NL Central has been one of the most fun divisions to watch this season. At one point, all five teams were over .500, and it seemed like it was going to be a race for the finish. While some teams have fallen off, we have a clearer sense of the contenders and sellers; all these teams should have busy schedules. We should see some of these teams make a push to claim the Central crown, while others focus on 2027 and beyond. Here is what each team should do at the deadline.
What Each NL Central Team Should Target At The Deadline
Milwaukee Brewers, Find Power Bats: To the surprise of no one, the Brewers are the best team in the Central. They are currently 53-31 and hold a five-and-a-half-game lead over the Cubs. If they want to keep their spot at the top of the Central, they need more power from their lineup. They have only hit 78 home runs this season, which is the fourth fewest in baseball. CJ Abrams would be the perfect fit, as he provides power and fills the need on the left side of the infield. But it’s unlikely he is moved. They could also look for someone like Hunter Goodman. While he may not be the ideal fit for this roster, they will be more than happy to take his 27 home runs. With most of these coming on the road, he should be fine in American Family Field.
Chicago Cubs, Starting Pitching: The Cubs have already started to make trades to improve their roster, acquiring David Peterson from the New York Mets. While it’s smart that the Cubs are not waiting until the deadline to address their problems, Peterson will not fix the Cubs’ rotation. He has struggled this season and is a better fit as a bulk guy. The Cubs need to find starting pitchers if they want to hold a playoff spot for the rest of the season. Casey Mize should be the number one target for the Cubs. He has put together a strong season, having a career-high 165 ERA+. He will also not require the prospect capital as the other top prospects. They could also look for Sonny Gray, but he has a no-trade clause and will have to approve a trade.
St. Louis Cardinals, Hold: Going into this season, the Cardinals were expected to be at the bottom of the NL Central. It was seen as a transition year with the Cardinals focusing on rebuilding the farm system. But they have exceeded expectations, being 44-39 and having the final wild card spot in the NL. While the Cardinals could make a run at the postseason, there is no guarantee this hot streak will continue. The best move for the Cardinals is to stay put and see what this roster can do. Sure, you can make some minor moves, but nothing that will affect the team’s long-term vision. Why go all in on a roster that was not expected to do anything this season? It does appear like the move that Chaim Bloom would make.
Pittsburgh Pirates, Find a Bat to Replace Oneil Cruz: Although the Pirates are 43-44 and are three games out of a playoff spot, they are doing much better than everyone expected them to be. With them needing to make the most out of Paul Skenes’ time with the team, they should try to build off this success. Before Oneil Cruz landed on the injury list, they were 34-33. If they were able to get a bat that can replace him, they can make a run. It may not be enough to win the Central, but it could be enough for a playoff spot. They could target someone like Wilson Contreras, but with him being owed $35 million over the next two seasons, that seems unlikely. Nathaniel Lowe seems like the perfect fit position- and money-wise, if the Reds trade in-division.
Cincinnati Reds, Sell Expiring Contracts: At one point this season, the Reds seemed like buyers at the deadline. But they have fallen apart lately. Since the start of May, they have a record of 19-35 and have fallen to the basement of the NL Central. While there is talent on this roster, there are too many holes to fill during the trade deadline. Instead, the Reds should look to sell some of their expiring deals and focus on building a competitive team for 2027. They should look to move guys like Lowe, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, and JJ Bleday. Out of these four, Lodolo will be able to fetch the Reds the biggest return. He is the only player under contract for next season, and starting pitchers always land a nice package.
