The difference in offseason activity in the National League Central was stark.
On the opposite side of the division, the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates have been active in trying to improve for the 2026 season. The St. Louis Cardinals have been busy on their own, dealing with veterans as they enter a new chapter.
On the other hand, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds were very quiet coming out of the playoffs last season.
Let’s take a look at each team’s offseason performance and what could be next. Additionally, we’ve given each team an urgency rating — from 1 to 5, based on how much they still need to accomplish before reporting to camp:
1 – Their work (basically) is done.
2 — They have a hard winter, but more can help.
3 — We will judge their winter by where it comes from here.
4 — Thank you…
5 — It was a disaster. Can they change it?
Chicago Cubs
Important additions
3B Alex Bregman
RHP Edward Cabrera
RHP Phil Maton
RHP Hunter Harvey
LHP Hoby Milner
What they have achieved so far: The Cubs completely rebuilt their bullpen after saying goodbye to 2025 veterans Brad Keller and Drew Pomeranz, adding Maton, Harvey and Milner. But their biggest addition comes at third base, where Bregman takes over for Matt Shaw. Shaw showed promise in the second half as a rookie, but he’s not Bregman, who brings leadership and championship experience to the mix to complement his hitting ability. With the addition of Cabrera, the Cubs’ rotation is as deep as it has been in several years, providing hope for a seven-month stretch. They ran out of weapons last October.
All they have to do is: With Bregman in the mix, the Cubs have plenty of money in the infield. Do they keep everyone or do they trade? Second baseman Nico Hoerner is a free agent next year but moving him would hurt the team’s chances of winning, no matter where they bolster the roster — Hoerner that valuable to the team last season. And with Kyle Tucker moving on and hoping Owen Caissie trades for Cabrera, is Seiya Suzuki’s right background again?
Urgent Rate: 1
The Cincinnati Reds
Important additions
Nothing
What they have achieved so far: Cincinnati has rebuilt their bullpen to some extent, re-signing Emilio Pagan while adding Pierce Johnson and Caleb Ferguson to their mix. Other than that, it’s been a bit of a quiet season after the initial controversy with free agent Kyle Schwarber.
All they have to do is: They strengthened their sin. It’s no secret that Cincinnati was lacking at the plate most of the time in 2025, but they still need to make big improvements there. We still have time as the Reds continue to explore both free agency and the trade. Hanging one of their starters — they’re deep there — is one way to go. A reunion with Eugenio Suarez would be nice as well — just not at third base where the team had a better defense last season when they traded for Ke’Bryan Hayes. Completing their work in the bullpen is also required before spring training.
Urgent Rate: 4
The Milwaukee Brewers
Important additions
LHP Angel Zerpa
What they have achieved so far: The best team in baseball last regular season and didn’t make many offseason headlines. The Brewers aren’t big players in free agency these days, but keeping a fully healthy Brandon Woodruff with a qualifying offer could be considered a big addition in its own right. The team also thought enough of Zerpa to trade the 2025 Rookie of the Year (Isaac Collins) for him. Take a look at his resume — as a starter or reliever — when you consider how well Milwaukee has done with pitch recovery over the years.
All they have to do is: One big task for Brewers brass before spring training is figuring out what to do with ace Freddy Peralta, whose salary this year is just $8 million. Chances are he’ll be motivated to increase his value before he hits free agency after the season. The way Milwaukee works — it’s always thinking one step ahead to keep its prospect train full while still trying to compete. The Brewers won. Expect two-time reigning MLB Executive of the Year Matt Arnold to be successful in any Peralta contract.
Urgent Rate: 3
The Pittsburgh Pirates
Important additions
2B Brandon Lowe
1B Ryan O’Hearn
By Jake Mangum
BY Jhostynxon Garcia
What they have achieved so far: Pittsburgh is determined to improve its offense, and the Pirates did just that with the trade and signing of O’Hearn in free agency. It doesn’t mean they will be a juggernaut at the plate, but they will be better than last season. That’s a start. Lowe and O’Hearn also bring experience playing on playoff teams, a much-needed asset for the Pirates.
All they have to do is: The Pirates aren’t done looking for a cross, which could come from an outside bat or an added left fielder. Or both. And after trading from their depth, Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows in separate deals, they’d like to fill that part of their roster, too.
Pirates are already having a busier season than they can remember as they try to build ace Paul Skenes. A little movement might be in order between now and spring training, but Pittsburgh shouldn’t be done adding.
Urgent Rate: 2
Louis Cardinals
Important additions
RHP Dustin May
What they have achieved so far: St. Louis cleaned house, trading Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras in two separate deals to the Boston Red Sox (the former team of Cardinals baseball operations manager Chaim Bloom). Then on Tuesday, the Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks for prospects. Getting all three players to waive their no-trade clauses was a breakthrough and helped re-align the team’s plans.
All they have to do is: Deciding where to trade popular second baseman Brendan Donovan is one of the biggest tasks remaining for Bloom, who wants to continue adding young talent to the organization. Assuming the Cardinals go, they could also use a right-handed bat to fill some of the holes they created this offseason.
Urgent Rate: 2
