Braves: OPENING

Twenty-three years after his Cleveland team opened a new ballpark ready to contend, John Hart is doing something similar in Atlanta. Hart, the president of baseball operations, doesn’t have as much high-impact young talent now as he did then. But the Braves’ veterans should keep the team mildly competitive as they race the Phillies to see who can rise quickest from the depths of the National League East.

Brewers: CLOSED

The Brewers fell two games shy of the World Series in 2011, then tried to stay relevant by spending big for mid-level free agent pitching. It was a noble effort, but now they’re back on their best path, collecting as many prospects as possible. It seems to be working: Last month, ESPN’s Keith Law ranked Milwaukee sixth in the majors in farm system talent.

Cardinals: OPEN

In St. Louis, the window never closes. In the first 17 seasons of the 2000s, the Cardinals have had 16 winning seasons, 12 playoff appearances, four pennants and two World Series titles. They poached Dexter Fowler from the champion Cubs, and if Alex Reyes emerges as a star, they may have the pitching to challenge in the National League Central.

Cubs: OPEN

The Cubs, newly crowned as World Series champions, do have a few potential free agents: Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, the new closer Wade Davis. But they’re so flush with cash and prospects, and their front office makes such sound decisions, that they should easily fill any hole. With so many players in their primes, another pennant or two seems almost inevitable before this group breaks up.

Diamondbacks: OPEN

Their window was open last season, but Arizona still found a way to crash through plate glass. After overpaying in dollars for Zack Greinke and players for Shelby Miller, they stumbled to 93 losses and fired their general manager and manager. But as the team tries desperately to win with Paul Goldschmidt, who is under its control through 2019, the window is still open.

Dodgers: OPEN

The record for consecutive division titles without reaching a World Series is six, by the Braves from 2000 to 2005, so there’s precedent for the Dodgers’ current streak of four. At least they have the talent and money to keep trying. After bringing back Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner and Rich Hill and trading for Logan Forsythe, the Dodgers should someday give Clayton Kershaw the World Series spotlight he deserves. But the wait seems interminable.

Giants: OPEN

With three championships and just one losing season in the last eight years, the Giants have earned this distinction; they’re a perennial contender until proven otherwise. But there’s reason for mild concern, since Johnny Cueto can opt for free agency this fall and Buster Posey, who turns 30 next month, just caught a career-high 123 games. Signing a solid backup catcher, the veteran Nick Hundley, was a subtle and wise move.