Three-Team Race Atop Division for Best Postseason Odds

Cubs, Brewers, and Pirates battling for NL Central lead early in season

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:24pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, with overlapping planes and shapes representing baseball players, stadiums, and equipment, conveying the intensity of the NL Central division race.The tight divisional race between the Cubs, Brewers, and Pirates is reflected in a cubist, multi-angled illustration capturing the energy and competition of their early-season matchups.Today in Pittsburgh

As the MLB season enters its second week, the NL Central division is shaping up to be a three-team race between the Cubs, Brewers, and Pirates for the best postseason odds. The Cubs currently sit in a three-way tie for third in the division with a +6 run differential, trailing the division-leading Brewers (+28) but ahead of the up-and-coming Pirates, who are expected to get a boost from top prospect Konnor Griffin joining the active roster soon.

Why it matters

The early-season divisional standings and run differential numbers provide an initial snapshot of the competitive landscape in the NL Central, with the Cubs, Brewers, and Pirates emerging as the top contenders. How these three teams perform over the next few months will go a long way in determining which one secures the division title and the best odds of making the playoffs.

The details

The Cubs have alternated wins and losses over their first six games, but their +6 run differential is better than all other NL Central teams except the Brewers (+28). Meanwhile, the Pirates are expected to receive a boost when they call up their No. 1 overall prospect Konnor Griffin, who has reportedly agreed to a 9-year, $140 million extension before even making his MLB debut. However, the Pirates' decision to sign Griffin to a long-term deal prior to his debut means they will miss out on draft pick incentives, as they did earlier this season when they called up Paul Skenes too late to qualify.

  • The MLB season is currently in its second week of play.
  • The Cubs and Pirates are scheduled to face off in a series this weekend.

The players

Konnor Griffin

The Pirates' No. 1 overall prospect who has reportedly agreed to a 9-year, $140 million contract extension before making his MLB debut.

Paul Skenes

A Pirates prospect who was called up too late to qualify for the prospect promotion incentive program.

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What they’re saying

“The Cubs really need to give us a more consistent brand of baseball after trading wins and losses over the first six games.”

— Evan Altman, Author

“Even when the Pirates do the right thing, they manage to muck it up.”

— Evan Altman, Author

What’s next

The Cubs and Pirates are scheduled to face off in a series this weekend, which could provide further clarity on the NL Central division race.

The takeaway

The early-season standings in the NL Central suggest a tight three-team race between the Cubs, Brewers, and Pirates for the division title and best postseason odds. How these teams perform over the next few months will be crucial in determining which one emerges as the clear favorite to reach the playoffs.