The NL Central is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing division battles heading into the 2026 MLB season-and for the first time in a while, the Chicago Cubs might just be in the driver’s seat.
That’s not to say the Milwaukee Brewers are out of the picture. They’ve been the class of the division for the better part of the last five years, winning four NL Central titles in that span. But with a relatively quiet offseason in Milwaukee and a flurry of aggressive moves by the Cubs, the balance of power could be shifting at Wrigley.
Let’s start with the Cubs’ headline-grabbing move: the five-year, $175 million signing of Alex Bregman. It was a bold stroke-one that signaled Chicago’s front office isn’t interested in half-measures.
Bregman, a three-time All-Star, brings more than just a potent bat. He’s a proven leader, and his presence in the lineup immediately upgrades the third base spot, where Matt Shaw struggled to find consistency in 2025.
But it’s not just about Bregman’s numbers-it’s about what he unlocks in the rest of the roster. Young hitters like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros now have a veteran presence to lean on. That kind of mentorship can’t be quantified in WAR, but it matters-especially for a team that’s trying to blend young talent with veteran stability.
On the pitching side, the Cubs made another splash by acquiring Edward Cabrera. If he can stay healthy, Cabrera has the kind of electric stuff that could put him in ace territory.
That’s a big “if,” of course, but the upside is undeniable. And while the rotation gets the headlines, don’t overlook what Jed Hoyer and the front office have done with the bullpen.
Chicago essentially rebuilt its relief corps this winter, adding key arms like Phil Maton and Jacob Webb, and bringing back lefty Caleb Thielbar-one of Craig Counsell’s most trusted options from last season. It’s a revamped unit with depth and versatility, and that could be a major difference-maker in a division where margins tend to be razor-thin.
So what does the rest of the NL Central look like?
The Cardinals are in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, and the Pirates-while improving-still aren’t expected to make much noise in the playoff race. The Reds are coming off their first postseason appearance since 2020, but they’ll need several players to outperform expectations again just to stay in the hunt. That leaves the Brewers as the Cubs’ primary competition.
Milwaukee’s offseason has been relatively quiet. They brought back Brandon Woodruff, which is a big deal for their rotation, but beyond that, the additions have been modest.
Trading for reliever Angel Zerpa and signing outfielder Akil Baddoo won’t move the needle much. Zerpa posted a 4.18 ERA last season, and Baddoo’s career wRC+ of 87 suggests he’s more of a depth piece than a game-changer.
Still, it’s worth noting: we’ve seen this movie before. The Brewers have made a habit of outperforming expectations, winning with smart roster construction, solid pitching, and timely hitting. Even without splashy moves, they’ve consistently found ways to stay in the mix-and many of the core players from last year’s 95-win squad are back.
So no, Milwaukee isn’t going quietly. But if you’re a Brewers fan, you’ve got to be at least a little uneasy watching what’s happening in Chicago.
The Cubs aren’t just spending money-they’re building something that looks sustainable. A veteran star at third, a high-upside arm in the rotation, and a bullpen that’s gone from patchwork to playoff-ready.
The NL Central might still be up for grabs, but the Cubs have made it clear: they’re not just hoping to contend-they’re planning to win.