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{{short description|Division of Major League Baseball}}
The '''National League Central Division''' is one of ]'s six divisions. It was created in 1994, merging two teams from the ] (Cincinnati and Houston) and three teams from the ] (Chicago, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis) divisions of the ]. In 1998 it became the largest division in Major League Baseball, with the addition of a sixth member (Milwaukee). The most recent team to win the division is the ].
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{infobox sports division
| title = National League Central
| league = ]
| sport = ]
| founded = {{mlby|1994}}
| teams = 5
| champion = ]<br>(2024; 5th title)
| most_champs = ] (12)
}}


{{OSM Location map
This division has been dominated by St. Louis and Houston, who have accounted for all but 4 of the official division titles (from 1995 onward), as well as 3 of the 4 wild card berths from the division. The Cubs have been rising to prominence in the division recently, capturing the division's first wild card berth in 1998, and winning the division in 2003, 2007, and 2008 while also fielding strong teams in other years.
| coord = {{coord|40.825|-85.099}}
| zoom = 5
| width = 300
| height = 300
| caption = National League Central Teams Location
| mark1 = Red pog.svg
| label1 = Cardinals
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|38.62269|-90.19275}}
| label-pos1 = top
| label-color1 = black
| mark2 = Blue pog.svg
| label2 = Cubs
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|41.94841|-87.65537}}
| label-pos2 = top
| label-color2 = black
| mark3 = Gold pog.svg
| label3 = Brewers
| mark-coord3 = {{coord|43.02812|-87.97112}}
| label-pos3 = top
| label-color3 = black
| mark4 = Yellow pog.svg
| label4 = Pirates
| mark-coord4 = {{coord|40.44683|-80.00557}}
| label-pos4 = top
| label-color4 = black
| mark5 = Red pog.svg
| label5 = Reds
| mark-coord5 = {{coord|39.09721|-84.50653}}
| label-pos5 = bottom
| label-color5 = black
}}


The '''National League Central''' is one of ]'s six divisions. This division was created in 1994, by moving two teams from the ] (the ] and the ]) and three teams from the ] (the ], the ], and the ]).
==Current members==
*] - Founding member; formerly of the NL East
*] - Founding member; formerly of the NL West
*] - Founding member; formerly of the NL West
*] - Joined in 1998; formerly of the ]
*] - Founding member; formerly of the NL East
*] - Founding member; formerly of the NL East


When the division was created in 1994, the Pirates were originally supposed to stay in the East while the ] were to be moved to the Central from the West. However, the Braves, wanting to form a natural rivalry with the expansion ], requested to remain in the East. Despite the Marlins offering to go to the Central, the Pirates instead gave up their spot in the East to the Braves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/16/sports/baseball-pirates-relent-on-new-alignment.html?pagewanted=print|title=BASEBALL; Pirates Relent on New Alignment|first=Murray|last=Chass|website=nytimes.com|access-date=May 7, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824094121/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/16/sports/baseball-pirates-relent-on-new-alignment.html?pagewanted=print|archive-date=August 24, 2017}}</ref> Since then, the Pirates have tried several times unsuccessfully to be placed back in the East.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_742330.html#axzz2YtXG2iD2|title=Starkey: Pirates in American League' Yes!|date=June 16, 2011|work=TribLIVE.com|access-date=October 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006101149/http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_742330.html#axzz2YtXG2iD2|archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Starkey |first=Joe |date=June 16, 2011 |title=Starkey: Pirates in American League? Yes! |url=https://archive.triblive.com/news/starkey-pirates-in-american-league-yes/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=www.tribliveoffers.com}}</ref>
==Division lineups==

{| class="wikitable"
In 1998, the NL Central became the largest division in Major League Baseball when the ] were moved in from the ], which gave them six teams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=New York Times News |date=1997-11-06 |title=BREWERS TO PLAY IN NL |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/11/06/brewers-to-play-in-nl/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newhan |first=Ross |date=1998-03-08 |title=Brewers Gain a National Following |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-08-sp-26912-story.html |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Holtzman |first=Jerome |date=1997-11-07 |title=BREWERS’ MOVE TO NL TAKES THEM BACK TO THEIR LEAGUE OF GLORY |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/11/07/brewers-move-to-nl-takes-them-back-to-their-league-of-glory/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2013, the Astros moved to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=José |first=Roberto |last2=Franco |first2=Andrade |date=2023-10-18 |title=How Astros-Rangers rivalry defines the state of Texas |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38683444/alcs-playoffs-houston-astros-texas-rangers-rivalry |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barzilla |first=Scott |title=Houston Astros: How To Build a Rivalry with the Texas Rangers |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/969584-houston-astros-how-to-build-a-rivalry-with-the-texas-rangers |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>
!Time period!!Lineup!!Changes from previous setup

This division has been dominated by the Cardinals, who have accounted for 12 of the 26 division championships, plus three wild card wins. Aside from the Cardinals, the Cubs have the second most division championships with six, as well as three wild card wins. The Brewers have five divisional championships, with two wild card wins. The Astros had four division titles and two wild card wins. The Reds have three division titles, along with one wild card win. The Pirates have not won the division since the division was created, but possess three wild card appearances. The 2013 win was the Pirates’ first and only playoff berth since 1992.

==Division membership==
===Current members===
*] – Founding member; formerly of the NL East
*] – Founding member; formerly of the NL West
*] – Since 1998; formerly of the AL West, AL East, AL Central
*] – Founding member; formerly of the NL East
*] – Founding member; formerly of the NL East

===Former member===
*] – Founding member; formerly of the NL West; moved to the ] in 2013

===Membership timeline===

'''Place cursor over year for division champ or World Series team.'''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="32" style="text-align:center; font-size:125%; background:#DEB887;" | NL Central Division{{ref label|NL Central|A|A}}
|- |-
! colspan="32" style="text-align:center;" | Years
|1994-1997||Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals||Creation of division due to 1994 realignment (Chicago, Pittsburgh and St. Louis from ], Cincinnati and Houston from ]
|- |-
! '']''
|1998-present||Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals||Milwaukee switched leagues due to 1998 expansion, moving in from ]
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! style="background:#ffe87c;"|'']''
! style="background:#ffe87c;"|'']''
! style="background:#00ff00;"|'']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! style="background:#00ff00;"|'']''
! '']''
! style="background:#ffe87c;"|'']''
! '']''
! '']''
! style="background:#00ff00;"|'']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
! '']''
|-
| colspan="32" style="background:lightgrey; height:.5px;" |
|-
| colspan="32" | ]
|-
| colspan="32" | ]
|-
| colspan="19" | ]{{ref label|HOU|C|C}}
| colspan="13" style="background:lightgrey;" | &nbsp;
|-
| colspan="32" | ]
|-
| colspan="32" | ]
|-
| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="28" | ]{{ref label|MIL|B|B}}
|-
! colspan="32" style="background:#fff; height:15px; font-size:75%;" | {{color box|lightgrey}} Team not in division {{color box|#00ff00}} Division Won World Series {{color box|#FFE87C}} Division Won NL Championship
|} |}
:{{note label|NL Central|A|A}} Creation of division due to the 1994 realignment into three divisions (with Chicago, Pittsburgh and St. Louis from NL East, and Cincinnati and Houston from NL West)
:{{note label|MIL|B|B}} Milwaukee switched leagues due to the 1998 expansion, moving in from ]
:{{note label|HOU|C|C}} Houston switched leagues after the 2012 season, and joined the ]

==Champions by year==

*''Team names link to the season in which each team played''


==NL Central division champions==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
!Year
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Year
!Winner
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Winner
!Record
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Record
!Win%
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|%
!Playoff Results
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Playoffs
|- |-
|] (through ])
|]§
|66-48
|.579
|''No Playoffs''
|- |-
|{{mlby|1994}}§
|] (starting ], 144 G)
|colspan=4 align=center|''No playoffs due to ]''
|]
|85-59 |-
|1995
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Cincinnati Reds|1}} | ''']'''
|85–59
|.590 |.590
|Lost ] to ], 4-0 |'''Won''' ] (]) 3–0<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–0
|- |-
|1996 |1996
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|88–74
|88-74
|.543 |.543
|Lost ] to ], 4-3 |'''Won''' ] (]) 3–0<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–3
|- |-
|1997 |1997
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Houston Astros 1994thru1999|1}} | ''']'''
|84–78
|84-78
|.519 |.519
|Lost ] to ], 3-0 |Lost ] (]) 3–0
|- |-
|1998 |1998
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Houston Astros 1994thru1999|1}} | ''']'''
|102–60
|102-60
|.630 |.630
|Lost ] to ], 3-1 |Lost ] (]) 3–1
|- |-
|1999 |1999
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Houston Astros 1994thru1999|1}} | ''']'''
|97–65
|97-65
|.599 |.599
|Lost ] to ], 3-1 |Lost ] (]) 3–1
|- |-
|2000 |2000
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|95–67
|95-67
|.586 |.586
|Lost ] to ], 4-1 |'''Won''' ] (]) 3–0<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–1
|- |-
|2001 |2001*
|]†† |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Houston Astros 2000thru2012|1}} | ''']'''
|93–69
|93-69
|.574 |.574
|Lost ] to ], 3-0 |Lost ] (]) 3–0
|- |-
|2002 |2002
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|97–65
|97-65
|.599 |.599
|Lost ] to ], 4-1 |'''Won''' ] (]) 3–0<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–1
|- |-
|2003 |2003
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|88–74
|88-74
|.543 |.543
|Lost ] to ], 4-3 |'''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–3
|- |-
|2004 |2004
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|105–57
|105-57
|.648 |.648
|Lost ] to ], 4-0 | bgcolor="#ddffdd" | '''Won''' ] (]) 3–1<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 4–3<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–0
|- |-
|2005 |2005
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|100–62
|100-62
|.617 |.617
|Lost ] to ], 4-2 |'''Won''' ] (]) 3–0<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–2
|- |-
|2006 |2006
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|83–78
|83-78
|.516 |.516
|'''Won ] over ], 4-1''' | bgcolor="#ffcccc" | '''Won''' ] (]) 3–1<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 4–3<br/>'''Won ]''' (]) 4–1
|- |-
|2007 |2007
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|85–77
|85-77
|.525 |.525
|Lost ] to ], 3-0 |Lost ] (]) 3–0
|- |-
|2008 |2008
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|97–64
|97-64
|.602 |.602
||Lost ] to ], 3-0 |Lost ] (]) 3–0
|- |-
|2009 |2009
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|91–71
|91-71
|.562 |.562
||Lost ] to ], 3-0 |Lost ] (]) 3–0
|- |-
|2010
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Cincinnati Reds|1}} | ''']'''
|91–71
|.562
|Lost ] (]) 3–0
|-
|2011
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
|96–66
|.593
|'''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–2
|-
|2012
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Cincinnati Reds|1}} | ''']'''
|97–65
|.599
||Lost ] (]) 3–2
|-
|2013
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|97–65
|.599
| bgcolor="#ddffdd" | '''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 4–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–2
|-
|2014
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|90–72
|.556
|'''Won''' ] (]) 3–1<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–1
|-
|2015
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|100–62
|.617
|Lost ] (]) 3–1
|-
|2016
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|103–58
|.640
| bgcolor="#ffcccc" | '''Won''' ] (]) 3–1<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 4–2<br/>'''Won ]''' (]) 4–3
|-
|2017
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|92–70
|.568
|'''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–1
|-
|2018
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
|96–67
|.589
|'''Won''' ] (]) 3–0<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–3
|-
|2019
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|91–71
|.562
|'''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–0
|-
|2020†
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|34–26
|.567
|Lost ] (]) 2–0
|-
|2021
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
|95–67
|.586
| Lost ] (]) 3–1
|-
|2022
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|93–69
|.574
|Lost ] (]) 2–0
|-
|2023
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
|92–70
|.568
| Lost ] (]) 2–0
|-
|2024
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
| 93–69
| .574
| Lost ] (]) 2–1
|} |}
<nowiki>§</nowiki> – Due to the ] on August 12, no official winner was awarded. ] was leading by half a game over ] at the time of the strike.


<nowiki>*</nowiki> – The Astros and Cardinals finished with identical regular season records. Because the Astros won the season series 9–7 against the Cardinals, they were awarded the National League Central division title, and the Cardinals were declared the National League Wild Card team.
<nowiki>§</nowiki> - Due to the ] on ], no official winner was awarded. ] was leading at the time of the strike. <br>
†† - The ] and ] finished the 2001 season tied for first place with identical records. Houston won the season series against St. Louis and was awarded the tie-breaker; St. Louis was awarded the wild card berth. Had a team from another division won the wild card, a one game playoff would have decided the division champion.


† – Due to the ], the season was shortened to 60 games. By virtue of the eight-team postseason format used for that season, division runner-up ] (30–28, .517) also automatically qualified for the playoffs.
==National League Championships==
The division has produced three National League Pennant winners: St. Louis in 2004 and 2006 and Houston in 2005. In both 2004 and 2005 the American League Champions swept the World Series and in 2006 the ] won the World Series in five games.


==Other postseason teams==
==Wild-card winners==
:''See ] (since 1994)'' {{further information|List of National League Wild Card winners}}
The wild card was first introduced in 1994 and is the team in each league with the best record that did not win its division. The system, however, was not implemented until 1995, as a player strike prematurely ended the 1994 season. Since its implementation, five NL Central teams have won the wild card. The wild card was introduced in 1994 and was initially assigned to the team with the best record in each league that did not win its division. The first year of implementation was 1995 as a player strike prematurely ended the 1994 season. Since implementation, each of the NL Central teams has won the wild card. In 2012, a second wild card was added to post-season play, and in 2022, a third was also added.


{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
!Year
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Year
!Winner
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Winner
!Record
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Record
!%
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|%
!GB
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|GB
!Playoff Results
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Playoffs
|- |-
|1998 |1998
|]* |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|90–73
|90-73
|.552 |.552
|12.5 |12.5
|Lost ] to ], 3-0 |Lost ] (]) 3–0
|- |-
|2001 |2001
|]† |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|93–69
|93-69
|.574 |.574
|0 |0
|Lost ] to ], 3-2 |Lost ] (]) 3–2
|- |-
|2004 |2004
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Houston Astros 2000thru2012|1}} | ''']'''
|92–70
|92-70
|.568 |.568
|13 |13
|Lost ] to ], 4-3 |'''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–3
|- |-
|2005 |2005
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Houston Astros 2000thru2012|1}} | ''']'''
|89–73
|89-73
|.549 |.549
|11 |11
|Lost ] to ], 4-0 | bgcolor="#ddffdd" | '''Won''' ] (]) 3–1<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 4–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–0
|- |-
|2008 |2008
|] |bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
|90–72
|90-72
|.556 |.556
|7.5 |7.5
|Lost ] to ], 3-1 |Lost ] (]) 3–1
|-
|2011
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|90–72
|.556
|6
| bgcolor="#ffcccc" | '''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 4–2<br/>'''Won ]''' (]) 4–3
|-
|2012
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|88–74
|.543
|9
|'''Won''' ] (])<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 3–2<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–3
|-
|rowspan=2|2013
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Pittsburgh Pirates|1}} | ''']'''
|94–68
|.580
|3
|'''Won''' ] (])<br/>Lost ] (]) 3–2
|-
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Cincinnati Reds|1}} | ''']'''
|90–72
|.556
|7
|Lost ] (])
|-
|2014
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Pittsburgh Pirates|1}} | ''']'''
|88–74
|.543
|2
|Lost ] (])
|-
|rowspan=2|2015
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Pittsburgh Pirates|1}} | ''']'''
|98–64
|.605
|2
|Lost ] (])
|-
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|97–65
|.599
|3
|'''Won''' ] (])<br/>'''Won''' ] (]) 3–1<br/>Lost ] (]) 4–0
|-
|2018
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Chicago Cubs|1}} | ''']'''
|95–68
|.583
|1
|Lost ] (])
|-
|2019
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
|89–73
|.549
|2
|Lost ] (])
|-
|rowspan=3|2020††
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|30–28
|.517
|3
|Lost ] (]) 2–1
|-
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Cincinnati Reds|1}} | ''']'''
|31–29
|.517
|3
|Lost ] (]) 2–0
|-
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|Milwaukee Brewers|1}} | ''']'''
|29–31
|.483
|5
|Lost ] (]) 2–0
|-
|2021
|bgcolor="#{{Baseball color|St. Louis Cardinals|1}} | ''']'''
|90–72
|.556
|5
|Lost ] (])
|} |}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> – Defeated the ] in a ] for the Wild Card, 5–3.


<nowiki>*</nowiki> - Defeated the ] in a ] for the Wild Card, 5-3. <nowiki>†</nowiki> – Finished with the same record as the ], but Houston won the season series vs. the Cardinals that year, and were given the higher seed in the playoffs.


<nowiki>**</nowiki> – From 2012 to 2019, and in 2021, the Wild Card was expanded to two teams. Those teams faced each other in the ] to determine the final participant in the ]. In 2020 only, eight teams, including the three division winners, played in a best-of-three Wild Card Series, with the winners advancing to the Division Series. Starting in 2022, the Wild Card field was increased to three teams, and along with the lowest-ranked division winner, qualified for the best-of-three Wild Card Series to determine the remaining two slots in the Division Series.
<nowiki>†</nowiki> - finished with the same record as the ], but Houston won the season series vs. the Cardinals that year, and were given the higher seed in the playoffs.


†† – Due to the ], the season was shortened to 60 games.
==NL Central titles won by team==

<nowiki>***</nowiki> – Finished with the same record as the ] but won the wild-card spot due to a superior intra-divisional record (Brewers went 19–21 vs. the NL Central while the Giants went 18–22 vs. the NL West).

==Season results==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|bgcolor=#FFCC00 align=center width=10px| <sup>(#)</sup>
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Team
| Denotes team that won the ]
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Number of Championship(s) Won
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Last Year Won
|- |-
|bgcolor=#C0C0C0 align=center width=10px| <sup>(#)</sup>
|]
| Denotes team that won the ], but lost World Series
|7
|2009
|- |-
|bgcolor=#CCFFCC align=center width=10px| <sup>(#)</sup>
|]
| Denotes team that qualified for the ]
|4
|}
|2001
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
!rowspan="2" width=60px| Season ||colspan="7"| Team (record)
|-
! 1st || 2nd || 3rd || 4th || 5th || 6th
|-
|colspan="7"|
*'''1994''': The National League Central was formed with five inaugural members. The ], ] and ] joined from the ]. The ] and ] joined from the ]. Due to the ], the remainder of the season was cancelled on August 12. The postseason and ] was also cancelled.
|-
| {{mlby|1994}} || ] (66–48) || ] (66–49) || ] (53–61) || ] (53–61) || ] (49–64)
|-
| {{mlby|1995}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(2)</sup> ] (85–59) || ] (76–68) || ] (73–71) || ] (62–81) || ] (58–86)
|-
| {{mlby|1996}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (88–74) || ] (82–80) || ] (81–81) || ] (76–86) || ] (73–89)
|-
| {{mlby|1997}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (84–78) || ] (79–83) || ] (76–86) || ] (73–89) || ] (68–94)
|-
|colspan="7"|
*'''1998''': The ] joined from the ].
|-
| {{mlby|1998}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(2)</sup> ] (102–60) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(4)</sup> ]{{ref label|a|a}} (90–73) || ] (83–79) || ] (77–85) || ] (74–88) || ] (69–93)
|-
| {{mlby|1999}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (97–65) || ]{{ref label|b|b}} (96–67) || ] (78–83) || ] (75–86) || ] (74–87) || ] (67–95)
|-
| {{mlby|2000}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(2)</sup> ]{{ref label|c|c}} (95–67) || ] (85–77) || ] (73–89) || ] (72–90) || ] (69–93) || ] (65–97)
|-
| {{mlby|2001}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(1)</sup> ]{{ref label|d|d}} (93–69) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (93–69) || ] (88–74) || ] (68–94) || ] (66–96) || ] (62–100)
|-
| {{mlby|2002}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (97–65) || ] (84–78) || ] (78–84) || ] (72–89) || ] (67–95) || ] (56–106)
|-
| {{mlby|2003}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (88–74) || ] (87–75) || ] (85–77) || ] (75–87) || ] (69–93) || ] (68–94)
|-
| {{mlby|2004}} ||bgcolor=#C0C0C0| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (105–57) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (92–70) || ] (89–73) || ] (76–86) || ] (72–89) || ] (67–94)
|-
| {{mlby|2005}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (100–62) ||bgcolor=#C0C0C0| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (89–73) || ] (81–81) || ] (79–83) || ] (73–89) || ] (67–95)
|-
| {{mlby|2006}} ||bgcolor=#FFCC00| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (83–78) || ] (82–80) || ] (80–82) || ] (75–87) || ] (67–95) || ] (66–96)
|-
| {{mlby|2007}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (85–77) || ] (83–79) || ] (78–84) || ] (73–89) || ] (72–90) || ] (68–94)
|-
| {{mlby|2008}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (97–64) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (90–72) || ] (86–75) || ] (86–76) || ] (74–88) || ] (67–95)
|-
| {{mlby|2009}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (91–71) || ] (83–78) || ] (80–82) || ] (78–84) || ] (74–88) || ] (62–99)
|-
| {{mlby|2010}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (91–71) || ] (86–76) || ] (77–85) || ] (76–86) || ] (75–87) || ] (57–105)
|-
| {{mlby|2011}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(2)</sup> ] (96–66) ||bgcolor=#FFCC00| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (90–72) || ] (79–83) || ] (72–90) || ] (71–91) || ] (56–106)
|-
| {{mlby|2012}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(2)</sup> ] (97–65) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(5)</sup> ] (88–74) || ] (83–79) || ] (79–83) || ] (61–101) || ] (55–107)
|-
|colspan="7"|
*'''2013''': The ] left to join the ].
|-
| {{mlby|2013}} ||bgcolor=#C0C0C0| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (97–65) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (94–68) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(5)</sup> ] (90–72) || ] (74–88) || ] (66–96)
|-
| {{mlby|2014}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (90–72) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (88–74) || ] (82–80) || ] (76–86) || ] (73–89)
|-
| {{mlby|2015}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (100–62) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(4)</sup> ] (98–64) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(5)</sup> ] (97–65) || ] (68–94) || ] (64–98)
|-
| {{mlby|2016}} ||bgcolor=#FFCC00| <sup>(1)</sup> ] (103–58) || ] (86–76) || ] (78–83) || ] (73–89) || ] (68–94)
|-
| {{mlby|2017}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (92–70) || ] (86–76) || ] (83–79) || ] (75–87) || ] (68–94)
|-
| {{mlby|2018}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(1)</sup> ]{{ref label|e|e}} (96–67) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC|<sup>(4)</sup> ] (95–68) || ] (88–74) || ] (82–79) || ] (67–95)
|-
| {{mlby|2019}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (91–71) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC|<sup>(5)</sup> ] (89–73) || ] (84–78) || ] (75–87) || ] (69–93)
|-
|colspan="7"|
*'''2020''': Due to the ], the season was shortened to 60 games. The postseason field was expanded to eight teams and the wild-card round became a best-of-three series.
|-
| {{mlby|2020}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (34–26) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(5)</sup> ] (30–28) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(7)</sup> ] (31–29) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(8)</sup> ]{{ref label|f|f}} (29–31) || ] (19–41)
|-
| {{mlby|2021}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(2)</sup> ] (95–67) ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC|<sup>(5)</sup> ] (90–72) || ] (83–79) || ] (71–91) || ] (61–101)
|-
| {{mlby|2022}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (93–69) || ] (86–76) || ] (74–88) || ] (62–100) || ] (62–100)
|-
| {{mlby|2023}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (92–70) || ] (83–79) || ] (82–80) || ] (76–86) || ] (71–91)
|-
| {{mlby|2024}} ||bgcolor=#CCFFCC| <sup>(3)</sup> ] (93–69) || ] (83–79) || ] (83–79) || ] (77–85) || ] (76–86)
|}

;Notes and Tiebreakers
*{{note label|NLC1|a|a}} Chicago and ] of the ] were tied for the wild-card berth and played in a ]. The Cubs won 5–3 to claim the wild-card spot.
*{{note label|NLC1|b|b}} Cincinnati and ] of the ] were tied for the wild-card berth and played in a ]. The Reds lost 5–0 and were eliminated from postseason contention.
*{{note label|NLC1|c|c}} St. Louis and ] of the ] were tied for the second and third seed, but the Cardinals claimed the second seed by winning the season series 4–3.
*{{note label|NLC1|d|d}} Houston and St. Louis were tied for the division championship and wild-card berth, but the Astros claimed the division crown by winning the season series 9–7, relegating St. Louis to the wild-card spot.
*{{note label|NLC1|e|e}} Milwaukee and Chicago were tied for the division championship and first wild-card berth and played in a ]. The Brewers won 3–1 to claim the division crown, while the Cubs were relegated to the first wild-card spot.
*{{note label|NLC1|f|f}} Milwaukee and ] of the ] were tied for the second wild-card berth, but the Brewers clinched the final postseason spot due to a superior intra-division record (Milwaukee had a 19–21 record while San Francisco had an 18–22 record).

==NL Central statistics==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan=2|Team
! colspan=3|Division championships
! colspan="5" |Postseason records{{efn|Reflects postseason record of each team only during the team's time as a member of the NL Central}}
|-
!Number
!Year(s)
!Most recent
!]{{efn|Number of times qualifying as a wild card team}}
!]
!]
!]
!]
|-
! colspan="9" |Current Teams in Division
|-
|]
|12
|1996, 2000, 2002, 2004–2006, 2009, 2013–2015, 2019, 2022
|2022
|5
|1–3
|11–3
|4–7
|2–2
|- |-
|] |]
|6
|2003, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2020
|2020
|3 |3
|1–2
|2008
|4–3
|1–3
|1–0
|-
|{{nowrap|]}}
|5
|2011, 2018*, 2021, 2023, 2024
|2024
|3
|0–4
|2–2
|0–2
|0–0
|- |-
|] |]
|1 |3
|1995 |1995, 2010, 2012
|2012
|-
|2
|]
|0–2
|0
|1–2
| --
|0–1
|0–0
|- |-
|] |]
|0 |0
| -- |—
|—

|3
|1–2
|0–1
|0–0
|0–0
|-
! colspan="9" |Former Team in Division
|-
|]{{dagger}}
|4
|1997, 1998, 1999, 2001*
|2001
|2
|0–0
|2–4
|1–1
|0–1
|-
! Total !! 30 !! 1995–present !! 2024 !! 18 !! 3{{nbnd}}13 !! 20{{nbnd}}15 !! 6{{nbnd}}14 !! 3{{nbnd}}3
|} |}
<small>* – Won division via tiebreaker</small><br>
<small>{{dagger}} indicates no longer in division or part of NL since 2013</small>
:''Totals updated through conclusion of the 2024 postseason.''

==Rivalries==
* ]
* ]
* ]


==See also== ==See also==
Line 222: Line 667:
*] *]
*] *]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
* *
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}

==External links==
*
{{MLB}} {{MLB}}
{{National League}}
{{Chicago Cubs}}
{{Cincinnati Reds}}
{{Milwaukee Brewers}}
{{Pittsburgh Pirates}}
{{St. Louis Cardinals}}
<!--Excess navboxes removed, since they caused the page to exceed the ] limit-->


] ]
] ]
]

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]
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Latest revision as of 21:15, 6 November 2024

Division of Major League Baseball

National League Central
LeagueNational League
SportMajor League Baseball
Founded1994
No. of teams5
Most recent
champion(s)		Milwaukee Brewers
(2024; 5th title)
Most titlesSt. Louis Cardinals (12)
About OpenStreetMapsMaps: terms of use 200km
125miles Reds Pirates Brewers Cubs . Cardinals  National League Central Teams Location

The National League Central is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. This division was created in 1994, by moving two teams from the National League West (the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros) and three teams from the National League East (the Chicago Cubs, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the St. Louis Cardinals).

When the division was created in 1994, the Pirates were originally supposed to stay in the East while the Atlanta Braves were to be moved to the Central from the West. However, the Braves, wanting to form a natural rivalry with the expansion Florida Marlins, requested to remain in the East. Despite the Marlins offering to go to the Central, the Pirates instead gave up their spot in the East to the Braves. Since then, the Pirates have tried several times unsuccessfully to be placed back in the East.

In 1998, the NL Central became the largest division in Major League Baseball when the Milwaukee Brewers were moved in from the American League Central, which gave them six teams. In 2013, the Astros moved to the American League West.

This division has been dominated by the Cardinals, who have accounted for 12 of the 26 division championships, plus three wild card wins. Aside from the Cardinals, the Cubs have the second most division championships with six, as well as three wild card wins. The Brewers have five divisional championships, with two wild card wins. The Astros had four division titles and two wild card wins. The Reds have three division titles, along with one wild card win. The Pirates have not won the division since the division was created, but possess three wild card appearances. The 2013 win was the Pirates’ first and only playoff berth since 1992.

Division membership

Current members

Former member

Membership timeline

Place cursor over year for division champ or World Series team.

NL Central Division
Years
94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Houston Astros  
St. Louis Cardinals
Pittsburgh Pirates
  Milwaukee Brewers
  Team not in division   Division Won World Series   Division Won NL Championship
Creation of division due to the 1994 realignment into three divisions (with Chicago, Pittsburgh and St. Louis from NL East, and Cincinnati and Houston from NL West)
Milwaukee switched leagues due to the 1998 expansion, moving in from AL Central
Houston switched leagues after the 2012 season, and joined the AL West

Champions by year

  • Team names link to the season in which each team played
Year Winner Record Win% Playoff Results
1994§ No playoffs due to 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike
1995 Cincinnati Reds (1) 85–59 .590 Won NLDS (Dodgers) 3–0
Lost NLCS (Braves) 4–0
1996 St. Louis Cardinals (1) 88–74 .543 Won NLDS (Padres) 3–0
Lost NLCS (Braves) 4–3
1997 Houston Astros (1) 84–78 .519 Lost NLDS (Braves) 3–0
1998 Houston Astros (2) 102–60 .630 Lost NLDS (Padres) 3–1
1999 Houston Astros (3) 97–65 .599 Lost NLDS (Braves) 3–1
2000 St. Louis Cardinals (2) 95–67 .586 Won NLDS (Braves) 3–0
Lost NLCS (Mets) 4–1
2001* Houston Astros (4) 93–69 .574 Lost NLDS (Braves) 3–0
2002 St. Louis Cardinals (3) 97–65 .599 Won NLDS (Diamondbacks) 3–0
Lost NLCS (Giants) 4–1
2003 Chicago Cubs (1) 88–74 .543 Won NLDS (Braves) 3–2
Lost NLCS (Marlins) 4–3
2004 St. Louis Cardinals (4) 105–57 .648 Won NLDS (Dodgers) 3–1
Won NLCS (Astros) 4–3
Lost World Series (Red Sox) 4–0
2005 St. Louis Cardinals (5) 100–62 .617 Won NLDS (Padres) 3–0
Lost NLCS (Astros) 4–2
2006 St. Louis Cardinals (6) 83–78 .516 Won NLDS (Padres) 3–1
Won NLCS (Mets) 4–3
Won World Series (Tigers) 4–1
2007 Chicago Cubs (2) 85–77 .525 Lost NLDS (Diamondbacks) 3–0
2008 Chicago Cubs (3) 97–64 .602 Lost NLDS (Dodgers) 3–0
2009 St. Louis Cardinals (7) 91–71 .562 Lost NLDS (Dodgers) 3–0
2010 Cincinnati Reds (2) 91–71 .562 Lost NLDS (Phillies) 3–0
2011 Milwaukee Brewers (1) 96–66 .593 Won NLDS (Diamondbacks) 3–2
Lost NLCS (Cardinals) 4–2
2012 Cincinnati Reds (3) 97–65 .599 Lost NLDS (Giants) 3–2
2013 St. Louis Cardinals (8) 97–65 .599 Won NLDS (Pirates) 3–2
Won NLCS (Dodgers) 4–2
Lost World Series (Red Sox) 4–2
2014 St. Louis Cardinals (9) 90–72 .556 Won NLDS (Dodgers) 3–1
Lost NLCS (Giants) 4–1
2015 St. Louis Cardinals (10) 100–62 .617 Lost NLDS (Cubs) 3–1
2016 Chicago Cubs (4) 103–58 .640 Won NLDS (Giants) 3–1
Won NLCS (Dodgers) 4–2
Won World Series (Indians) 4–3
2017 Chicago Cubs (5) 92–70 .568 Won NLDS (Nationals) 3–2
Lost NLCS (Dodgers) 4–1
2018 Milwaukee Brewers (2) 96–67 .589 Won NLDS (Rockies) 3–0
Lost NLCS (Dodgers) 4–3
2019 St. Louis Cardinals (11) 91–71 .562 Won NLDS (Braves) 3–2
Lost NLCS (Nationals) 4–0
2020† Chicago Cubs (6) 34–26 .567 Lost NLWC (Marlins) 2–0
2021 Milwaukee Brewers (3) 95–67 .586 Lost NLDS (Braves) 3–1
2022 St. Louis Cardinals (12) 93–69 .574 Lost NLWC (Phillies) 2–0
2023 Milwaukee Brewers (4) 92–70 .568 Lost NLWC (Diamondbacks) 2–0
2024 Milwaukee Brewers (5) 93–69 .574 Lost NLWC (Mets) 2–1

§ – Due to the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike on August 12, no official winner was awarded. Cincinnati was leading by half a game over Houston at the time of the strike.

* – The Astros and Cardinals finished with identical regular season records. Because the Astros won the season series 9–7 against the Cardinals, they were awarded the National League Central division title, and the Cardinals were declared the National League Wild Card team.

† – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was shortened to 60 games. By virtue of the eight-team postseason format used for that season, division runner-up St. Louis (30–28, .517) also automatically qualified for the playoffs.

Other postseason teams

Further information: List of National League Wild Card winners

The wild card was introduced in 1994 and was initially assigned to the team with the best record in each league that did not win its division. The first year of implementation was 1995 as a player strike prematurely ended the 1994 season. Since implementation, each of the NL Central teams has won the wild card. In 2012, a second wild card was added to post-season play, and in 2022, a third was also added.

Year Winner Record % GB Playoff Results
1998 Chicago Cubs* 90–73 .552 12.5 Lost NLDS (Braves) 3–0
2001 St. Louis Cardinals† 93–69 .574 0 Lost NLDS (Diamondbacks) 3–2
2004 Houston Astros 92–70 .568 13 Won NLDS (Braves) 3–2
Lost NLCS (Cardinals) 4–3
2005 Houston Astros 89–73 .549 11 Won NLDS (Braves) 3–1
Won NLCS (Cardinals) 4–2
Lost World Series (White Sox) 4–0
2008 Milwaukee Brewers 90–72 .556 7.5 Lost NLDS (Phillies) 3–1
2011 St. Louis Cardinals 90–72 .556 6 Won NLDS (Phillies) 3–2
Won NLCS (Brewers) 4–2
Won World Series (Rangers) 4–3
2012 St. Louis Cardinals** 88–74 .543 9 Won NLWC (Braves)
Won NLDS (Nationals) 3–2
Lost NLCS (Giants) 4–3
2013 Pittsburgh Pirates** 94–68 .580 3 Won NLWC (Reds)
Lost NLDS (Cardinals) 3–2
Cincinnati Reds** 90–72 .556 7 Lost NLWC (Pirates)
2014 Pittsburgh Pirates** 88–74 .543 2 Lost NLWC (Giants)
2015 Pittsburgh Pirates** 98–64 .605 2 Lost NLWC (Cubs)
Chicago Cubs** 97–65 .599 3 Won NLWC (Pirates)
Won NLDS (Cardinals) 3–1
Lost NLCS (Mets) 4–0
2018 Chicago Cubs** 95–68 .583 1 Lost NLWC (Rockies)
2019 Milwaukee Brewers** 89–73 .549 2 Lost NLWC (Nationals)
2020†† St. Louis Cardinals** 30–28 .517 3 Lost NLWC (Padres) 2–1
Cincinnati Reds** 31–29 .517 3 Lost NLWC (Braves) 2–0
Milwaukee Brewers** *** 29–31 .483 5 Lost NLWC (Dodgers) 2–0
2021 St. Louis Cardinals** 90–72 .556 5 Lost NLWC (Dodgers)

* – Defeated the San Francisco Giants in a one game playoff for the Wild Card, 5–3.

† – Finished with the same record as the Houston Astros, but Houston won the season series vs. the Cardinals that year, and were given the higher seed in the playoffs.

** – From 2012 to 2019, and in 2021, the Wild Card was expanded to two teams. Those teams faced each other in the Wild Card Game to determine the final participant in the National League Division Series. In 2020 only, eight teams, including the three division winners, played in a best-of-three Wild Card Series, with the winners advancing to the Division Series. Starting in 2022, the Wild Card field was increased to three teams, and along with the lowest-ranked division winner, qualified for the best-of-three Wild Card Series to determine the remaining two slots in the Division Series.

†† – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was shortened to 60 games.

*** – Finished with the same record as the San Francisco Giants but won the wild-card spot due to a superior intra-divisional record (Brewers went 19–21 vs. the NL Central while the Giants went 18–22 vs. the NL West).

Season results

Denotes team that won the World Series
Denotes team that won the National League pennant, but lost World Series
Denotes team that qualified for the MLB postseason
Season Team (record)
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
1994 Cincinnati (66–48) Houston (66–49) Pittsburgh (53–61) St. Louis (53–61) Chicago Cubs (49–64)
1995 Cincinnati (85–59) Houston (76–68) Chicago Cubs (73–71) St. Louis (62–81) Pittsburgh (58–86)
1996 St. Louis (88–74) Houston (82–80) Cincinnati (81–81) Chicago Cubs (76–86) Pittsburgh (73–89)
1997 Houston (84–78) Pittsburgh (79–83) Cincinnati (76–86) St. Louis (73–89) Chicago Cubs (68–94)
1998 Houston (102–60) Chicago Cubs (90–73) St. Louis (83–79) Cincinnati (77–85) Milwaukee (74–88) Pittsburgh (69–93)
1999 Houston (97–65) Cincinnati (96–67) Pittsburgh (78–83) St. Louis (75–86) Milwaukee (74–87) Chicago Cubs (67–95)
2000 St. Louis (95–67) Cincinnati (85–77) Milwaukee (73–89) Houston (72–90) Pittsburgh (69–93) Chicago Cubs (65–97)
2001 Houston (93–69) St. Louis (93–69) Chicago Cubs (88–74) Milwaukee (68–94) Cincinnati (66–96) Pittsburgh (62–100)
2002 St. Louis (97–65) Houston (84–78) Cincinnati (78–84) Pittsburgh (72–89) Chicago Cubs (67–95) Milwaukee (56–106)
2003 Chicago Cubs (88–74) Houston (87–75) St. Louis (85–77) Pittsburgh (75–87) Cincinnati (69–93) Milwaukee (68–94)
2004 St. Louis (105–57) Houston (92–70) Chicago Cubs (89–73) Cincinnati (76–86) Pittsburgh (72–89) Milwaukee (67–94)
2005 St. Louis (100–62) Houston (89–73) Milwaukee (81–81) Chicago Cubs (79–83) Cincinnati (73–89) Pittsburgh (67–95)
2006 St. Louis (83–78) Houston (82–80) Cincinnati (80–82) Milwaukee (75–87) Pittsburgh (67–95) Chicago Cubs (66–96)
2007 Chicago Cubs (85–77) Milwaukee (83–79) St. Louis (78–84) Houston (73–89) Cincinnati (72–90) Pittsburgh (68–94)
2008 Chicago Cubs (97–64) Milwaukee (90–72) Houston (86–75) St. Louis (86–76) Cincinnati (74–88) Pittsburgh (67–95)
2009 St. Louis (91–71) Chicago Cubs (83–78) Milwaukee (80–82) Cincinnati (78–84) Houston (74–88) Pittsburgh (62–99)
2010 Cincinnati (91–71) St. Louis (86–76) Milwaukee (77–85) Houston (76–86) Chicago Cubs (75–87) Pittsburgh (57–105)
2011 Milwaukee (96–66) St. Louis (90–72) Cincinnati (79–83) Pittsburgh (72–90) Chicago Cubs (71–91) Houston (56–106)
2012 Cincinnati (97–65) St. Louis (88–74) Milwaukee (83–79) Pittsburgh (79–83) Chicago Cubs (61–101) Houston (55–107)
2013 St. Louis (97–65) Pittsburgh (94–68) Cincinnati (90–72) Milwaukee (74–88) Chicago Cubs (66–96)
2014 St. Louis (90–72) Pittsburgh (88–74) Milwaukee (82–80) Cincinnati (76–86) Chicago Cubs (73–89)
2015 St. Louis (100–62) Pittsburgh (98–64) Chicago Cubs (97–65) Milwaukee (68–94) Cincinnati (64–98)
2016 Chicago Cubs (103–58) St. Louis (86–76) Pittsburgh (78–83) Milwaukee (73–89) Cincinnati (68–94)
2017 Chicago Cubs (92–70) Milwaukee (86–76) St. Louis (83–79) Pittsburgh (75–87) Cincinnati (68–94)
2018 Milwaukee (96–67) Chicago Cubs (95–68) St. Louis (88–74) Pittsburgh (82–79) Cincinnati (67–95)
2019 St. Louis (91–71) Milwaukee (89–73) Chicago Cubs (84–78) Cincinnati (75–87) Pittsburgh (69–93)
  • 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was shortened to 60 games. The postseason field was expanded to eight teams and the wild-card round became a best-of-three series.
2020 Chicago Cubs (34–26) St. Louis (30–28) Cincinnati (31–29) Milwaukee (29–31) Pittsburgh (19–41)
2021 Milwaukee (95–67) St. Louis (90–72) Cincinnati (83–79) Chicago Cubs (71–91) Pittsburgh (61–101)
2022 St. Louis (93–69) Milwaukee (86–76) Chicago Cubs (74–88) Pittsburgh (62–100) Cincinnati (62–100)
2023 Milwaukee (92–70) Chicago Cubs (83–79) Cincinnati (82–80) Pittsburgh (76–86) St. Louis (71–91)
2024 Milwaukee (93–69) Chicago Cubs (83–79) St. Louis (83–79) Cincinnati (77–85) Pittsburgh (76–86)
Notes and Tiebreakers
  • Chicago and San Francisco of the National League West were tied for the wild-card berth and played in a tie-breaker game. The Cubs won 5–3 to claim the wild-card spot.
  • Cincinnati and New York of the National League East were tied for the wild-card berth and played in a tie-breaker game. The Reds lost 5–0 and were eliminated from postseason contention.
  • St. Louis and Atlanta of the National League East were tied for the second and third seed, but the Cardinals claimed the second seed by winning the season series 4–3.
  • Houston and St. Louis were tied for the division championship and wild-card berth, but the Astros claimed the division crown by winning the season series 9–7, relegating St. Louis to the wild-card spot.
  • Milwaukee and Chicago were tied for the division championship and first wild-card berth and played in a tie-breaker game. The Brewers won 3–1 to claim the division crown, while the Cubs were relegated to the first wild-card spot.
  • Milwaukee and San Francisco of the National League West were tied for the second wild-card berth, but the Brewers clinched the final postseason spot due to a superior intra-division record (Milwaukee had a 19–21 record while San Francisco had an 18–22 record).

NL Central statistics

Team Division championships Postseason records
Number Year(s) Most recent Wild Card ALWC ALDS ALCS World Series
Current Teams in Division
St. Louis Cardinals 12 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004–2006, 2009, 2013–2015, 2019, 2022 2022 5 1–3 11–3 4–7 2–2
Chicago Cubs 6 2003, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2020 2020 3 1–2 4–3 1–3 1–0
Milwaukee Brewers 5 2011, 2018*, 2021, 2023, 2024 2024 3 0–4 2–2 0–2 0–0
Cincinnati Reds 3 1995, 2010, 2012 2012 2 0–2 1–2 0–1 0–0
Pittsburgh Pirates 0 — — 3 1–2 0–1 0–0 0–0
Former Team in Division
Houston Astros† 4 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001* 2001 2 0–0 2–4 1–1 0–1
Total 30 1995–present 2024 18 3‍–‍13 20‍–‍15 6‍–‍14 3‍–‍3

* – Won division via tiebreaker
† indicates no longer in division or part of NL since 2013

Totals updated through conclusion of the 2024 postseason.

Rivalries

See also

Notes

  1. Reflects postseason record of each team only during the team's time as a member of the NL Central
  2. Number of times qualifying as a wild card team

References

  1. Chass, Murray. "BASEBALL; Pirates Relent on New Alignment". nytimes.com. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  2. "Starkey: Pirates in American League' Yes!". TribLIVE.com. June 16, 2011. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  3. Starkey, Joe (June 16, 2011). "Starkey: Pirates in American League? Yes!". www.tribliveoffers.com. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  4. Service, New York Times News (November 6, 1997). "BREWERS TO PLAY IN NL". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  5. Newhan, Ross (March 8, 1998). "Brewers Gain a National Following". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  6. Holtzman, Jerome (November 7, 1997). "BREWERS' MOVE TO NL TAKES THEM BACK TO THEIR LEAGUE OF GLORY". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  7. José, Roberto; Franco, Andrade (October 18, 2023). "How Astros-Rangers rivalry defines the state of Texas". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  8. Barzilla, Scott. "Houston Astros: How To Build a Rivalry with the Texas Rangers". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 8, 2024.

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