- The Chicago Cubs are the betting favorites to win the NL Central.
- The preseason favorite hasn't won this division since 2019.
The National League Central could be one of the more fun races to monitor throughout the 2025 MLB season.
The Chicago Cubs begin as MLB odds favorites to win the division for the first time since 2020. But the other four division rivals have win totals within 10 games of the Cubs, including a Milwaukee Brewers team that has won the NL Central three times over the last four seasons.
So, who will win the NL Central this year?
NL Central Division Winner Odds 2025
- Chicago Cubs +110
- Milwaukee Brewers +290
- Cincinnati Reds +475
- St. Louis Cardinals +800
- Pittsburgh Pirates +900
NL Central Win Totals & Projected Standings 2025
| Team | Win Total | PECOTA | FanGraphs | Clay Davenport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 86.5 | 91.7-70.3 | 84-78 | 89-73 |
| Brewers | 82.5 | 80.2-81.8 | 81-81 | 82-80 |
| Reds | 78.5 | 74.8-87.2 | 78-84 | 76-86 |
| Cardinals | 76.5 | 77.6-84.4 | 79-83 | 82-80 |
| Pirates | 76.5 | 74.4-87.6 | 78-84 | 74-88 |
NL Central Betting Prediction 2025
According to the updated MLB odds market, my NL Central prediction is that Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell will win NL Manager of the Year (+400) during the 2025 season.
The Manager of the Year market is worth exploring for whichever team you think will win this division, especially in the Cubs’ case, since Counsell has a more favorable price tag (+400) than his team’s NL Central odds (+110).
All 26 Manager of the Year winners since 2012 have made the playoffs, with 22 coming from teams who missed the prior postseason. That trend bodes well for any NL Central team other than the Milwaukee Brewers this year, including the Cubs.
Chicago has made the postseason once in the past six seasons, but PECOTA gives this team an 88.9% chance of making the playoffs this year.
Counsell could be honored in his second year as the team’s manager if the Cubs play in October.
Prediction: Craig Counsell to win NL Manager of the Year (+400)
NL Central Team Previews & Predictions
Milwaukee Brewers
Despite winning the division three times in the last four years, Milwaukee is +290 to finish atop the NL Central in 2025.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals might finally be entering a rebuild after missing the playoffs with an 83-79 record in 2024.
Chicago Cubs
After finishing 10 games back in the NL Central in 2024, the Cubs are betting favorites to win the division this year.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh has its highest win total (76.5) since 2019, though the better betting angle might be backing Paul Skenes.
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati appears ready to take the next step after bringing manager Terry Francona out of retirement.
2025 MLB Division Previews & Predictions
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