Despite a quiet offseason, Vegas expects the Cubs to dominate the NL Central. Their win total outpaces rivals, but a big signing is still needed.
It has been a rather quiet offseason for the Chicago Cubs. They have yet to make that big move that fans are waiting for, and have missed out on big-name players through the first couple of months of free agency.
So far this offseason, the Cubs have been limited to bullpen signings and depth piece signings. Chicago has signed Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey, and first baseman Tyler Austin.
Those limited moves make it hard to believe in the Cubs at this point in the offseason. They still need a frontline starter pitcher and could use another impactful bat in their lineup to replace outfielder Kyle Tucker.
However, Vegas believes that the Cubs are the best team in the National League Central.
Caesars Sportsbook came out with their win totals for the 2026 season, and the Cubs currently lead the pack in the NL Central. The North Siders have the best over/under win total in the division.
Caesars sets the Cubs' win total at over/under 88.5 for next season. Then, it’s the Milwaukee Brewers at 87.5, the Cincinnati Reds at 83.5, the Pittsburgh Pirates at 74.5, and the St. Louis Cardinals at 73.5.
Therefore, the Cubs are the current favorites to win the NL Central in 2026.
Even though Chicago hasn’t made that major splash signing yet, neither have the other four teams in the division. The Brewers, Reds, Pirates, and Cardinals have made limited moves in free agency this offseason.
Milwaukee has only signed outfielder Akil Baddoo and traded for reliever Angel Zerpa this winter. The team might also trade away Freddy Peralta before Opening Day, as he is in the final year of his deal with the Brewers.
Cincinnati’s two biggest moves are signing reliever Caleb Ferguson and outfielder JJ Bleday to one-year deals. Pittsburgh has probably been the most active team in the division, with deals involving both Ryan O’Hearn (two years) and Brandon Lowe (trade), and St. Louis has only signed Dustin May this offseason.
So, it’s easy to see why the Cubs might be favored to win the NL Central heading into 2026. They are the most talented team in the division, and the assumption is that they will add at least one big-time player this offseason.
If Chicago doesn’t, though, that win total could come down ahead of Opening Day. The Brewers could then very well be the favorites to win the division.