Chicago Cubs: Change is coming – and the NL Central is ready to battle

The Chicago Cubs played in one of the game’s most competitive divisions in 2019. Should we expect another tight race in the NL Central next year?

The St. Louis Cardinals are the only team left standing from the National League Central. The club won the division after trailing a pair of division rivals for a majority of the season and are ready to battle the Washington Nationals in the NLCS, that kicks off this weekend. With the Chicago Cubs watching from home, it’s never too early to scope your competition.

We know that next year’s Cubs team will likely look quite different from the club we’ve enjoyed in recent years. That much is clear. A new manager, new faces in the clubhouse – and a new television network.

This season felt a lot like 2015 to me. A three-team race for the top spot and a chance for two teams to play in the Wild Card game. Unfortunately, the Cubs’ collapse allowed the Cardinals to win the division and the Milwaukee Brewers to grab one of the two Wild Card berths this year.

2020 will most likely bring the same type of season. the Cubs, Cardinals and Brewers will likely all be at the top of the division once again.  Taking a look at the teams’ current rosters and contracts can give us a better look at what we expect from these clubs and specific players.