Quick Catch Up: How the National League Is Performing So Far

With the MLB season in full swing, it’s time to start looking at which of our favorite teams have the chance to make a run at the World Series trophy this season. After looking at the American League last week, the National League and their impressive teams are up next. In case you missed it so far, here are how the 15 teams in the National League are performing this season. 

National League East

Atlanta Braves

After making the playoffs in the past seven seasons, the Braves have started on the wrong foot. They currently hold one of the worst records in all of MLB and are already over seven games out of first place in the NL East. In addition to this, the Braves are the center of one of MLB’s biggest controversies this season, having to do with Ronald Acuña Jr. tweeting in response to an action from manager Brian Snitker.

Courtesy of Dale Zanine / Imagn Images

Miami Marlins

The Marlins find themselves in the middle of the pack this season after many anticipated they would be at the bottom. With quite a few talented rookies putting their hearts on the field this season, the Marlins certainly have a bright future. The performances of these rookies are masking a less-than-perfect start from ace Sandy Alcántara, someone who is likely to be traded before the trade deadline. 

New York Mets

After a surprising postseason run last year, the Mets are continuing this season the same way. After signing Juan Soto and re-signing Pete Alonso this offseason, the Mets had everything they needed to make a run, including a team full of personality. Even with Soto’s slow start, the lineup has come together, and the Mets currently have one of the best records in MLB. 

Courtesy of Frank Franklin II / AP

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies lineup and starting pitching has been exceptional to start the season, but their bullpen is the true reason the team is only a few games above .500. The Phillies bullpen currently has the second worst ERA in MLB, only ranked behind the Nationals. 

Washington Nationals

Although the team is under .500, the Nationals have quite a few budding stars on both sides of the ball. Pitcher MacKenzie Gore has thrown gems in his first five starts this season, already totaling 45 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched. James Wood has also emerged as a legit power hitter, coming out of nowhere to make headlines recently. 

Courtesy of Nick Wass / AP

NL Central

Chicago Cubs

While the Cubs didn’t make the playoffs last season, they didn’t have a lost season by any means. However, they’re defying all expectations this season and currently leading the NL Central. The acquisition of Kyle Tucker is proving to be a monumental move so far, and the starting rotation is keeping it together despite losing ace Justin Steele for some time. 

Cincinnati Reds

The 2025 season has been a roller coaster so far for the Reds. They currently find themselves towards the bottom of the NL Central standing, and have been struggling on both sides of the ball. Recently, however, the Reds managed to score 24 runs against the struggling Baltimore Orioles. The team and fans both hope the power from Elly De La Cruz is enough to keep them in the running for a postseason berth. 

Courtesy of Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Milwaukee Brewers

Despite having a slow start to the season, the Brewers are right behind the Cubs in the standings. José Quintana has been an amazing addition to the team, with a 0.96 ERA through his first three starts. The team also has former ace Brandon Woodruff coming back from surgery to look forward to in the coming months. 

Pittsburgh Pirates

With chants of “sell the team” running through the stands, the Pirates are barely holding it together on the field either. Reporters and fans alike are already calling the season over and advocating for younger players like Jack Suwinski to get the at-bats to develop productively while sitting veterans like Andrew McCutchen. While the season is just starting, there isn’t the strongest chance the Pirates will have any shot at the World Series trophy in 2025. 

Courtesy of Jessie Alcheh / AP

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals seem to be continuing the disappointment from last season, with most of the lineup struggling. The starting pitchers have done their job holding down the fort, but the lineup has struggled to score enough runs to receive wins. Veteran Nolan Arenado, who was not traded this offseason despite several months of rumors, is playing well enough for the team to consider trading him before the deadline in July. 

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Even with an inconsistent bullpen coupled with a powerful lineup, the Diamondbacks find themselves towards the bottom of the NL West. At the end of the day, half of this isn’t even their fault: the NL West is just that competitive this year. Diamondbacks fans have the opportunity to be excited about star outfielder Corbin Carroll, who’s power and speed has improved this year despite already being top of the charts last season. 

Courtesy of Matt Kartozian / Imagn Images

Colorado Rockies

To put it simply, the Rockies are MLB’s worst team. They have the worst record by far, and any player performing well is likely to be traded before the trade deadline. Even the altitude at Coors Field, the most homer-friendly stadium in MLB, isn’t helping the lineup this year. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

After an offseason full of big moves, the Dodgers are living up to their hype. The shocking thing, however, is that they aren’t in first place. The biggest issue that the Dodgers are facing at the moment is more strikeouts than usual from Shohei Ohtani. Once Ohtani returns to form, the already formidable lineup is going to be even more threatening. 

Courtesy of Ashley Landis / AP 

San Diego Padres

The Padres are currently the team keeping the Dodgers from being in first place, with one of the best records in MLB. Even with a number of their biggest stars on the injured list, the Padres are relying on their starting pitching, which is at a historic pace. So far, the team has seven shutouts, which is tied for the largest number with the 1992 Braves. 

San Francisco Giants

After a lackluster year last season, the Giants are finding themselves as contenders in the NL West. While their newest players aren’t exactly contributing as many would hope, the team is relying on returning players to keep the spark alive. Jung Hoo Lee might’ve gotten hurt last season before fans could see what kind of player he truly is, but he is showing that he is very special so far this season. 

Courtesy of Isiah J. Downing / Imagn Images

Edited by Giana Robertaccio