At this point, the National League Central is the toughest division in baseball with the three best teams in the NL all in the same division. Based on how each team is playing and the potential they have for the rest of the season, here is how the division standings could look at the end of the year.
5. Milwaukee Brewers
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 69-93
After leading the division for most of last season, the Brewers have fallen a long way. They collapsed down the stretch last season and have been one of baseball's worst teams this year. Their rotation, especially Matt Garza, has been a major letdown, and with no lineup to speak of, this team doesn't figure to finish out of the basement.
Projected Record: 69-93
After leading the division for most of last season, the Brewers have fallen a long way. They collapsed down the stretch last season and have been one of baseball's worst teams this year. Their rotation, especially Matt Garza, has been a major letdown, and with no lineup to speak of, this team doesn't figure to finish out of the basement.
4. Cincinnati Reds
Getty Images
Projected Record: 74-88
Hosting the All-Star Game will be the highlight of this baseball season for Cincinnati, because the Reds don't appear to be going anywhere this season. They appear likely to trade Johnny Cueto and/or Mike Leake; if they do that, they will finish even further down in the standings.
Projected Record: 74-88
Hosting the All-Star Game will be the highlight of this baseball season for Cincinnati, because the Reds don't appear to be going anywhere this season. They appear likely to trade Johnny Cueto and/or Mike Leake; if they do that, they will finish even further down in the standings.
3. Chicago Cubs
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 88-74
It seems pretty crazy the Cubs could finish 14 games above .500 and not even make the playoffs, but that could seriously happen this season. The Pirates and Cardinals have more experience down the stretch than Chicago and that could play a major factor. Then again, the Cubs could feel like they're playing with house money in 2015 and make some noise.
Projected Record: 88-74
It seems pretty crazy the Cubs could finish 14 games above .500 and not even make the playoffs, but that could seriously happen this season. The Pirates and Cardinals have more experience down the stretch than Chicago and that could play a major factor. Then again, the Cubs could feel like they're playing with house money in 2015 and make some noise.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 91-71
Pittsburgh is one of baseball's hottest teams right now, and it doesn't seem like they're ready to slow down anytime soon. Their starting pitching has been among the best in all of baseball, and their lineup is incredibly deep as well. With Josh Harrison recovering from a bad first couple months, this team seems poised to make a deep run.
Projected Record: 91-71
Pittsburgh is one of baseball's hottest teams right now, and it doesn't seem like they're ready to slow down anytime soon. Their starting pitching has been among the best in all of baseball, and their lineup is incredibly deep as well. With Josh Harrison recovering from a bad first couple months, this team seems poised to make a deep run.
1. St. Louis Cardinals
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 95-67
Despite several injuries and a hacking scandal this season, the Cardinals continue to be head and shoulders above the rest of the league. Sure, they could slow down a little bit over the rest of the season, but this is a veteran team that knows what it takes to win when it matters. Even though it will be harder than it should be for them since they're playing in such a tough division, the Red Birds will find a way to claim the NL Central once again in 2015.
Projected Record: 95-67
Despite several injuries and a hacking scandal this season, the Cardinals continue to be head and shoulders above the rest of the league. Sure, they could slow down a little bit over the rest of the season, but this is a veteran team that knows what it takes to win when it matters. Even though it will be harder than it should be for them since they're playing in such a tough division, the Red Birds will find a way to claim the NL Central once again in 2015.
