MLB NL Central Division Odds (2026)

The following post features MLB NL Central Division Odds (2026).

The 2026 MLB NL Central division odds reflect how sportsbooks currently view each team’s chances of winning the division.

Read: MLB NL East Division Odds

Related: MLB NL West Division Odds

As the season unfolds, those odds will shift based on performance, injuries, and which teams can maintain momentum over a long season.

So, how is the NL Central race shaping up for 2026? Here’s what you need to know.

MLB NL Central Division Odds (2026)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the MLB NL Central Division Odds (2026). Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Team Spotlights (2026)

Milwaukee Brewers (+175)

The Brewers return a young core including Jackson Chourio, Jacob Misiorowski, and Brice Turang, along with veterans Christian Yelich, William Contreras, and Andrew Vaughn. Starting pitching remains a strong point after re-signing Brandon Woodruff to anchor the rotation alongside Freddy Peralta. The key storyline revolves around their maturing talent pipeline and a healthy Woodruff sustaining the momentum from back-to-back division titles.

Chicago Cubs (+190)

The Cubs are in focus for 2026 with key returnees like Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, and Pete Crow-Armstrong anchoring a lineup that showed playoff caliber, while top prospect Moisés Ballesteros adds upside amid the likely loss of superstar right fielder Kyle Tucker to free agency. The front office has already moved to fortify the pitching staff, acquiring high-upside starter Edward Cabrera from the Marlins to provide a power arm for the middle of the rotation. A bounce-back from rotation depth could be the central narrative, building on their near-miss in 2025.

Cincinnati Reds (+325)

Positioned for growth, the Reds bring back Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Elly De La Cruz as foundational pieces, with young prospects like Connor Phillips, Chase Burns, and Sal Stewart eyeing larger roles. The storyline centers on their youthful rotation maturing into a dominant force after a taste of postseason action.

Pittsburgh Pirates (+1000)

In focus for 2026, the Pirates retain ace Paul Skenes and prospects like Bubba Chandler, with the acquisition of Brandon Lowe from the Rays adding power to the infield alongside recent additions like Ryan O’Hearn. The narrative highlights a young core stepping up after a rebuild phase, with improved offense supporting elite pitching.

St. Louis Cardinals (+1100)

The Cardinals are focusing on youth integration amid leadership transitions following the trades of Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras. St. Louis will be relying on returning contributors like Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, Ivan Herrera, and Alec Burleson while mixing in emerging talent such as NL Rookie of the Year candidate JJ Wetherholt.

MLB NL Central Division Winners (2016-Present)

The table below highlights every MLB NL Central division winner since 2016.

2025 NL Central Results

The 2025 NL Central unfolded as a tale of resilience and dominance, with the Milwaukee Brewers surging past an early stumble to claim the division crown by five games and advance to the NLCS before falling to the Dodgers. The Chicago Cubs mounted a strong challenge, securing a wildcard spot and pushing the Brewers to five games in the NLDS, while the Cincinnati Reds surprised with a playoff berth driven by emerging pitching talent. It wasn’t a total blowout at the top, but the gap widened for the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates, who struggled with inconsistency and finished well out of contention.

NL Central Team Overview (2025)

• Milwaukee Brewers (97–65): The Brewers overcame a rocky 0-4 start to lead the majors in victories, powered by Jackson Chourio’s breakout as a dynamic outfielder and Christian Yelich’s reliable production, ultimately cruising to the division title thanks to elite talent development and a balanced attack.

• Chicago Cubs (92–70): A potent lineup featuring Seiya Suzuki’s elite hitting and Kyle Tucker’s steady contributions propelled the Cubs to a wildcard berth, though pitching depth issues limited them in a hard-fought NLDS loss to Milwaukee.

• Cincinnati Reds (83–79): Hunter Greene’s ascent as a true ace anchored the rotation, complemented by Elly De La Cruz’s speed and power at the plate, enabling a surprise wildcard run despite offensive inconsistencies.

• St. Louis Cardinals (82–80): Brendan Donovan provided versatile value across the infield, but aging veterans and a lack of breakout performances from younger talent left the team mired in mediocrity, finishing just above .500.

• Pittsburgh Pirates (71–91): Paul Skenes dazzled en route to the NL Cy Young Award, but a dismal first half and trades of key pieces like Ke’Bryan Hayes doomed the Pirates to a last-place finish amid broader roster flux.