The NL Central race in 2025 has plenty of intrigue, with one team poised to shake up the division. A mix of young talent, bold moves, and question marks make for an unpredictable battle. There is one clear value pick, but not every team is worth a second look.
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NL Central Winner Odds

Is Terry Francona the answer to all of the Reds problems?
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, and industry leader in the sports betting world. BetOnline offers a wide variety of markets paired with the most competitive lines available, making them the go to site to place your bets. Sign up today with Promo Code BNEWS and get a 50% deposit match up to $1,000, as well as $10 instantly in your account.
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- Cubs: +100
- Brewers: +300
- Reds: +425
- Pirates: +1000
- Cardinals: +1000
NL Central Winner Leans
The team with the highest ceiling in the NL Central is the Cincinnati Reds, who have a wealth of young talent, including star shortstop Elly De La Cruz. They bring in future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, who fans are hoping can fully turn this franchise around. There is significant hype surrounding this team in 2025, and with a win total set at 79.5, they should surpass 79 wins and make plenty of noise in the division. Some books have them at higher than 5/1 to finish first, and given the value and the potential impact the Reds can make, they are worth taking.
The Brewers should be solid, but they could also have a bit of a down year. They are the second-best option to win the division, but I would rather chase the money and take the bigger long shot.
Stay Away
The rest—Cubs, Pirates, and Cardinals. I am not taking even money for a team to win the division when there is more value on the board. The Cubs still need to prove to me that they deserve to be the odds-on favorite. They have strong pieces, but I need to see it all come together.
As for the rest, St. Louis could arguably be the worst team in baseball this season. They are actively shopping Nolan Arenado, and I want no part of them in 2025.
NL Central Winner Best Bet: Reds to win (+425)
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