The Cincinnati Reds are in the middle of the most competitive division race in Major League Baseball this season, as each team in the National League Central has been very competitive through April. Entering May, the Reds hold the lead of the division with a 20-11 record. The Pittsburgh Pirates are in last place, but they're still sitting at 16-16. A 16-16 record would have the Pirates tied for fourth place in the American League, yet it has them in fifth place in the NL Central. Will Leitch of MLB.com recently outlined how competitive this race was while detailing how each team in the division has found itself in the middle of such a heated fight for first place so early in the season. NL Central Race is Heating Up Apr 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) walks off the field during a stop in play in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park.…