Cubs: National League Central will be far less competitive in 2021

The Cubs have played in one of the best divisions in MLB for the past few years.

The Cubs‘ rise to the top of baseball facilitated a new sense of competitiveness within the division. Even as teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates began to slide, the Milwaukee Brewers took their place.

Chicago was one of three teams to make the playoffs this season, along with the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds, albeit in an expanded format. Still, the NL Central had quality depth after seemingly taking a downturn in 2019.

Well, the 2021 campaign will really be the season the division goes from one of the best to one of the worst in baseball. The Cubs, Brewers and Reds could all be dealing key players, while the Cardinals are hesitant to spend money. As for the Pirates? They are something of an afterthought.

Here is a closer look at the drastic changes that could take place within the division.