The NL central was nothing if not competitive last year, and the Reds’ and the Cub’s should make the NL Central one of baseball’s most interesting division races of 2023. And despite the Brewers’ FO not spending in the winter leading to the ‘22 season, the Brewers finished second in the division, with a more than respectable 86 wins. The biggest problem, of many teams, really, is pitching, both the bullpen and the starters.
The Crew had a strong rotation last season, and they return all of the major pieces of the 86-win team. Corbin Burnes, the presumptive opening day starter, is back after posting a 2.94 ERA in over 200 innings pitched. The metaphorical game two starter, Brandon Woodruff,posted a 2.06 ERA in 153.1 IP. Eric Lauer should close out the opening seri9es, a year after tallying a sub-4 ERA in 150+ innings. After these three combined for 36 wins, and an average of 12 wins per starter among the top three is a good number for any staff. And given that all three are under 30, 2023’s outlook is pretty good. The other three probable starters are Aaron Ashby, Adrian Houser, and Freddy Peralta. Ashby, who’s only 24, may have the highest ceiling, after finishing 2022 with the fourth most IP among the six starters.
The bullpen is equally, if not more so, important. In spite of many losses in the ‘pen, notably in Josh Hader, the Brewers arm barn should be just fine in 2023, with Devin Williams (1.93 ERA) and Hoby Miller (3.76 ERA) set to take on big roles at the end of the ‘pen come opening day. Additionally, new acquisitions Bryse Wilson and Wade Miley look to bring a veteran presence.
With the young core still intact from a strong team last year, the addition of veterans in the ‘pen should only bolster hopes in what looks to be a strong season.
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