Cardinals Standings: Tracking the Race in the National League Central
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises, known for their rich history, passionate fan base, and competitive consistency. Each season, fans eagerly follow the Cardinals standings in the National League Central division, hoping for another run at the postseason. But how do the Cardinals stack up in 2025? How do they compare to division rivals like the Cubs, Brewers, Reds, and Pirates?
In this article, we take a deep dive into the current Cardinals standings, explore their prospects for claiming the NL Division Winners title, and examine the betting landscape—including Cubs odds to win division, NL Central odds, and more.
Overview of the National League Central
The National League Central (NL Central) is one of MLB’s most unpredictable and competitive divisions. It consists of:
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Chicago Cubs
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Cincinnati Reds
- Pittsburgh Pirates
Each team has shown flashes of brilliance in recent years, and the division has become a hotbed of young talent, elite pitching, and high-stakes rivalries. In 2025, the NL Central race is particularly heated, with no clear runaway favorite.
Cardinals Historical Performance
The St. Louis Cardinals boast an impressive 11 World Series titles, second only to the New York Yankees. They’ve been a regular fixture in the playoffs for decades, often leading the pack in the NL Central. However, recent seasons have seen fluctuating performances, making the Cardinals standings a must-watch storyline throughout the summer.
Current Cardinals Standings (2025 Season)
As of mid-May 2025, the Cardinals standings reflect a tight race in the NL Central. The team has had a solid, if inconsistent, start to the season. They’ve shown strength in both pitching and hitting but have been plagued by minor injuries and a few late-inning collapses.
Team Record and Placement
Currently, the Cardinals sit in second place in the National League Central, just a few games behind the Cubs. They have a record of 24-18, with a home record of 13-7 and a road record of 11-11.
Key Series and Matchups
The Cardinals have crucial series coming up against division rivals. These games could dramatically shift the NL Central odds and determine the team’s fate as potential NL Division Winners:
- 3-game series vs Cubs (coming weekend)
- 4-game road trip to face Brewers
- 6 divisional matchups vs Reds and Pirates
Winning these head-to-head games is essential for improving the Cardinals standings and putting pressure on rivals.
Cardinals’ Strengths in 2025
Offensive Leaders
The Cardinals’ lineup is anchored by superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado and veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt. Both players are off to strong starts, combining for 18 home runs and over 50 RBIs so far this season.
The team has also seen breakout performances from younger players like Jordan Walker, who is emerging as a potential candidate in the NL ROY odds (National League Rookie of the Year).
Pitching Staff
On the mound, Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz have been reliable arms in the rotation. Closer Ryan Helsley has converted 11 out of 12 save opportunities, anchoring a bullpen that has improved in high-leverage situations.
NL Central Odds: Where Do the Cardinals Stand?
Betting Market Trends
As of now, sportsbooks across the U.S. and U.K. have updated their NL Central odds, with the Cubs narrowly favored. Here’s a look at the current odds to win NL Central:
- Chicago Cubs: +160
- St. Louis Cardinals: +180
- Milwaukee Brewers: +220
- Cincinnati Reds: +750
- Pittsburgh Pirates: +1000
While the Cubs are slightly favored due to their hot start and strong pitching rotation, the Cardinals remain very much in the mix. Bettors looking for value often turn to the Cardinals due to their playoff pedigree and experienced roster.
Cubs Odds to Win Division
With a healthy core and improved bullpen, the Cubs odds to win division have been shortened significantly. However, their upcoming series against the Cardinals could change the dynamic. A series loss would not only hurt the Cubs in the standings but could swing the NL Central odds in favor of St. Louis.
Rookie Spotlight: NL ROY Odds
One of the exciting subplots for Cardinals fans in 2025 is the performance of Jordan Walker, who continues to impress with both his bat and glove. Many analysts have moved him into the top 3 of the NL ROY odds, alongside rookies from the Padres and Dodgers.
His development could have long-term implications for the franchise and could also provide a much-needed midseason boost in production. If he continues this trajectory, he might be the edge the Cardinals need to top the division.
Path to Becoming NL Division Winners
To become the NL Division Winners, the Cardinals must focus on the following key areas:
1. Winning Divisional Series
NL Central teams face each other frequently. Winning these matchups will directly influence the Cardinals standings and push them toward the top of the division.
2. Staying Healthy
Injuries have already affected a few key players. Maintaining a healthy roster through the hot summer months will be crucial for sustained success.
3. Bullpen Consistency
Late-inning leads must be protected. The bullpen’s performance will likely be a defining factor in tight games against the Cubs, Brewers, and Reds.
Fan and Media Expectations
Cardinals fans are known for their high expectations. After missing the postseason in recent years, the fan base is eager for redemption. Local media coverage remains cautiously optimistic, often pointing out the team’s depth, experience, and ability to bounce back from adversity.
Conclusion
The Cardinals standings in the National League Central remain fluid, with every week offering new twists in the race. While the Cubs are currently favored in the odds to win NL Central, the Cardinals have both the talent and the pedigree to mount a strong challenge. Whether it’s the rise of Jordan Walker affecting NL ROY odds, or upcoming pivotal series that could shake up the NL Central odds, there is no shortage of excitement.
With strong team chemistry, seasoned leadership, and passionate support, the St. Louis Cardinals are poised to make a significant push toward the playoffs and possibly reclaim the title of NL Division Winners.
FAQs About Cardinals Standings and NL Central Race
Q1: How often do Cardinals play their NL Central rivals?
The Cardinals play division rivals such as the Cubs, Brewers, Reds, and Pirates 13 times each during the regular season, making divisional games critical to the standings.
Q2: Are the Cardinals favored to win the NL Central?
Currently, sportsbooks have the Cubs as slight favorites, but the Cardinals’ odds to win NL Central are close behind and very much alive.
Q3: Who is leading in the NL ROY odds from the Cardinals?
Rookie Jordan Walker is one of the top contenders in the NL ROY odds due to his strong early-season performance.
Q4: What needs to happen for the Cardinals to become NL Division Winners?
The Cardinals must win key series against division rivals, stay healthy, and maintain bullpen consistency to finish atop the National League Central standings.
Q5: How do Cubs odds to win division affect the Cardinals?
A strong Cubs performance can increase their chances of winning the division. However, head-to-head matchups offer the Cardinals a direct path to close the gap and alter betting lines.
