NL Central Winner Odds, Predictions & Picks 2025: Cubs in Need of Help From Their Defense

• The Chicago Cubs are the betting favorite to win the NL Central division title

• The St. Louis Cardinals are only one game back from first in the division standings

• Chicago’s defense ranks below league average in Defensive Efficiency and Total Pitching ERA

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 winning their second straight NL Central division title in 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers have struggled to carry over their momentum into this season as they are currently 20-22 and four games back from first. Their lack of production on both sides of the field have hurt their chances of remaining competitive in their contests as the Brewers rank below league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, On Base Percentage, and in Total Pitching ERA.

Speaking of a lack of offensive production, the Cincinnati Reds struggles with making contact have handicapped their chances of winning at a consistent rate to help keep pace with the Cubs. Even when fielding arguably one of the best defenses in the league per Defensive Efficiency, the Reds offense must round back into form should they want to string together their wins and create some space at the top of the NL Central division standings.

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MLB NL Central Winner - My Pick

Chicago Cubs (-275) at BetMGM

Even though the Chicago Cubs have managed to hold on to their lead in the NL Central divisions standings, they are in desperate need of their defense elevating their level of play should they want to avoid relinquishing it. As of writing, the Cubs defense ranks below league average in Defensive Efficiency and in Total Pitching ERA. This brings in a higher amount of variance into their contests, hurting their chances of sparking a hot stretch of play.

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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 $200 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.