The National League enters the second month of the 2026 season with the Atlanta Braves establishing themselves as the most dominant force in baseball. While the Dodgers remain the overall MLB odds favorites for a historic three-peat, the first 30+ games have highlighted significant struggles for other favorites.
At the onset, the Atlanta Braves hold the best record in MLB at 25-10, boasting a .714 winning percentage. Their rotation and lineup have returned to peak form, allowing them to open a massive 8.5-game lead in their division before the first week of May is even over.
Naturally, in the West, the Los Angeles Dodgers (20-13) continue to look like a complete roster. Following the offseason additions of Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz. They currently hold a slim online betting lead over the San Diego Padres (19-13). The Padres have relied on high-end talent like Andy Pages, who leads the NL with a .409 batting average.
The NL Central is the most contested division in the league. Consider that there are four teams separated by just 2.5 games. The Chicago Cubs (21-12) hold a narrow one-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, both sitting at 20-13.
In turn, St. Louis has been energized by top prospect JJ Wetherholt and a resurgent Jordan Walker, who is currently tied for the MLB lead in home runs with eight. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers (18-14) remain a threat. Due to Jacob Misiorowski, who leads the league with an elite 13.7 K/9 rate.
The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies have been the primary disappointments of the early season. Correlate that both teams have stumbled to the bottom of the NL East, leading to two managerial changes in April alone. The Mets (12-22) have been decimated by injuries to Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Luis Robert Jr., leaving them with the league’s worst offense.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia (14-20) has similarly struggled with an aging core, sitting 10.5 games back of Atlanta. At the very bottom of the NL, the Colorado Rockies (14-20) and San Francisco Giants (13-20) are struggling to find identity. To illuminate, the Giants are failing to find an offensive rhythm under new manager Tony Vitello.
What is Wrong With the Phillies?
The Philadelphia Phillies have endured a turbulent start to the MLB betting odds Season. Specifically, it is marked by uncharacteristic offensive struggles and a significant leadership change.
At the beginning, the team sits at 14-20, trailing the division-leading Atlanta Braves by 10.5 games in the NL East. This .412 winning percentage reflects a difficult opening stretch. The club has struggled specifically against divisional opponents, posting a 1-6 record in those matchups. Despite these hurdles, they entered the first week of May on a high note after recently completing a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants.
The defining moment of the early season came in late April, when the front office fired manager Rob Thomson. The decision followed a series of disappointing results and an offense that failed to meet expectations despite its star-studded nature. Now, the team is operating under new leadership as it attempts to salvage its postseason aspirations.
Overall, the 2026 roster features several high-profile changes and the debut of top-tier prospects. Kyle Schwarber remains the primary power threat with 11 home runs, while Bryce Harper has added six. New starting right fielder Adolis Garcia, signed to a one-year deal this offseason to replace Nick Castellanos, has contributed three home runs.