Ranking the 10 best players in NL Central

3. Elly De La Cruz, SS, Cincinnati Reds

Before Skenes debuted, De La Cruz was the most anticipated MLB debut of 2023. The 23-year-old has experienced some growing pains but hit 25 home runs last season with 76 RBI and a .810 OPS across 160 games for the Reds. De La Cruz is also an exhilarating player on the basepaths, as he nabbed 67 in 2024. 

4. Jackson Chourio, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Entering his age-21 season in 2025 (yes, you read that right), Chourio has already accomplished much in his young career. In his debut season with Milwaukee, the Venezuelan outfielder had 21 home runs, 79 RBI and a .791 OPS in 148 games. Notably, Chourio hit two game-tying home runs in the wild-card series against the Mets in October, and although his Brewers didn’t win the series, they have a legit star on their hands.

5. Christian Yelich, LF, Brewers

At one time one of the best hitters in MLB, Yelich declined following his peak in 2018-19, for which he won an MVP in 2018. However, the 33-year-old turned a corner in 2023 and seemed to be on the right track in 2024, sacrificing power for average. Unfortunately, an injury ended his season early. Still, he’s a key part of Milwaukee’s lineup, as he’s slashed .290/.382/.466 across 217 games since 2023. 

6. Bryan Reynolds, CF, Pirates

A two-time All-Star, the Pirates inked Reynolds to an eight-year, $106.7M extension in 2023, showing how highly the organization thinks of their center fielder. In six seasons with Pittsburgh, Reynolds has produced a 19.5 WAR and .821 OPS with 157 doubles, 26 triples, 122 homers and 411 RBI. 

7. William Contreras, C, Brewers

Ranked the best catcher for 2025 by MLB, Contreras has plenty to offer both behind and at the dish. The 27-year-old is a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger. In 2024, he led all catchers in OPS (.831), OBP (.365) and SLG (.466), while adding 23 home runs and 92 RBI.

8. Hunter Greene, RHP, Reds

The Reds may have had a season to forget in 2024, but Greene certainly did not. The flame-throwing right-hander was named to his first All-Star team and accrued an NL-leading 6.3 WAR among pitchers while posting a 2.75 ERA and 169 strikeouts across 150.1 innings. 

9. Nolan Arenado, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals

He may be past his prime, but Arenado is still among the league's best third basemen. The talent of the 10-time Gold Glove winner is undeniable. Arenado’s four seasons with the Cardinals have resulted in three All-Star appearances, a third-place MVP finish in 2022, a .797 OPS, 106 homers and 372 RBI. He will enter his age-34 season in 2025.

10. Oneil Cruz, SS, Pirates

Following a solid rookie campaign in 2022, an injury derailed Cruz’s 2023 season. He returned in 2024 with a 20-20 season, hitting 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases, adding 76 RBI and slashing .259/.324/.449. The 26-year-old still has loads of potential and plenty of power.