2025 Fantasy Baseball Division Preview: NL Central

  • The “Mid-Best”, “The Heartland” and the home of Chicago style deep-dish, the NL Central delivered a mix of surprises and disappointments in 2024, both on the field and in fantasy baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers emerged as unexpected division champions, finishing 10 games ahead despite losing both manager Craig Counsell and ace starting pitcher Corbin Burnes.

    Key fantasy surprises like stud prospect Jackson Chourio and veteran Sal Frelick made up for those losses, while disappointing performances from the Chicago Cubs’ big hitters and the Cardinals’ rotation kept those teams out of serious contention.

    The Cubs, however, look ready to bounce back in 2025 after trading for fantasy stud Kyle Tucker, whose combination of power and speed places him among the elite in redraft leagues. With no clear front-runner and plenty of fantasy-relevant talent across the division, the NL Central promises to be one of the most unpredictable divisions for fantasy managers to navigate. Let’s take a look at how the off-season has gone for these teams and how 2025 is shaping up.

    CHICAGO CUBS

    Key Off-season Additions:

    Kyle Tucker (OF): The Cubs made a significant move by acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and 2024 first-round pick Cam Smith. Tucker’s elite combination of power and speed makes him a top-tier fantasy asset, coming off a 2024 season where he posted a .289 batting average, 23 home runs, 49 RBIs, 56 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases over 78 games. His presence solidifies the middle of the Cubs’ lineup and boosts the fantasy value of surrounding hitters. Tucker is a consensus top 10 asset in virtually formats and all of his advanced stat metrics back it up. The only thing to note here is that his speed is waning as he peaked in 2023 with 30 swipes and only had 11 last year with a below average 18% sprint speed as opposed to his 60-70% in the three years prior. This was most likely due playing banged up, so Tucker could be primed for a major bounce back in the speed department.

    Ryan Pressly (RP): Pressly takes over as the Cubs’ closer after being acquired from the Astros. In 2024, he posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 4 saves over 56.2 innings. While his strikeout rate saw a dip, he continued to excel at inducing groundballs (48.8%) and limiting walks. At age 36, Pressly remains a reliable ninth-inning option, with elite spin rates on his curveball and fastball still among the league’s best. He enters 2025 as a solid top-10 closer in fantasy leagues.

    Matthew Boyd (SP): Signed as a free agent, Boyd adds depth to the starting rotation. While not a front line starter, he can provide value in deeper fantasy leagues in the form of strikeouts with a career 8.8 K/9, especially if he secures a consistent role in the rotation.

    Vidal Bruján (IF/OF): Acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for first baseman Matt Mervis, Bruján offers versatility and speed. If he earns regular playing time, his stolen base potential and contact skills make him an intriguing option in deeper category-based leagues.

    Key Off-season Losses:

    Isaac Paredes (3B): A breakout All-Star in 2024, Paredes was traded to the Cubs during the season and hit a combined .238/.346/.393 with 19 homers and 80 RBIs in 153 games last season. The loss of Paredes is the most fantasy impactful for the Cubs and puts the spotlight on top prospect Matt Shaw and his development at 3B going into Spring Training.

    Cody Bellinger (OF): Traded to the New York Yankees, Bellinger’s departure opens up opportunities in the outfield. While his 2024 performance was modest, his absence may lead to increased roles for other players while potentially hurting the lineup’s overall run production.

    Adbert Alzolay (RHP): Has been a solid closer in previous season and entered last year with the role for the Cubs but struggled mightily. He left to sign a minor league deal with the Mets in the off-season. The closer role will be filled by new acquisition Ryan Pressly.

    Matt Mervis (1B): Dealt to the Marlins, Mervis was anticipated to compete for the starting first base role. His exit leaves a vacancy that will most likely be filled by Michael Busch.

    Pitching Preview:

    Rotation:

    Shota Imanaga: Signed from Japan’s NPB league, Imanaga delivered a strong 2024 season with a 2.91 ERA, 15-3 record, and 174 strikeouts over 173.1 innings. His impressive strikeout rate (9.0 K/9) and excellent command (1.8 BB/9) make him an intriguing SP3/SP4 option with potential for more. The strikeouts were a pleasant surprise the consensus around the fantasy industry at this time last year was that his strikeout rate would not translate from the NPB.

    Justin Steele: Steele built on his 2023 breakout, producing a 3.07 ERA, 135 strikeouts, and 5 wins over 134.2 innings in 2024. He’s a dependable SP2/SP3 with occasional SP1 upside and one of the most stable fantasy arms on the Cubs’ roster.

    Jameson Taillon: Taillon had a solid 2024 season, posting a 12-8 record with a 3.27 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts over 165.1 innings. His past performance, especially a strong finish with a 1.63 ERA over his final six starts, makes him a semi-reliable mid-rotation fantasy option with potential for more in 2025.

    Matthew Boyd: Boyd’s 2024 season was cut short due to injuries, but he has a proven track record of strikeout potential, with a career K/9 of 8.8. If healthy, he could be a valuable late-round fantasy pick, particularly in deeper leagues or as a streamer.

    Javier Assad: Assad provided a steady presence in 2024, recording a 7-6 win-loss record with a 3.73 ERA and 124 strikeouts over 147 innings, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen. His WHIP was 1.40. He’s a solid swing man option and a deep-league streaming candidate if he earns consistent starts.

    Colin Rea: Rea filled in admirably for the Brewers in 2024, making 32 appearances (27 starts) with a 12-6 record, a 4.29 ERA, and 135 strikeouts over 167⅔ innings. His WHIP was 1.26. While not flashy, he offers depth as a back-end starter or long reliever and is a streaming option in favorable match ups.

    Bullpen:

    Ryan Pressly: Ryan Pressly joins the Cubs as their new closer after being acquired from the Astros. In 2024, he appeared in 59 games, recording a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and four saves over 56.2 innings. While his strikeout rate decreased to 9.2 K/9, he maintained a solid ground ball rate of 48.8%. At 36, Pressly remains a dependable ninth-inning option, known for his elite spin rates on both his curveball and fastball. He enters 2025 as a solid top-15 closer in fantasy leagues.

    Porter Hodge: Hodge emerged as a reliable reliever for the Cubs in 2024, posting a 1.88 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts over 43 innings. He successfully converted 9 out of 12 save opportunities but is expected to serve as the primary setup man in 2025 behind Ryan Pressly. Hodge’s mid-90s fastball and sharp slider generate plenty of swings and misses, making him a strong option in holds leagues with potential for additional save opportunities.

    Hitting Preview:

    Catcher:

    Miguel Amaya: Amaya flashed some meager power potential in 2024, hitting 8 home runs with a .232 average in limited action. His improved plate discipline and defensive skills should earn him more playing time, but he is probably best left on the wire un-drafted in all but the deepest of leagues including two catcher formats.

    First Base:

    Michael Busch: Michael Busch is expected to take over first base duties for the Chicago Cubs in 2025. In 2024, he played 142 games at first base, with additional appearances at second and third base. Offensively, Busch posted a .248 batting average with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs albeit with 162 strikeouts over 496 at-bats, contributing to a .775 OPS. His adequate contact skills and emerging power make him a mid-round sleeper in most formats while he gets penalized a bit in leagues that count strikeouts.

    Second Base:

    Nico Hoerner: Hoerner delivered a strong 2024 campaign, slashing .273/.335/.373 with 7 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases over 151 games. While his power is limited, his elite speed and balanced contributions across multiple categories make him a must-draft middle infielder in roto formats.

    Shortstop:

    Dansby Swanson: Swanson’s 2024 season with the Chicago Cubs saw him play 149 games, during which he posted a .242 batting average, hit 16 home runs, and recorded 66 RBIs. He also contributed 19 stolen bases. While his offensive numbers experienced a slight decline compared to previous seasons, Swanson continued to provide value with his defensive prowess and base-running abilities. His combination of moderate power and speed, along with his durability, keeps him in consideration as a mid-tier shortstop option in fantasy formats.

    Third Base:

    Matt Shaw: Matt Shaw is poised to make his MLB debut as the Cubs’ third baseman in 2025. In the 2024 minor league season, Shaw showcased his offensive prowess by slashing .284/.379/.488 with 21 home runs and 31 stolen bases over 121 games across Double-A and Triple-A levels. His combination of power and speed, along with a keen batting eye, makes him an enticing late-round pick with significant breakout potential in fantasy drafts. He may not be the biggest player, but don’t let that turn you away from his upside and power potential.

    Outfield:

    Ian Happ: Ian Happ maintained his consistent production in 2024, posting a .243 batting average with 25 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His balanced contributions across multiple categories solidify his status as a reliable OF3 in fantasy leagues, with potential upside in deeper formats.

    Kyle Tucker: Tucker’s elite five-category production (.289, 23 HRs, 11 SBs in just 78 games) makes him a consensus top-5 fantasy pick for 2025. His move to the Cubs should boost his counting stats with strong surrounding talent.

    Pete Crow-Armstrong: Crow-Armstrong debuted in late 2024, flashing elite defensive skills and speed on the base paths. While his bat is still developing, his stolen base potential makes him a sleeper in roto leagues.

    Designated Hitter:

    Seiya Suzuki: Suzuki took a step forward in 2024, slashing .276/.342/.460 with 20 home runs and 8 stolen bases. He’s a reliable OF2/OF3, especially in OBP formats.

    Fantasy Breakout – Pitcher:

    Matthew Boyd: Boyd’s potential rebound from injuries coupled with strikeout upside give him upside in deeper leagues as a late-round flier.

    Fantasy Breakout – Hitter:

    Pete Crow-Armstrong: A highly-touted prospect, PCA flashed his exciting blend of power and speed during the second half of 2024, hitting .267 with 9 home runs and 11 steals in his final 65 games. With elite defense and 30-steal potential, the 23-year-old projects as a dynamic roto asset, though his strikeout rate and chase tendencies could limit his batting average upside.

    Fantasy Breakout – Prospect:

    Vidal Bruján: If he can secure regular at-bats, Bruján has 30+ stolen base potential and is a valuable late-round pick in roto formats.

    MILWAUKEE BREWERS

    Key Off-season Additions:

    Brandon Woodruff (SP): Returning from shoulder surgery, Woodruff is essentially the Brewers’ biggest “addition” for 2025. Though he missed 2024 and is coming off an injury, Woodruff has proven himself as a top tier ace SP1 in the past.

    Nestor Cortes (SP): Acquired as a key piece in the Williams trade, Cortes has been a consistent innings eater with strikeout upside for a while now and was able to pitch well in the stacked AL-East. He should be a solid SP3/4 this year albeit he gets a slight bump down in leagues that count Quality Starts (QS).

    Caleb Durbin (INF): One of the Yankees top prospects and their de-facto starter at 2B with the departure of Gleyber Torres, Durbin brings speed and contact to the party and could help lessen the blow of losing starting SS Willy Adames.

    Key Off-season Losses:

    Willy Adames (SS): Adames signed with the Giants in free agency after providing steady power and run production in 2024. His departure leaves a gap at shortstop and could impact lineup stability.

    Devin Williams (RP): Williams was traded, leaving the closer role wide open. This creates an opportunity for a new fantasy-relevant reliever to emerge.

    Pitching Preview:

    Rotation:

    Freddy Peralta: Freddy Peralta delivered a solid 2024 season, recording an 11-9 win-loss record with a 3.68 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 200 strikeouts over 173.2 innings. His impressive strikeout total ranked 11th in Major League Baseball. Peralta’s ability to generate swings and misses, combined with his consistent performance, solidifies his status as a valuable SP2 in standard fantasy leagues. However, fantasy managers should monitor his occasional bouts of inconsistency and ensure he maintains his command to fully capitalize on his high strikeout potential.

    Brandon Woodruff: Woodruff’s return in 2025 is one of the most highly anticipated comebacks for the Brewers after missing the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. Prior to the injury, Woodruff was a dominant force, posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts over 153.1 innings in 2022, his last full season. His elite strikeout ability (11.2 K/9 in ‘22) and strong command make him one of the most reliable fantasy arms when healthy. If he regains his pre-injury form, Woodruff can be a cornerstone SP2 in fantasy rotations with the potential to deliver SP1 production. Fantasy managers should monitor his spring training progress closely.

    Aaron Civale: Aaron Civale joined the Milwaukee Brewers in early July 2024 and made a notable impact in the latter part of the season. Over 14 starts with the Brewers, he compiled a 6-3 record, a 3.53 ERA, and 65 strikeouts across 74 innings. His performance was particularly strong down the stretch, contributing significantly to Milwaukee’s push for the postseason. Civale’s consistent ability to limit walks and induce weak contact makes him a reliable option in fantasy leagues, especially in deeper formats. While he may not offer elite strikeout numbers, his control and potential for a solid ERA and WHIP provide value as a back-end starter in standard leagues. Fantasy managers should consider him a dependable SP4 or SP5 option heading into the 2025 season.

    Tobias Meyers: Tobias Myers emerged as a reliable option for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, his rookie season. Over 27 appearances (25 starts), he compiled a 9-6 record with a 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts across 138 innings. His consistent performance and ability to limit runs make him worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues. While his strikeout rate (8.28 K/9) is modest, his control and run prevention provide a stable floor for fantasy managers seeking dependable pitching depth.

    Nestor Cortes: Nestor Cortes delivered a solid 2024 season for the Yankees, recording a 9-10 win-loss record with a 3.77 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts over 174⅓ innings. His performance was instrumental in the Yankees’ rotation, showcasing his ability to maintain a respectable ERA and WHIP while contributing significantly to the team’s strikeout totals. Cortes’ consistency and durability throughout the season have solidified his reputation as a reliable starting pitcher. As he transitions to his new team, fantasy managers should monitor how he adapts to his new environment. If he continues to exhibit the form displayed in 2024, Cortes projects as a valuable SP3 with the potential to outperform expectations in standard fantasy leagues.

    Bullpen: 

    Trevor Megill: Trevor Megill emerged as a reliable closer for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. Over 48 appearances, he recorded a 2.72 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts across 46.1 innings. Securing 21 saves, he indicated he is capable of handling the role. Megill’s consistent performance and ability to limit base runners make him valuable in both holds and saves leagues.

    Jared Koenig: Jared Koenig had a solid 2024 campaign with the Brewers, appearing in 55 games (including 6 starts). He went 9-4, posted a 2.47 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 63 strikeouts over 62.0 innings. While he only recorded 1 save, Koenig’s primary value lies in his versatility and effectiveness in various roles, making him a useful option in holds leagues and a potential spot starter.

    Hitting Preview:

    Catcher:

    William Contreras: Contreras solidified his status as a premier fantasy catcher in 2024, delivering impressive offensive numbers. Over 155 games, he achieved a .281 batting average, complemented by a .365 on-base percentage and a .466 slugging percentage. His power was evident with 23 home runs and 92 RBIs, and he also contributed 9 stolen bases. These statistics underscore his value as a top-tier option in all fantasy formats.

    First Base:

    Rhys Hopkins: Rhys Hoskins joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, signing a two-year, $34 million contract. In his first season with the team, he played 131 games, recording a .214 batting average, 26 home runs, and 82 RBIs. While his power numbers remained solid, his batting average and on-base percentage (.303) were below his career norms. Hoskins’ performance was impacted by a right hamstring strain that placed him on the 10-day injured list in May. Looking ahead to 2025, fantasy managers can anticipate continued power production from Hoskins, but should be mindful of his batting average and health history when considering him for their rosters.

    Second Base:

    Brice Turang: Brice Turang’s second season showcased his potential as a valuable fantasy asset. Over 155 games, he posted a .254 batting average with 7 home runs, 57 RBIs, and an impressive 50 stolen bases. His speed on the base paths makes him an intriguing late-round pick in roto formats, especially in roto or categories leagues. While his power numbers were modest, Turang’s ability to get on base seem proven. Looking ahead to 2025, if he can build upon his solid plate discipline and contact skills, Turang could emerge as a well-rounded contributor in multiple categories.

    Shortstop:

    Joey Ortiz: Joey Ortiz is expected to take over as the Brewers’ starting shortstop following Willy Adames’ departure. In 2024, Ortiz played 142 games, recording a .239 batting average with 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. His defensive versatility and solid contact skills are good, though his limited power and streaky performance may cap his fantasy upside. Ortiz is best viewed as a middle-infield option in deep leagues, with the potential for increased value if he can improve on his swing and miss tendencies.

    Third Base:

    Oliver Dunn: Dunn’s 2024 contributions were modest, with a .221 average and 1 home run. He’s a watch list candidate but not draftable outside of deep leagues.

    Outfield:

    Jackson Chourio: Chourio, the Brewers’ top prospect, made a significant impact during his rookie season in 2024. Over 148 games, he compiled a .275 batting average, hitting 21 home runs, driving in 79 runs, and stealing 22 bases. His consistent performance and ability to contribute across multiple categories make him a valuable asset in dynasty leagues. In redraft formats, Chourio projects as an early to mid-round pick with the potential to deliver a 20-20 season, offering both power and speed to fantasy managers.

    Garrett Mitchell: Mitchell’s 2024 season was cut short due to injury, limiting him to 69 games. During that span, he posted a .255 batting average with 8 home runs, 21 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. Despite the limited playing time, Mitchell demonstrated a promising blend of power and speed. If he can stay healthy in 2025, he offers intriguing upside as a late-round pick in fantasy drafts, with the potential to contribute in both home runs and stolen bases.

    Sal Frelick: Sal Frelick had a solid 2024 campaign, appearing in 145 games and batting .259 with 2 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases. While his power numbers were modest, his batting average and speed are worth a look in roto leagues, particularly for managers seeking stolen bases. Frelick profiles as a reliable OF4 in 2025 drafts, offering contributions primarily in batting average and steals.

    Designated Hitter:

    Christian Yelich: Yelich delivered a strong 2024 campaign, slashing .315/.387/.489 with 11 home runs, 42 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across 73 games. While injuries limited him to just under half a season, he showed glimpses of the elite player he once was. Yelich’s ability to maintain a high batting average and contribute in stolen bases makes him a valuable mid-round target in roto leagues. Though his power numbers have waned compared to his peak seasons, his combination of improved speed with the genesis of MLB rule changes and OBP skills still provide balanced production across multiple categories. The big question is health and if his back surgery last year worked. He could easily exceed draft-day value, making him an intriguing option for managers seeking well-rounded offensive contributions.

    Fantasy Breakout – Pitcher:

    Aaron Civale: Civale enters 2025 with the opportunity to solidify his role as a mid-rotation anchor for the Brewers. After posting a 4.36 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 149 strikeouts over 161 innings in 2024, the 29-year-old has shown flashes of upside in the past but needs to limit runs and improve his strikeout rate (8.3 K/9 in 2024) to become a true fantasy difference-maker. The move to the pitcher-friendly confines of American Family Field, along with the Brewers’ strong defensive support, could help Civale improve his ERA and WHIP in 2025. If Civale can take the next step under the Brew Crew’s tutelage, he could emerge as a potential SP2/3.

    Fantasy Breakout – Hitter: 

    Jackson Chourio: Chourio looks poised to take another leap in 2025 after an impressive 20/20 rookie campaign. The Brewers have fully committed to him as an everyday outfielder, and at just 21 years old, there’s still room for growth in his power and plate discipline. A full season in the majors could see him push for a 25-home-run, 30-stolen-base season, making him a top-20 outfielder in redraft leagues and a cornerstone player in dynasty formats. Fantasy managers should target him confidently in the middle rounds, as his five-category potential gives him one of the highest ceilings among young players.

    Fantasy Breakout – Prospect:

    Caleb Durbin: Caleb Durbin, a 24-year-old infielder standing at 5’6″, was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers from the New York Yankees in December 2024 as part of the trade involving Devin Williams. Despite his smaller stature, Durbin has consistently demonstrated strong bat-to-ball skills, exceptional plate discipline, and notable baserunning acumen. In the 2024 minor league season, primarily with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, he slashed .287/.396/.471, hitting 10 home runs and driving in 60 runs over 82 games. Additionally, he showcased his speed by stealing 29 bases in 30 attempts during the Arizona Fall League, setting a new league record. Plays all around the infield so he could have a path to at-bats as a utility player or as a fill-in. Durbin is a prospect to watch as he aims to make an impact with Milwaukee in 2025.

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