4 emerging superstars the Cubs may have to be afraid of in the NL Central

MLB Pipeline really seems to like the NL Central. Not only did they pick two teams in the Cubs division to improve by ten or more wins this season (Reds and Cardinals), but they also found four players that could see a massive leap in their statistical output from their rookie to sophomore seasons, and every NL Central team had a player appear on the list… except for the Chicago Cubs.

The Cincinnati Reds

The Reds were already on the list of teams expected to improve by ten or more wins due to the additions of INF Jeimer Candelerio, RHP Frankie Montas, RHP Nick Martinez, RHP Emilio Pagan, and LHP Brent Suter as well as the continued development of INFs Matt McClain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte.

However, the player that MLB.com sees as the player set to make the biggest jump should come as no surprise. Elly De La Cruz put up legitimately incredible numbers all season at the minor league level and in the majors. He had insane exit velocities off of his bat and Manny Randhawa had this to say:

"He had an average arm strength of 95.9 mph in his rookie campaign, and his Sprint Speed was 30.5 feet per second, tied with Bobby Witt Jr. for the best in the Majors."

- Manny Randhawa, MLB.com

If he improves with his discipline at the plate, De La Cruz could easily become one of the top players in the division.