The 2026 MLB regular season is only a couple of weeks old, and it is already clear that, once again, the National League Central Division is going to be one of the best divisions in baseball. Last year, the NL Central sent three teams, the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds, to the playoffs.
It would behoove bettors to look favorably on NL Central teams again this season, especially if placing bets at bets at the best Australian online casino – Rocketplay.
There are 150 games remaining in the regular season, and much can happen. Still, there are three predictions for how this division will play out that may be intriguing.
Milwaukee Brewers: Will win the NL Central But Stumble in Playoffs
This prediction may not be too far-fetched. Afterall, the Brewers have won the division in each of the past three seasons and finished last year with the best record in baseball.
Indeed, the way that Milwaukee plays baseball is conducive to a high level of regular season success. They are affectionately known as “woodpeckers,” as they constantly put the ball in play, just waiting for their opponents to make defensive mistakes.
In the postseason, though, the teams they face are the best of the best and do not make the kinds of mistakes upon which the Brewers can capitalize. Like the last three years, Milwaukee simply does not have the offensive firepower to compete with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers in October.
Chicago Cubs: Last place in the National League Central Division
The Chicago Cubs are 7-9 on the season and are the only team in the division that does not have a record over .500. It is still early, but early indications are that it may be a long and difficult year on the North side.
Already, the Cubs have lost Cade Horton for the year due to injury, and Opening Day standout starter Matthew Boyd has landed on the injured list. Justin Steele, their preferred ace, will be back at some point this season, but by that time Chicago may be too far behind the division leaders for it to make a difference.
The fact of the matter is that the Cubs have been decimated by injuries early, and those may already be too much for them to overcome.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Will finish .500 or better this season
Of all the teams in the National League Central Division, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been held down the longest. They have not had a winning record since 2018 and last made the postseason in 2015.
Through 12 games, though, they are 7-5, tied for third in the division, and are playing much better baseball than they have in years. With ace Paul Skenes and rookie phenom Konnor Griffin in tow, Pittsburgh is going to be an exciting team for years to come.
They may not make the playoffs in 2026, but this is a team that is finally starting to come into its own.
