* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Milwaukee Brewers

Even with the trades they made in the offseason, their lineup is still formidable and they have plenty of depth in their pitching staff to plug any holes.

2. Chicago Cubs

The signing of Alex Bregman signals that they are serous about being contenders. Their pitching staff can compete with others in the National League, but can this group find Postseason success as currently constructed?

3. Cincinnati Reds

Losing Hunter Greene for about half the season will sting, but signing Eugenio Suarez provides the needed power bat the middle of their lineup sorely needed for an October push.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

They actually went after and signed or traded for top notch bats to bring some scoring prowess to the lineup. Paul Skenes and company will do their part and with added run support this team might flirt with a Wild Card spot.

5. St. Louis Cardinals

The youth movement is in full swing now. It will be interesting to see if the loyal fan base will remain patient with the amount of success this franchise has had for the past few decades.

Player to Watch: P Paul Skenes – Pittsburgh Pirates

Best Acquisition: 3B Alex Bregman – Chicago Cubs

New Kid on the Block: INF JJ Wetherholt – St. Louis Cardinals