We continue through the MLB divisions getting you ready for the fantasy baseball season. We already covered the AL East, now we move to the NL Central.

Chicago Cubs

Lock: Dansby Swanson, SS

Swanson is not a sexy fantasy baseball player, but he is a consistent one. Swanson has put together two straight years of 25 or more HRs. Last season he had a career-high 18 steals, which will go up again with the new rules.

Bust: Trey Mancini, 1B/OF/DH

Two straight years of decline in every category speaks volumes. A change of scenery will not be enough to revive Mancini’s fantasy value.

Sleeper: Cody Bellinger, OF

Bellinger’s current ADP is 175. After an abysmal 2021, he began to work his numbers back up. He still is not going to return to MVP numbers, but with the Cubs, I expect 25 HRs, 90 RBIs, and 20 SBs.

Cincinnati Reds

Lock: Jonathan India, 2B

The sophomore slump hit India hard, but he comes into 2023 healthy and at the top of the lineup. India is on a horrible team but will be the best fantasy player on the Reds. Tyler Stephenson will challenge him if he stays healthy.

Bust: Joey Votto, 1B

We could count on Joey Votto for many years, but his time in fantasy relevance has passed. If Votto gets traded to the right situation mid-season he could add some value at DH, but not in Cincinnati.

Sleeper: TJ Friedl, OF

Friedle showed consistency once promoted to the Show. He is going undrafted but is a great late addition for an OF-needy fantasy team. I expect 15 HRs, 50 RBIs, and 10 SBs.

Milwaukee Brewers

Lock: Willy Adames, SS

Coming off a career year Adames is a great value and a guaranteed fantasy lock. Following 25 HRs and 31 HR seasons, Willy will surpass 10 stolen bases this season as well.

Bust: Luis Urias, 3B/2B/SS

Some see value in the position versatility with Urias, but he will fight for playing time this season. His ADP is at 251, but he will not live up to even that value.

Sleeper: Sal Frelick, OF

The young stud will not start the season in Milwaukee, but they will not be able to keep him in AAA very long. Do not draft Frelick, but pay attention and grab him when he gets the call.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Lock: Oneil Cruz, SS

Cruz made a splash in just 87 games last season. Most projections have Cruz with mid 20’s HRs and close to 20 SBs. He will lead off and have the opportunity to break out this season.

Bust: Carlos Santana, 1B/DH

Santana has really struggled with his Batting Average the last three seasons. His 17.4% strikeout rate is the highest it has been since 2015. His best days are past him.

Sleeper: Jack Suwinski, OF

In his first year in the Majors, Suwinski hit 19 HRs, 38 RBIs, and 4 SBs. He will need to improve his BA and SO percentage, but the hung OF is ready to take a step up.

St. Louis Cardinals

Lock: Paul Goldschmidt, 1B

Goldschmidt does not get the credit he deserves for his consistent greatness over his career. He always gives 30+ HRs, high Batting Average, and could grab 10 SBs this season.

Bust: Tyler Oneil, OF

Oneil has only lived up to the hype one time (2021). He’s only played over 100 games once in his career, and he has a ridiculously high strikeout percentage. Pass on Oneil this year.

Sleeper: Tommy Edman, 2B/SS

Another guy who is not a sexy pick, Edman gives your fantasy team so much. With 2B eligibility, his value is boosted. 30+ steals, 10+ HRs, and consistent numbers across the board make Edman a must-grab.

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