NL Central Power Rankings: Cubs are doing the one thing fans hate to hear

Two months into the season, and it's clear that Jed Hoyer is getting the last laugh. Well, at least for now. The Cubs open the first week of June with a four-game lead in the National League Central division. The Cubs aren't just the best team in the National League, they are one of the best teams in all of Major League Baseball.

The Cubs are tied with the New York Mets for the second-best record in Major League Baseball with a mark of 37-22. The Cubs are only 1.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers for having the best record in all of baseball.

Having Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong in the middle of their lineup is certainly the main reason why the Cubs have been great this season, but as much as fans don't want to hear this, the roster is playing above their projections. Whether it's the breakout season from Crow-Armstrong or Daniel Palencia emerging as the team's closer, the roster is exceeding its expectations.

That is where we start our latest National League Central Power Rankings.

1. Chicago Cubs, 37-22

Beyond the first two months of the season, proving that the Chicago Cubs are the best team in the National League Central, it has also proved that Craig Counsell's influence has taken full effect. The Cubs are creating chaos when they are on the base paths, and Counsell is pulling the right levers to get the bullpen back on track. Assuming the Cubs can add another starting pitcher to the mix before the trade deadline, they will be a dangerous team.

2. Milwaukee Brewers, 32-28

The hottest team in the National League Central is no longer the St. Louis Cardinals. Instead, the Milwaukee Brewers are making their way back to the top of the division with the Cubs. The Brewers have won seven games in a row and are 1.5 games behind the Cardinals for second place in the division.

3. St. Louis Cardinals, 33-26

The Cardinals posted a 19-8 record during May, however, they barely made up ground on the Cubs. Entering play on Monday, the Cardinals are four games out of first place in the National League Central. The schedule becomes much more difficult for the Cardinals in June with a handful of series against postseason hopefuls. This could be where they meet their expectations they had at the start of the season when 2025 was viewed as a reset.

4. Cincinnati Reds, 29-31

There remains a gap between where the Cincinnati Reds are and the expectation of reaching the postseason in 2025. However, Terry Francona's impact is beginning to be felt.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates, 22-38

As long as there is even a faint conversation of the Pirates trading Paul Skenes, they remain an unserious organization.