Mark Polishuk's NL Central comments

[mikechamp]

These comments came from a chat with MLB Trade Rumors' Mark Polishuk that occurred on September 20.

He was having technical issues, so he didn't hold as long of a chat and hence we get 1 fewer question than last week. I included 1 bonus question about playoff format. Enjoy the read!!

The link to the entire chat can be found here: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/09/ ... t-918.html
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If Bregman has an extended absence, how difficult is it for the Cubs? They have good 3B depth with Shaw and Ramirez, but Bregman has been their second most important hitter since June.

Mark Polishuk
Any small thing can turn a playoff series, so not having Bregman is a huge loss for Chicago. Since the Cubs have one of the best lineups in baseball, theoretically they can make up the loss, and a lot of teams would be more than happy with Shaw/Ramirez as a starting 3B platoon, let alone the backup option. But, the Cubs’ plan for the playoffs will be to outslug teams and hope for the best on the pitching end. Winning slugfests will be a lot trickier without Bregman involved.
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The Reds just have to get some hitters around Elly and Sal, right? And is Krall the right guy to do that? It is speculated ownership is keeping him for some odd reason.

Mark Polishuk
I’m not sure it’s an “odd reason,” per se. Since Krall became the head of Cincinnati’s front office, the team has had three winning seasons (granted, with a ceiling of 83 wins) and they made the playoffs last year. This isn’t the most sterling of track records but it isn’t a disaster either, which is probably where the frustration or disconnect lies between ownership and the fanbase. Obviously a lot of Reds fans want things to change in a more clearcut positive direction, but there haven’t been any signs that ownership is dissatisfied with Krall’s results.
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I’m very much a "brace for the worst to limit your disappointment" kind of fan. I’m getting excited for October. Do we actually have a chance? (Keep in mind if you say yes and the Dodgers sweep us again you will be hearing about it).

Mark Polishuk
The Brewers definitely have a great chance of finally getting it done this year.
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Trading Mike Burrows for Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery and Jake Mangum has to be the best trade of the year. Pirates trying to end the season well, 14 of L20 maybe finish above .500 on a Skenes down year. What should their plan be next season to get over the final hump?

Mark Polishuk
Pittsburgh fans still upset about the Chris Archer trade are particularly overjoyed that the Bucs seemingly got one back on Tampa (and Houston). Figuring out Skenes’ issues is the most logical first step, since if Skenes had pitched like he did in 2024-25, the Pirates might be right in the middle of the wild card hunt. Re-signing Lowe would be ideal and a sign that the Pirates are serious about spending what it takes to win, but Lowe figures to get a good deal of attention in a weak FA market.

Montgomery’s emergence notwithstanding, the bullpen should still get some focus.
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What does the Reds' catcher situation look like next year? Could Tyler Stephenson be brought back on a one year deal?

Mark Polishuk
Stephenson will certainly find at least a two-year deal in free agency, so the Reds won’t be able to keep him on a one-year pact.
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When will they fix the playoff format so the 3 best AL teams aren’t all on the same side of the bracket? I understand they want to make division titles mean something, but there’s got to be a better way to do this.

Mark Polishuk
Agreed. No reason why MLB (or the NBA or NHL, for that matter) couldn’t re-seed after the first round.
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