NL Central is the best division in history of MLB

Traditionally, the NL Central is one of the toughest divisions in the MLB. Seemingly each year, the Central will have either that season’s upstart team or boast a powerful World Series contender.

This season it’s been both — and more.

The NL Central has been, by far, the most competitive and entertaining division in baseball. While the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals were tabbed early to compete for the Central crown, a young Cubs team has pushed both of its division rivals to the brink of the pennant chase.

The NL Central hasn’t just been great in modern terms, it has been historically sensational. This is the first time in the history of the MLB that the top-3 teams from a conference have come from the same division.

NL Central Standings (Top-3)

1. St. Louis – 100-62

2. Pittsburgh – 98-64

3. Chicago – 97-65

It’s also just the second time in major-league history that three teams from the same division won at least 95 games.

While the feat is a compliment to the talent in the division, the Cubs or the Pirates will be eliminated from the playoffs after Tuesday’s NL wild-card game in Pittsburgh. The winner will face St. Louis in the NLDS.