as far as who the favorite is.

The following list includes the best teams in the National League in no particular order with a short summary of their offseason and reasons why they will be competitive.

Next: The Rival

Pittsburgh Pirates

Key adds include: Juan Nicasio, Jason Rogers, Ryan Vogelsong, Jon Niese, Kyle Lobstein, John Jaso

The Pirates are returning several stars to its lineup in 2016 headed by Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco, Josh Harrison, and Starling Marte. Beyond that, Pittsburgh’s lineup doesn’t look too intimidating.

They lost two major contributors on offense in Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker this Winter. They will also be missing Jung-ho Kang for at least the start of next season because of injury. The Pirates added John Jaso to play first, but the power the 32-year-old provides won’t come close to the departed Alvares, as Jaso has 37 home runs in 550 games.

The Pirates have what every team wants and that’s an ace in Gerrit Cole. While their 2-3-4 options are not as appealing as other playoff contenders, Francisco Liriano, Niese, and Vogelsong will provide quality innings throughout the year for Pittsburgh. The back end of their bullpen will be very good once again, as Mark Melancon has a firm hold of the ninth with Tony Watson acting as a reliable piece.

Unfortunately for the Pirates, they find themselves looking up at the now contending Cubs and mainstay Cardinals. If I were to guess, I would say the Pirates are the odd team out in a very competitive NL Central.

Next: Not next time

New York Mets

Key adds include: Yoesnis Cespedes, Asdrubal Cabrera, Neil Walker, Antonio Bastardo

This is a dangerous team and I expect the Mets to be among the five possible playoff teams in the National League.

New York recently managed to bring back big-time free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, while also making up for the loss of David Murphy by trading for Neil Walker — who I consider to be an upgrade. Alongside Cespedes, the Mets fill out the outfield with top prospect Michael Confordo and veteran Curtis Granderson.

In the infield, New York has a power bat in Lucas Duda, the aforementioned Walker, and a trio of shortstops that include Wilmer Flores, Ruben Tejada, and newly added Asdrubal Cabrera (who can play second as well). A big question mark will be over the potential production from David Wright who spent a considerable amount of time on the disabled list over back issues.

The Mets’ lineup looks to be strong enough to handle the NL East, but its the pitching staff that will lead them to another World Series.

The bullpen should be reliable, but the rotation will be devastating to opposing teams. With Jacob deGrom, a healthy Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, and the indestructible Bartolo Colon entering his 19th season, the Mets have arguably the best rotation in baseball.

It won’t be a cakewalk in the NL East next season, as the Nationals are poised to make up for their lackluster 2015 campaign.

Next: Are they still around?

Washington Nationals

Key adds include: Shawn Kelley, Oliver Perez, Daniel Murphy, Stephen Drew, hired Dusty Baker

I’m really liking the Nationals in 2016. I’ll even go as far as to say they will win the NL East.

After dismissing Matt Williams, who many believe had a lot to do with the National’s disappointing 2015, Washington will be led by old school manager Dusty Baker. Baker is a three-time manager of the year and boasts multiple playoff appearances as well as one NL pennant to his credit.

After winning 96 games in 2014, the Nationals were picked by many as World Series favorites in 2015. After failing to reach the playoffs, changes were made and this roster is improved.

A rotation consisting of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark and Gio Gonzalez make the Nats primed to succeed in the NL in 2016. Washington brought back one of the game’s best closers in Jonathan Papelbon to solidify the ninth, but the rest of its patchwork bullpen may be an issue.

The most dangerous part of the Nationals comes by way of its lineup. There is depth in the infield and there is depth in the outfield. Coming off a season that granted him an NL MVP award, Bryce Harper looks to build on his ridiculous 2015 and lead his team to a division crown.

Next: Technically, it's their turn again

San Francisco Giants

Key adds include: Johnny Cueto, Denard Span, Jeff Samardzija, re-signed Brandon Crawford to six-year deal

The Giants were on the Cubs tail for much of 2015, but they could not overcome the overwhelming amount of injuries and eventually fell short. This offseason, San Francisco is making it clear that they’re all in for 2016.

With big time acquisitions of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, the Giants rotation looks dangerous behind Madison Bumgarner, Jake Peavy, and Matt Cain. Combine their rotation with a studded lineup that’s almost identical to last year — where they ranked fifth in hits, third in average, and fourth in OBP, respectively — the Giants appear to be the favorite in the NL West.

And, surprise surprise, it’s going to be an even year.

Next: The air out there

Arizona Diamondbacks

Key adds include: Zack Greinke, Shelby Miller

The baseball world was collectively surprised when the Diamondbacks not only managed to land coveted ace Zack Greinke, but they also pried Shelby Miller away from the Braves for a hefty price. Some may question the motives of Arizona’s front office, but they believe this team has at least a three-year window to make a run at a World Series.

The Diamondbacks were a pesky team last season. After finishing an abysmal 2014 season in the NL West cellar with 64 wins, the D-Backs improved by 15 wins in 2015.

Arizona should be considered contenders in 2016 because of their starting rotation. With Greinke, Miller, a healthy Patrick Corbin, and a young hurler with high expectations in Robbie Ray, the Diamondbacks may surprise some people.

Oh, and let’s not forget to mention Paul Goldschmidt, who is among the top-three best first baseman in all of baseball.

Next: The Dodger Way

Los Angeles Dodgers

Key adds include: Scott Kazmir, Joe Blanton, Kenta Maeda, named Dave Roberts manager

Well, Don Mattingly had a good run of it, but now it’s up to Dave Roberts to send the Dodgers into glory.

If LA wants to win they better do it fast. They currently have a decent mix of young talent and veterans, but the roster will see change in the coming years.

The Dodgers are going to have to bank on young studs Joc Pederson, Enrique Hernandez, and Corey Seager to produce or else it will be a long year with that lineup. All are talented, but all are unproven.

It was a good move to sign Scott Kazmir to at least solidify that rotation with Alex Wood and of course Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers also invested heavily into international pitcher Kenta Maeda, signing the soon-to-be 28-year-old to an incentive based eight-year deal which could reach up to $105 million.

It will be a tight race in the NL West, but I don’t think they can catch the Giants this year.

Next: The final few

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Keep an eye out for the Miami Marlins, the Colorado Rockies, and Atlanta Braves. The Marlins are just a year removed from an encouraging 2014 season and will be getting its ace Jose Fernandez back healthy. They also signed Wei-Yin Chen and Dee Gordon to five-year deals.

I mention the Rockies because of its star-studded lineup. The infield is filled with power and gold glove winners, and the same can be said about the outfield. The problem always lies within the rotation and that won’t be any different in 2016.

As for the Braves, I think John Hart has something going here. Atlanta will probably suffer one more sub-par season, but that franchise is on its way back up.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter because the Cubs are better than every team listed in this post.