The National League Central could be insanely competitive. FanGraphs projects four teams to finish within a game of one another -- the Cubs and Brewers at 32-28, and the Reds and Cardinals at 31-29. To repeat: four teams separated by one game.

In a 60-game season, it’s reasonable to assume races will be close, especially when there’s no real favorite in four of baseball’s six divisions. The AL East, AL Central and NL East are all pick ’em races. The NL East is projected to be a three-way tie, with the Braves, Mets and Nationals all at 33-27.

Here’s hoping it plays out this way, because there’s not much better than a playoff vibe down the stretch, with postseason hopes seemingly riding on every game. Stay calm and keep the tiebreaker scenarios close.

Back to the NL Central, which has had three different winners the last three seasons: Cardinals in 2019, Brewers in ’18, Cubs in ’17. And the Reds, who haven’t been to the postseason since 2013, are back in the mix after making upgrades up and down the roster.

Here are seven factors that could decide the race:

1. The Cardinals could regret not re-signing Marcell Ozuna ...

... But let the kids play! The Cardinals are excited about finding out what they have in young outfielders Tyler O'Neill and Lane Thomas before even turning to top prospect Dylan Carlson. If they’re going to regret an offseason non-signing, it’s more likely to be Josh Donaldson. But don’t be surprised if, given a chance, the young outfielders take off.

2. Speaking of the Cardinals, they need a bounce-back season from Matt Carpenter

The Cardinals were 19th in runs, 24th in homers and 21st in OPS last season, so even with the NL’s second-lowest ERA in 2019, they need more offense.

Even if the young outfielders fulfill all their promise, Carpenter could be the difference between the Cardinals making and missing the playoffs. Attention in Summer Camp has rightfully focused on shortstop Paul DeJong replacing Ozuna in the cleanup spot. But things become simpler if Carpenter can come close to matching his career averages of a .372 OBP and an .835 OPS.

3. Prospects will impact the race

Sticking with our Cardinals theme, Carlson is the obvious answer. He had 26 homers, 28 doubles and eight triples last season in Double-A and Triple-A. The Cubs are equally excited about finding a role for infielder Nico Hoerner, and don’t be surprised if the Reds turn to 22-year-old shortstop Jose Garcia at some point.

4. The Cubs will be happy they didn’t blow up their roster despite a swirl of offseason speculation

Trading third baseman Kris Bryant -- that was the name in play -- didn’t make sense as long as the championship window is still open. In this case, it definitely is still open. Rather than blowing up the roster, the Cubs’ front office changed managers and decided that a new voice -- rookie skipper David Ross -- might clean up some of last season’s problems, including a 19-27 record in one-run games.

5. Reds center fielder Nick Senzel could have a huge impact

The Reds are going to put their 25-year-old center fielder at the top of the lineup and see if he can reach a comfort level in the Major Leagues. He showed flashes of being special during a 104-game rookie season, and now with the new offensive talent arriving, Senzel’s speed could create all kinds of problems for opponents.

6. Adrian Houser might be the biggest difference-maker in Milwaukee

There had to be days when he wondered if it would ever happen for him after he missed most of two full seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2016 and then undergoing an emergency appendectomy in ’18. But Houser was a pleasant surprise in ’19, posting a 3.72 ERA with 117 strikeouts in 111 1/3 innings. He is slotted behind Milwaukee ace Brandon Woodruff and in front of veterans Brett Anderson and Josh Lindblom in a rotation that could surprise some people.

7. Designated hitter? Edge to Cards and Brewers

Many teams will rotate the DH spot among regulars to keep legs fresh, which has been the trend among AL teams in recent years. However, the Cardinals (Carpenter) and Brewers (Ryan Braun) have veterans perfect for the role. The Cubs likely will open the season with Kyle Schwarber as their DH, but newcomer Steven Souza Jr. gives Ross an option. As for the Reds, who have a surplus of outfielders, Jesse Winker could get the Opening Day nod.