2015 projected lineups/rotation: NL Central

There's already been an exceptional amount of activity so far this offseason - bad teams appear a lot better, and mediocre clubs are turning into contenders.

Although there promises to be much more turnover prior to spring training, the roster upheaval has us curious to see what lineups and pitching rotations could look like in 2015.

Here's a look at the projected lineups for the teams in the National League Central:

Related: 2015 projected lineups/rotations: AL Central

Chicago Cubs

Projected lineup: 

The current Chicago Cubs hardly resemble the team that finished with 89 losses in 2014. Top prospects Javier Baez and Jorge Soler are preparing for the first full season in the majors. The team also upgraded behind the plate adding Miguel Montero. If Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro follow up their big seasons, the Cubs could finally climb out of the NL Central basement and into the postseason conversation. 

Projected rotation: 

Cubs president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer landed prized free agent Jon Lester, while also bringing Jason Hammel back for some additional depth in the rotation. Jake Arrieta proved to be a valuable arm last season when healthy - but that's a big risk. The right-hander has thrown more than 120 innings in just one of his five seasons. 

* added this offseason

Pittsburgh Pirates

Projected lineup: 

The Pirates were dealt a major blow to their roster when catcher Russell Martin chased the money north of the border. Now, the team will settle for the duo of Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart behind the plate. If Pedro Alvarez can rebound after a poor season, Pittsburgh's offense should be just fine. 

Projected rotation: 

General manager Neal Huntington grabbed a pair of familiar arms on affordable deals in Francisco Liriano and A.J. Burnett to complement young arms in Gerrit Cole and Jeff Locke. The Pirates are reportedly still interested in bringing back NL Wild Card starter Edinson Volquez, which would bounce Vance Worley out of the rotation. 

* added this offseason

St. Louis Cardinals

Projected lineup: 

After the shocking death of Oscar Taveras, the Cardinals traded for Jason Heyward to play right field next season. The two-time Gold Glove winner should be a nice complement to a lineup that ranked in the top third in the majors in on-base percentage in 2014. 

Projected rotation: 

With the Cardinals dealing Shelby Miller to the Atlanta Braves for Heyward, the door at the back of the rotation has opened for Carlos Martinez. General manager John Mozeliak said earlier this month that the fifth spot in the rotation is the 23-year-old's to lose. 

* added this offseason

Milwaukee Brewers

Projected lineup: 

After platooning veterans Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay at first base last season, the Brewers parted ways with both and traded them to the Toronto Blue Jays for Adam Lind. Other than Lind, the Brewers will deploy the same lineup that crumbled in the final month of last season. However, 2015 should also feature a healthy Ryan Braun, which could go a long way for the team's postseason chances. 

Projected rotation: 

Jonathan Broxton will likely slide into the closer's role following the departure of Francisco Rodriguez, yet the rotation is left otherwise untouched. Mike Fiers stepped into the rotation in the final two months of the season and won six of his first seven starts - posting a 1.74 ERA. 

* added this offseason

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds finished 29th in the majors for average (.238) and on-base percentage (.296) last season, but a healthy Joey Votto should go a long way to improving that number in 2015. The four-time All-Star was limited to 62 games with a quad injury, but is expecting to play fully come spring training. 

Projected lineup: 

Projected rotation: 

While Johnny Cueto had his $10-million option picked up following a Cy Young caliber season, the Reds opted to trade away two of their starters from 2014. Mat Latos was packaged to the Miami Marlins, while Alfredo Simon was traded to the Detroit Tigers. This leaves the back end of the Reds rotation devoid of experience.

* added this offseason