NL CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs

2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.

This season: World Series or bust. The acquisition of RHP Yu Darvish, who finalized a $126 million, six-year contract in February, gives Chicago a strong rotation.

Who to watch: A franchise-record six players (1B Anthony Rizzo, OF Kyle Schwarber, 3B Kris Bryant, OF Ian Happ, 2B Javier Baez and C Willson Contreras) belted at least 20 homers last year.

Milwaukee Brewers

2017: 86-76, second place.

This season: Expectations are up after the Brewers finished one game out of the playoffs in what was supposed to be the second full season of a rebuild.

Who to watch: GM David Stearns added OF Lorenzo Cain and OF Christian Yelich as the team’s key offseason acquisitions.

St. Louis Cardinals

2017: 83-79, third place.

This season: The Cardinals have had one losing season since the start of the century, but they are facing immense pressure after finishing behind the Cubs and Brewers in 2017. Who to watch: St. Louis needs bounce-back seasons from a healthy RHP Adam Wainwright and 1B Matt Carpenter.

Pittsburgh Pirates

2017: 75-87, fourth place.

This season: GM Neal Huntington insists the Pirates are not rebuilding, but it looks that way after they flipped franchise cornerstones OF Andrew Mccutchen and RHP Gerrit Cole. Who to watch: Former Rockie OF Corey Dickerson was grabbed out of free agency from Tampa Bay. 1B Josh Bell finished third in NL rookie of the year voting.

Cincinnati Reds

2017: 68-94, fifth place.

This season: The Reds have lost at least 90 games for three straight seasons. It would be considered a breakthrough simply to move out of the basement.

Who to watch: They locked up 3B Eugenio Suarez through 2024 with a $66 million contract during spring training.