NL Central Winner Odds, Predictions & Picks 2025: Brewers Continue to Pull Away From the Cubs

• The Milwaukee Brewers currently lead the entire league with a 70-44 record

• The Chicago Cubs are four games back from first in the NL Central division standings

• Milwaukee’s defense ranks top-7 in Total Pitching ERA and in Defensive Efficiency

Arguably one of the more wide open divisions in the league, the race for the NL Central title may come down to the very end. That brings an added level of excitement to their contests as there is zero room for error when the gaps in talent are razor thin between each other.

MLB NL Central Winner Odds

Odds for NL Central winner courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Bet on MLB at BetMGM and claim the following welcome bonus: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets*.

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MLB NL Central Winner Predictions

After going through a slow start to the season, the Milwaukee Brewers have hit their stride as they possess a four-game lead for first in the NL Central and currently lead the entire league with a 70-44 record. Their defense has played a major role in their success this season, especially while their offense struggled to find their footing, as that side of the field ranks above league average in Total Pitching ERA and in Defensive Efficiency.

As for the Cincinnati Reds, their bats have started to cool off as their offense continues to fall down the board in Contact Rate and in Slugger Percentage. To make matters worse for the Reds, their back end has struggled in coverage as their defense ranks below league average in Fielding Percentage. At 10.5 games back, the Reds are in desperate need of sparking a hot stretch of play should they want to salvage their hopes of winning the division title.

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MLB NL Central Winner - My Pick

Chicago Cubs (+175) at BetMGM

After leading the division for a majority of the season, the Chicago Cubs now find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they are currently four games back from Milwaukee for first. Their struggles on the mound hurts their chances of stringing together their wins as the Cubs rank 16th overall in Total Pitching ERA. Even with their offense playing at a very high level, the Cubs' pitching staff needs to elevate their level of play in order for them to reclaim their lead for first.

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How to Bet on the MLB NL Central Winner

With multiple teams capable of winning the NL Central division title, it’s important to measure how they play on both sides of the field. On offense, look to back a team who excels at making contact and getting on base at a high rate. As for their defense, factor in their Team Pitching ERA and Defensive Efficiency.

It’s also important to consistently check the standings as a hedge opportunity may appear should someone get off to a strong start or is playing above their projection. By hedging your initial bet, you can create multiple profiting scenarios which increases your chances of making money at the end of the regular season.

How to Read MLB NL Central Winner Odds

Before betting on the NL Central winner market, it’s vital to know how the listed odds work. If you place a $100 wager on the Chicago Cubs at their early season odds of +110, then you would profit $110 if the Cubs win the division title.

If you wait to see if the Cubs build up a sizable lead and are listed with a minus sign in front of their odds (-135 for example), then you would need to wager $135 to profit $100. Always line shop before placing a wager as the odds for the same market can vary between each sportsbook.

Where to Bet on the MLB NL Central Winner

BetMGM Sportsbook has been one of the frontrunners for the MLB division winner markets as their odds usually beat out the rest of the apps. If you have not signed up yet with BetMGM, then you can Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets* should you lose your first wager after creating an account with the WSN promo code WSNSPORTS.

As for the official betting partner of the MLB, FanDuel Sportsbook is giving new users the opportunity to claim: Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins after they create an account and win their first bet of at least $5 on any valid market. No promo code is required, new users just need to sign up and win their first wager of at least $5.

MLB NL Central Winner History

After winning their second straight NL Central title in 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers have the opportunity to be the first team to three-peat since the St. Louis Cardinals did it in 2013-2015. With their latest win, the Brewers have now won the division five times which puts them in third place for the most NL Central titles.

As for who leads the division, the St. Louis Cardinals have a comfortable lead for first with 12 NL Central titles. The Chicago Cubs clock in at third with six while the Cincinnati Reds are in fourth with three. The Pittsburgh Pirates meanwhile have yet to win the NL Central since joining the division in 1994.