Are the Pirates Failing Paul Skenes? MLB’s Early Trade Targets & Opening Day Drama

Kyle Tucker has aded a level of impact to the Chicago Cubs’ lineup that hasn’t been felt since Kris Bryant’s MVP season in 2016.

Of course, that was the hope of the Cubs when they traded for Tucker. When healthy, Tucker is one of the best players in all of Major League Baseball.

As the Cubs get set for their home opener on Friday, it will mark a true test for the team. The Cubs are 5-4 as they open a three-game series with the San Diego Padres. A Padres’ team that would be the talk of the National League West if it wasn’t for the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, also opening the season undefeated.

For the Cubs, they enter Friday with a record of 5-4 but aren’t sitting at the top of the NL Central. Instead, that honor goes to a familiar rival.

NL Central Power Rankings: Cubs rivaly reignited

1. St. Louis Cardinals, 4-2

It goes against every fiber of my being to put the Cardinals at the top of our first divisional power rankings but here we are. The Cardinals’ three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins to open the season is doing a lot of heavy lifting here.

2. Chicago Cubs, 5-4

Had it not been for Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cubs likely would have earned the top spot. Similarly to the Cardinals, the Cubs’ sweep over the Athletics is doing a lot of work here.

3. Cincinnati Reds, 2-4

The Reds feel like a sleeping giant and that should terrify Cubs fans. The more Terry Francona gets acclimated to his new digs, the more of a problem the Reds will become.

4. Milwaukee Brewers, 2-4

The Brewers’ pitching has been atrocious to open the season. While they can never be counted out, the Brewers’ pitching them will need to carry them if they are going to rise to the top.