![Who Should Be the NL Central Favorite?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64972fb3c546e1368f58023d/46ce63f0-1a27-4336-92bb-1aed350aa232/CodyBellinger.jpeg)
Who Should Be the NL Central Favorite?
Will the stars align for Chicago?
![Top 5 Free Agent Starting Pitchers](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64972fb3c546e1368f58023d/1691636705093-MJA9Q2SGPLLRSVRRCY2E/YamamotoOrix.jpeg)
Top 5 Free Agent Starting Pitchers
We already covered Shohei’s financial value in the previous article, but I will reiterate: I firmly see Ohtani as a #1 starter.
![Belle of the Ball, Texas Rangers](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64972fb3c546e1368f58023d/1690768373257-FDQFHO57MQ0AU1MJMKL3/Max-Scherzer-051822-GETTY-FTR.jpeg)
Belle of the Ball, Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers have captured everyone’s attention after a few notable acquisitions only days away from the deadline. We all know their offense is leading the American League by wRC+ at 120, but there were some holes on the pitching side prior to the deadline.
![Losing, A Cardinal Sin](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64972fb3c546e1368f58023d/1690254002247-NUHQBQVSXILV55JO939V/Goldy+Cards.jpeg)
Losing, A Cardinal Sin
At present, the St. Louis Cardinals payroll sits at $183M, five million below the MLB average. Fangraphs projects their playoff chances at slightly over 5% a week before the deadline, which is low enough for Cards brass to acknowledge plans to move some of their better players.