The National League Central division is a great example of how Major League Baseball has more parity that what meets the eye. At the start of the 2020 season four of the five teams in the NL Central are bona fide possibilities with the MLB odds. Only the rebuilding Pittsburgh Pirates are considered to be a long shot. The past three seasons have seen the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs finish on top. And this year the Cincinnati Reds are seen as a team ready to bust out of the doldrums as a contender. Perhaps only the National League East can rival the NL Central for being the most competitive. Let’s take a look at the National League Central contenders.
We’ll have MLB Odds at Bookmaker.eu available for every game of the 2020 MLB season.
2020 NL Central Odds
| TEAM |
ODDS |
| St. Louis Cardinals |
+195 |
| Chicago Cubs |
+215 |
| Cincinnati Reds |
+247 |
| Milwaukee Brewers |
+525 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates |
+2000 |
Public betting usually goes with the defending champion and that is the case here with the St. Louis Cardinals, who were a surprise winner of the NL Central title for 2019. And when public betting influence with the MLB odds is taken into account the highly popular Chicago Cubs are always in that conversation. Meanwhile the Reds are an upstart 11/4 on the come pick of more than a few sharps. Milwaukee could be a bargain at 5/1 after two consecutive playoff seasons.
St. Louis Cardinals
Despite some “new math” theories the Cardinals proved last year that the old adages on the importance of pitching still hold true. However, their inconsistent run production may hold them down for a repeat bid.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubbies are still a good and capable team. What gamblers are worried about is how the North Siders will adjust without manager Joe Maddon, who went on to the Los Angeles Angels after his shelf life expired in the Windy City.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds Legs improved their win total by nine games last year and have a cornerstone slugger in third baseman Eugenio Suarez. The big question is if closer Raisel Iglesias can regain his previous form. His ERA ballooned from 2.38 in 2018 to 4.16 last year.
Milwaukee Brewers
National League 2018 MVP Christian Yelich powers the Brew Crew, who still made the playoffs even after Yelich was hurt for much of the stretch drive. Middle of the road metrics in most categories and a ranking of 29th for quality starts are worrisome.
2020 NL Central Free MLB Betting Odds Pick
This year looks like a spirited four team race in the National League Central. Which means reliable pitching is mandatory. Look for the ancient rival Cardinals and Cubs to go down to the wire. Chicago’s superior hitting led by Kyle Schwarber should provide the difference in winning the NL Central!
MLB Betting Odds Prediction: Chicago Cubs
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