As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Milwaukee Brewers find themselves in a position they’re not used to-on top, with a target squarely on their backs. For years, the Brewers were the scrappy underdogs, often overshadowed in preseason projections and written off after trading away marquee names or staying quiet in free agency. But after a franchise-record 97 wins last year and three straight NL Central titles, the narrative has changed.
This time around, the Brewers aren’t chasing-they’re being chased.
1. Milwaukee Brewers
Let’s start with the team that’s earned the right to be called the division’s frontrunner. Milwaukee brings back nearly every key contributor from last season’s 97-win squad, and while their offseason didn’t make headlines with splashy signings, the continuity of this roster speaks volumes.
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the expected return to full health of William Contreras. The two-time All-Star catcher played nearly the entire 2025 season with a broken finger on his left hand-an injury that would sideline most players or at least sap their offensive production. Contreras still produced at a high level, and now that he’s had offseason surgery, he’s poised to be an even bigger force both at the plate and behind it.
The Brewers also have a strong young core that continues to mature. Sal Frelick, Brice Turang, and Caleb Durbin all took meaningful steps forward last season, and their development is crucial for a team that leans on internal growth rather than high-priced acquisitions.
And then there’s the pitching staff-arguably Milwaukee’s biggest strength. Even if the Brewers decide to move two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta, they still have serious firepower on the mound.
Quinn Priester’s breakout 2025 campaign put him on the map, and Jacob Misiorowski’s electric stuff gives Milwaukee a potential ace-in-the-making. The Brewers might not be the flashiest team in baseball, but they’re well-rounded, battle-tested, and built to win.
2. Chicago Cubs
If there’s a team built to challenge Milwaukee in 2026, it’s the Cubs. After finishing just five games back in the division last year and falling to the Brewers in the NLDS, Chicago is coming back with something to prove-and they’re doing it with reinforcements.
The Cubs made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by signing three-time All-Star Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal. Bregman brings a steady bat (.273/.360/.462 with 18 homers and 62 RBI last season) and Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base. He’s the kind of player who can change the tone of a lineup and a clubhouse.
Chicago’s not just about the veterans, though. Pete Crow-Armstrong is entering his second full season and has the tools to become one of the most dynamic players in the league. If he takes another step forward, the Cubs could have one of the most balanced rosters in the division-especially if their pitching staff holds up over the grind of a 162-game season.
3. Cincinnati Reds
Don’t sleep on the Reds. Yes, they finished third in the division last year, but they also made the playoffs with an 83-79 record and showed they can hang with the best. Terry Francona, one of the most respected managers in the game, has this team playing with grit and confidence.
The heart of the Reds’ identity lies in their athleticism and offensive upside. Elly De La Cruz is a walking highlight reel-a shortstop with game-changing speed and legitimate pop. Alongside him, Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson bring power to the middle of the lineup, with both capable of hitting 20+ home runs.
The question mark for Cincinnati is the rotation. No Reds starter made more than 26 starts last season, which speaks to both injury concerns and a lack of consistency. If they can stabilize that group-even just a little-they’re a serious threat to climb the standings again.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates might have finished last in the division in 2025, but they’ve got one undeniable ace up their sleeve: Paul Skenes. The reigning NL Cy Young winner posted a 1.97 ERA despite a 10-10 record, which says more about Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles than it does about Skenes’ dominance.
That’s where the Pirates need to improve. Too often last year, even Skenes’ gems weren’t enough to secure wins because the bats couldn’t back him up.
Enter Ryan O’Hearn, whose 17 homers and 65 RBI last season could provide some much-needed pop in the middle of the order. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Pittsburgh still has a long road ahead if they want to compete over a full season, but with a generational arm leading the way and some offensive reinforcements on the way, they’re no longer a team you can pencil in for a series sweep.
5. St. Louis Cardinals
For the first time in a long time, the Cardinals are in full rebuild mode. After a disappointing 78-84 finish in 2025, St.
Louis officially hit the reset button by trading longtime cornerstone Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks. That move signaled a shift toward youth and development, and it likely means a lot of growing pains in the short term.
The Cardinals are now leaning heavily on their farm system and young talent to carry them forward. That’s a strategy that can pay off in the long run, but in the here and now, it makes them the clear bottom team in the NL Central.
Still, this is St. Louis-a franchise with a deep history of bouncing back. While 2026 might be a transition year, don’t be surprised if they start laying the groundwork for a return to relevance sooner than expected.
Bottom Line
The NL Central is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. The Brewers are the defending champs with a deep, balanced roster.
The Cubs are coming hard with star power and motivation. The Reds are young, hungry, and dangerous.
The Pirates have an ace who can shut down any lineup. And even the rebuilding Cardinals are capable of playing spoiler.
Milwaukee may be the hunted now, but the chase is on-and the rest of the division isn’t backing down.