Chicago Cubs: Previewing the 2017 National League Central

St. Louis Cardinals

Key losses:  Brandon Moss, Seth Maness, Jaime Garcia

Key additions: Dexter Fowler, Brett Cecil

Before last year, the Cardinals won three straight Central division titles, capping it off with 100 wins in 2015. The Cards added a big need this offseason, stealing Dexter Fowler away from the Cubs, signing him to a five-year contract. St. Louis will need Fowler to be close to what he was in Chicago to make the deal worth it.

However, St. Louis will need to replace 28 home runs from the departure of Brandon Moss. Jedd Gyorko hit the 30 home run plateau, and the Cardinals will need that again if they want to retake the Central back.

Pitching

The Cardinals rotation is much the same as it was last year, led by Adam Wainwright at the front, with Luke Weaver and top prospect Alex Reyes battling it out for the last spot, vacated by Jamie Garcia, who was traded to the Braves.

In terms of the bullpen, Seung-Hwan Oh returns, retaining his closer spot, which he took over from Trevor Rosenthal in the middle of last season. They added a dynamic left-handed specialist, Brett Cecil, which was another area of need for the redbirds.