Pirates still at the bottom of hotly contested NL Central
Despite an above .500 record against divisional opponents the Pirates are still fifth in the standings.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 03: Braxton Ashcraft (35) of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks to the dugout after being relieved in the eighth inning during an MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds on May 03, 2026 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a series sweep of the rival Cincinnati Reds, but they still find themselves at the bottom of what’s been a tightly contested National League Central division all season long. Despite the last place distinction that the Pirates hold, they still have a record over .
500, as they are currently 19-16 on the year. The NL Central has just been stacked to start the year with every squad having a winning record in the division; this is the only division in baseball where every team has a winning record. The Pirates’ last place .
543 winning percentage is greater than the division leading Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central (. 514) and the Athletics in the AL West (. 529).
In the division, the Pirates are playing above . 500 baseball, but have been far from perfect against these clubs. They currently have a 9-7 record in the division and hold a .