Sneaky Cubs' NL Central rival dealing with scary Jared Jones injury update

It seems like every season we say this but if the Pittsburgh Pirates' young core finds success to open the season, they could be a dark-horse candidate to win the National League Central.

Entering the 2025 season, the Pirates aren't the trendy pick to win the division as that remains the Chicago Cubs despite their winless efforts against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan. Beyond the Cubs, the Milwaukee Brewers can never be counted out given that they've been the kingmakers of the division for much of the past 10 years. The Cincinnati Reds, with their exciting core of young position players combined with the arrival of Terry Francona, are getting some love.

The only team in the National League Central not getting love are the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals finished the 2024 season in last in the division, and seem destined to repeat that fate for the 2025 season.

However, back to the Pirates, given their pitching staff, they could be a surprise contender in the division. All the attention immediately goes in the direction of Paul Skenes but the second season of Jared Jones had Pirates fans excited for what the season could bring.

During spring training this season with the Pirates, Jones was looking like the pitcher who had a sub-3 ERA through his first seven Major League starts last season. Injuries derailed the back half of Jones' rookie season and they have an impact on the start of his sophomore season.

Jared Jones' status for the start of the 2025 season is in question

The Pirates have shut Jones down for the remainder of spring training due to right elbow discomfort. Jones, a right-hander, is seeking a second opinion before the team reveals what the plan is for the 23-year-old starting pitcher. Publicly, the Pirates don't appear to be too concerned but it's never an easy feeling when second opinions are involved.

If Jones is forced to miss significant time, that would be a major blow for the Pirates. If the Pirates are going to find a way to contend this season, or, at least remain in the conversation of the NL Central until the All-Star break, it will be due to their rotation. The absence of Jones would leave a big question mark in the Pirates' rotation following Skenes and Mitch Keller.

The Cubs first play the Pirates this season in a three-game series at PNC Park starting on April 27.