In a major shock to most of the baseball world, the National League’s Central Division has turned into an absolute powerhouse; with all teams far above a .500 win percentage. Spearheaded by the Cincinnati Reds, every Central Division team has made a huge impression on the league, and we’re less than 40 games into the season. But what’s making each team succeed? Who are their stars? And what’s their secret?
Cincinnati Reds
The two biggest hitters for Cincinnati right now are first baseman, Sal Stewart, and switch-hitting shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Starting with Stewart, the rookie first baseman has shown immense potential with 9 home runs, 29 runs batted in, and a .281 batting average; causing many to compare Stewart to Reds legend, Pete Rose. The two share an immense durability, elite offensive production and a “play anywhere” mentality. While he tries to cement himself with the Reds, his fellow infielder, continues his great performance on the diamond. Elly De La Cruz has been the biggest piece of the Red’s defense since he first took the field in 2023; De La Cruz is one of those players who isn’t afraid to put his safety on the line in order for his team to win, proving that not only can he succeed individually, but as part of a team as well. On the Pitching side, Chase Burns is also making great strides on the mound. Burns is starting his second season off strong with 3 wins and a 2.65 Era, his electric arsenal of pitches allows him to consistently overpower pitchers as he builds his case to become Cincinnati’s future Ace.
Chicago Cubs
Rolling through with some explosive hitting, Chicago starts off the season with a 19-12 record with elite baserunning and a top-tier offense. Keeping with the trend of young guns making their names, Moisés Ballesteros has been a shocking addition to the Cubs’ 40-man roster; with a .338 batting average and 24 hits in 71 at bats, Ballesteros is proving that he can be an everyday player, just like Nico Hoerner. Hoerner has called Wrigleyville his home for his whole career, earning 2 gold gloves in the process, and is currently hunting for his third. Standing as a solid bat and a spectacular glove in the Cubs starting 9 for over 700 games, Hoerner leads the team in home runs, RBI’s, hits, and stolen bases. Just behind him is the always electric, Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Cubs’ centerfielder is most well known for his speed and ability to run down the ball from any spot in the outfield, and at the plate, “PCA” has bettered his batter’s eye by selecting better pitches; therefore making his natural power ten times stronger.
St. Louis Cardinals
While many thought that 2026 would be the entrance season for the Cardinals rebuild, the team of young, raw talent has taken the majority of baseball by storm. JJ Wetherholt was taken 7th overall in the 2024 draft, and wasted no time to put his name out in the world of baseball. In just the first series of the Cardinals season against the Rays, Wetherholt hit his first home-run, and first walk off, all within the first 3 games of the season. Another player who was touted to be the next Mark McGwire, Jordan Walker entered the Cardinals as the next potential power hitter; but with his 3 seasons, Walker could never find his rhythm at the plate. That all changed when the 2026 season started; 9 home runs later, Walker is finally becoming the star he was meant to be. While the bullpen is extremely weak this year for the Redbirds, Riley O’Brien has been working the count as the Cardinals next star closer. Picking up from where Ryan Helsley left off, O’Brien starts his season with 8 saves in 10 games finished; making his name heard as a contender for relief pitcher of the year, Riley faces the challenge of showing he can be a reliable face for the Cardinals Bullpen.
Milwaukee Brewers
Coming off of their historic 93 win season, the Brewers are looking to return to the top of the division. With an immensely strong bullpen, with a cast of strong situational hitters; they are looking to stay at the top this year. Ever since William Contreras was shipped to Milwaukee in 2022 from Atlanta, he’s played a crucial role as the starting catcher; with a 0.992 fielding percentage, He’s continued to prove his worth behind the plate. Another player who’s continuing to make a name for himself is Brice Turang; the 26 year-old second baseman is known for his remarkable, gold glove caliber defense, his explosive speed, and a rapidly improving bat. Unlike some speedsters in the league today, Turang uses his speed to pressure the defenses of the opposing team, very similar to Rickey Henderson and Billy Hamilton. With an imposing 6 foot 7 frame and a devastating spin-rate; the Missouri native, Jacob Misiorowski is the Brewers ace in the making. With his hot start in 2025, “The Miz” heads into the new year with an improved command after battling control issues throughout the minors. Combined with his high 90’s slider and sharp curveball, Misiorowski will be one of the most exciting pitchers to watch grow this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
By far the most surprising team in the Central this year, the Pirates are rocking the waters in the baseball scene as they “raise the cone” in the dugout. Being touted as one of the best prospects since Mike Trout; Konnor Griffin is regarded as a five-tool player with elite-speed and lethal arm, making him a dominant young shortstop. After a productive minor league season, the Pirates called Griffin up in April, making him one of the youngest players to debut in the last 30 years; with a .333 batting average, 21 home runs, and 65 stolen bases in 122 minor league games, It’s predicted that Griffin will be the face of the Pirates alongside ace Paul Skenes. Skenes continues to be the most productive pitcher in Pittsburgh’s system, winning the Cy Young and Jackie Robinson awards in his first 2 seasons. With a combined 425 strikeouts, 25 wins, and a 2.08 ERA, Skenes has been the driving force of the Pirates bullpen and it looks like he’ll stay that way for the rest of his career.
With all of these stacked and powerful teams, It’ll surely be entertaining to watch these teams battle for the top this season.
