Yankees-Brewers Trade Leaves Door Open For Cubs, Reds In NL Central

The New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to terms on a deal that sends All-Star closer Devin Williams to the Bronx in exchange for starting pitcher Nester Cortes, second baseman Caleb Durbin and cash, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

The Brewers are adding two players who could make quite an impact in 2025, but it feels like a bit of a lackluster return considering the San Diego Padres traded multiple top-100 prospects for a half-season of Tanner Scott six months ago.

Cortes will slot right into the Brewers rotation, while Durbin should compete for a spot in the starting lineup. But after losing superstar infielder Willy Adames to free agency and now Williams to a trade, Milwaukee seems to be taking steps backward.

Does this leave the door open for the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, or Pittsburgh Pirates to win the National League Central in 2025?

The Chicago Cubs are in buy mode as they look to win now. They’re one of the top teams rumored to be in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes while already having quite a bit of talent on the roster.

The Cincinnati Reds are young and healthy heading into 2025. Superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz took a gigantic leap from 2023 to 2024. If he takes another substantial leap into 2025, paired with the addition of Terry Francona and some free agents, the Reds could be a legitimate threat to the division.

The Pittsburgh Pirates may have the top pitcher in baseball in 2025 with a full season of Paul Skenes. Pittsburgh is a few additions to the lineup away from being a contender as well.

Milwaukee has won three out of the last four division titles, including two in a row. With the Cardinals likely entering rebuild mode, the division is wide open.

Still, it’s important to never count out Milwaukee.

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