Full Breakdown
NL Central Power Rankings: Week 22 Overview
8/24/2025, 9:37:26 PM
Current Standings and Performance
As of Week 22, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the National League Central with a record of 81-48, maintaining a commanding position with a 99.9% chance of making the postseason. Despite a recent dip in performance, going 4-4 in the past week, the Brewers secured a thrilling walk-off victory against the San Francisco Giants, thanks to William Contreras' first career homer. The Chicago Cubs follow in second place with a 74-55 record, having a successful week at 6-2, which included winning the season series against the Brewers.
Team Highlights
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers had a mixed week, winning two of three against the Cincinnati Reds and dropping three of five to the Cubs. Key players included Contreras, who had seven hits and two homers, and Brice Turang, who led the team with a .429 batting average for the week. Freddy Peralta continues to shine, leading the league with 15 wins after a scoreless outing against the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs rebounded strongly, highlighted by contributions from Owen Caissie, who hit his first career homer, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who delivered a crucial go-ahead homer against the Angels. The pitching staff also performed well, with Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad both achieving solid starts.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds ended the Brewers' 14-game winning streak with an extra-innings victory and managed to take two of three from the Angels. Noelvi Marte stood out with a pair of homers and a team-high 10 hits, while Andrew Abbott delivered a stellar performance against Milwaukee, pitching seven scoreless innings.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals, now at 64-66, had a challenging week, being swept by the Yankees before taking two of three from the Marlins. Willson Contreras showcased his power with three homers, but the starting rotation struggled, allowing at least three runs in each game.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates sit at the bottom of the standings with a 55-74 record. They managed to split their week, taking two of three from the Blue Jays after dropping two of three to the Cubs. Alexander Canario, Spencer Horwitz, and Tommy Pham each contributed homers, while Paul Skenes continued to impress with a quality start.
Official Statements & Responses
The Brewers' management remains optimistic about their postseason prospects, with Contreras expressing his excitement over the team's performance: "It was incredible... I hope that I can do that a thousand more times." The Cubs, buoyed by their recent success, are focused on maintaining momentum as they head into a challenging series against the Angels.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite their strong records, both the Brewers and Cubs face scrutiny regarding their recent performances. Critics point to the inconsistency in the Brewers' pitching staff and the Cubs' reliance on individual players to carry the offense.
What's Next
The Brewers will continue their homestand with series against the Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks, while the Cubs will face the Angels before heading to play the Giants and Rockies. The Reds will continue their West Coast trip against the Diamondbacks and Dodgers, and the Cardinals will look to rebound against the Rays. The Pirates will travel to St. Louis for a four-game series before heading to Boston.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was incredible. You kind of just black out in that moment.” — William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers
- “These guys are resilient... it’s a team that battles.” — Nestor Cortes, San Diego Padres
