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In any sport, the strength of the division is often a pretty solid indicator of who will go to the playoffs. Some divisions have 3 of 4 teams who could compete for the crown, while others have just 1 or 2. I am of the belief that the NL Central falls into the latter category, as there appears to be a clear favorite and just one team that could potentially upset the apple cart. Still, stranger things have happened in baseball, so perhaps we will see a dark horse emerge and spring the upset. That, though, seems like a real longshot in the NL Central, so let’s take a look at the MLB odds for each team and how they might do in 2023.

NL Central Favorites to Win, Upsets, and Surprises for the 2023 Season | MLB Betting

St. Louis Cardinals (-116)

The Cardinals won the division last year with a 93-69 record, which was the 2nd worst record of all 6 division winners across the MLB. The fact that they won the Central by 7 games gives you some idea of just how weak the rest of the division was in comparison. Defensively, this team looks sound, plus they have just enough offensive firepower to be balanced, which we say last season with their +135 run differential. This is their division to lose, which I don’t think they will.

Milwaukee Brewers (+151)

The Brewers were the only other team in the division to finish above .500 last season, going 86-76 to close out the year. This is a team that has a very decent pitching staff heading into the new season, but do they have the bats to compliment their defense. Losing Hunter Renfroe to the Angels is certainly not the ideal situation given that he was their most productive hitter last season, and while they did add some players, this looks like a team that might be looking for offensive pieces if they are in the playoff picture at the deadline.

Chicago Cubs (+670)

After a disappointing season that saw the Cubs go 74-88, the front office made some big splashes in the offseason, landing the likes of Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger. They were very busy, and now have a team that is a good mix of young and veteran players. What they are missing, though, is that one star player who could be the difference on any given night, but I do think the Cubs will be better this year and might well challenge the Brewers for 2nd.

Cincinnati Reds (+6200)

Losing 100 games in a season is a sure sign that a team is a long way off from contending, but we do have to say that the future looks bright for the Reds. This is assuming that their farm system delivers along the lines of Hunter Greene, who was very impressive in his first season in the majors. They did add some veteran talent in the offseason, but have little in the way of firepower. I like the Reds to be better this season, but there will be growing pains along the way.

Pittsburgh Pirates (+6200)

The Pirates finished with the same 62-100 record as the Reds last season, and while they do have some young players coming through, there are still some legitimate concerns with their pitching staff. They surrendered a staggering 817 runs last season and I’m not so sure things will get much better in 2023. I think the Pirates finish in the cellar, a long way off the other 4 teams.