2026 NL Central Power Rankings: Week 3

Apr 11, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) catches a fly ball against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images Welcome to week 3 of our 2026 NL Central Power Rankings — let’s rank some teams! 1.

Pittsburgh Pirates (9-6); 3-3 this week; 61. 2% chance to make postseason (FanGraphs) After a strong 5-1 week against the Reds and Orioles last week, the Pirates fell back to Earth a bit this week, but they now sit atop the division. They dropped two of three to the Padres to begin the week, but bounced back for a series win over the Cubs this weekend.

Brandon Lowe had a pair of homers on Sunday afternoon, including a grand slam, while Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds added a homer each this week. Cruz led the team with nine hits, including a trio of doubles, while also swiping six bases. Braxton Ashcraft had a great start this week, leading the team with nine strikeouts as he allowed one run across five innings.

Mitch Keller went six scoreless with four strikeouts, Carmen Mlodzinski went 5 1/3 scoreless with two strikeouts, and Paul Skenes allowed one run with six strikeouts over 6 1/3 frames. Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto both had scoreless weeks for the bullpen, while Dennis Santana picked up the only save of the week. The Buccos return to Pittsburgh this week, as they’ll welcome the Nationals and Rays for seven games in seven days through the upcoming weekend.