The NL Central Has Become the Best Division in Baseball
The NL Central has emerged as the strongest division in Major League Baseball through the first month of the 2026 season, with all five teams posting even or winning records. Each franchise features rising talent and competitive potential, making the division unusually balanced and deep. The Cincinnati Reds currently lead the standings, powered by standout performances from Elly De La Cruz, and are considered strong contenders to win the division.
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By Tyler ErzbergerShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.It's sometimes difficult to be in one of the Central divisions in MLB.On the west coast, you have the Los Angeles Dodgers and other marquee franchises who are playing out in the sun during the early cold months of the season.And then there's the teams on the east coast, the elites, like the New York Yankees and other franchises who hog the headlines even when it's frigid outside.Not in 2026, though, at least so far for the NL Central, which has established itself as the best division through the first month of the season.Every team has an even or winning record, and each of the five franchises has budding…
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