Chicago Cubs: Previewing the 2017 National League Central

Cincinnati Reds

Key additions: Drew Storen

Key losses: Nobody

The Reds have been stuck in limbo for quite some time now. They are trying to rebuild, but haven’t really gotten much in return for their players. Jay Bruce brought back a couple nice players, but they struck out on the return for Aroldis Chapman. Johnny Cueto bought back some nice arms as well.

Brandon Phillips is refusing to be traded at this point. 2017 should be much of the same for the Reds. Not much winning, and selling off some assets at the deadline, although it’d be surprising to see anybody take on Joey Votto‘s massive contract.

Pitching

Brandon Finnegan and Anthony DeSclafani lead a relatively young starting rotation. These two have shown a lot of promise during their time in Cincinnati. Raisel Iglesias is another nice arm the Reds have.

Next: Cubs, Rondon avoid arbitration

These three provide a nice base, should the Reds want to build with pitching. Top prospect Robert Stephenson should see a lot more time in the rotation this year. As for the bullpen, there isn’t much there. Drew Storen will close games until July before he likely gets traded, and the Reds will piece it together from there.