Updated National League Divisional Odds After Trade Deadline

• Get updated Division-winner odds for all 15 National League clubs following the MLB trade deadline
  
• The Braves (-200), Cubs (-300) and Dodgers (-1100) are the favorites to win their respective divisions
  
• The Phillies (+500) only sit 3.0 games back in the NL East and brought in much-needed bullpen help
  

After breaking down the post-deadline divisional odds in the American League, today we set our sights on the senior circuit to see which clubs made the moves required to win their division.

While the races in the National League aren’t as tight as in the AL, there are some fun possibilities to explore. Let’s look at the updated odds in the NL East, NL Central and NL West.

ODDS TO WIN NL EAST

PHILLIES CATCH ATLANTA (+500)

Considering the Atlanta (-200) rotation posted a 5.40 ERA in August (the sixth-worst mark in the majors), it was bit of a surprise to see the always-crafty Alex Anthopoulos not swing a deal for a starting pitcher. 

Both the Marlins (+800) and Phillies (+500) sit only 3.0 games back in the NL East, and Philadelphia is heating up with seven wins in their past eight games.

After Phillies lost 5 straight

Bryce Harper said Phillies needed to win 9 of 10

“It needs to happen”

Phillies have won 6 of 7 pic.twitter.com/3e4L7MdG2y

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 1, 2020

After acquiring three relievers (David Phelps, Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree) in the past few weeks, Philly could make a run at the division if Rhys Hoskins stays hot at the plate; he has five homers in his past seven games. The Phillies are a strong bet at +500.

ODDS TO WIN NL CENTRAL

CUBS CLINCH CENTRAL (-300)

After starting the season a ridiculous 13-3, Chicago (-300) has gone 8-11 since, opening the door for St. Louis.

However, the Cardinals (+500) have played eight fewer contests than the Cubs after a COVID-19 outbreak caused them to miss two weeks of games. They stood pat at the deadline, but Paul DeJong and Yadier Molina should soon return from the injured list. Of greater concern is that St. Louis has 31 games left to play this September, including seven doubleheaders.

Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber & Jason Heyward each hit 2 HR today as the Cubs defeated the Reds 10-1.

The trio makes the Cubs the first team in MLB history to have all 3 starting outfielders hit multiple home runs in the same game. pic.twitter.com/6cuOVB4bFV

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 30, 2020

Meanwhile, the Reds (+1200) acquired outfielder Brian Goodwin and reliever Archie Bradley at the deadline, but they’re likely too far back (6.5 games) to catch the Cubbies. While we wouldn’t pay up at -300, Chicago should hold on in the Central.

ODDS TO WIN NL WEST

THE DODGERS DOMINATE (-1100)

The World Series favorites in Los Angeles didn’t need to make any moves as they own the best ERA in the majors and sit second in runs scored behind the Padres (+700), but with seven straight postseason appearances without a title, one would anticipate a trade or two. 

Given the Dodgers (-1100) have the best record in the majors at 27-10, you would also expect their lead in the NL West to be even greater than 5.0 games, but San Diego and young slugger Fernando Tatis Jr. have been the  surprise story of the season.

Padres starting rotation after acquiring Mike Clevinger:

• Chris Paddack
• Dinelson Lamet
• Mike Clevinger
• Zach Davies
• Garrett Richards pic.twitter.com/bqdmlqUqYu

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) August 31, 2020

The Padres swung the biggest deadline deal, bringing in Indians ace Mike Clevinger, who owns a 2.92 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 57 starts over the last three seasons.

But despite the trade, it’s safe to say San Diego won’t sneak up on the Dodgers anytime soon.