The National League Central has spent most of 2026 making noise with its contenders, but the division may also leave a mark on the RBI leaderboard. Entering Friday, St. Louis’ Alec Burleson, Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart and Chicago’s Pete Crow-Armstrong held the top three spots in the majors.
Burleson led the way with 111 RBIs, Stewart had driven in 109, and Crow-Armstrong stood at 105. If that order—or any Central trio in the first three places—survives the final days of the regular season, it would be the first time the top three MLB RBI finishers all came from one division since divisional play began in 1969.
Quick facts
- Alec Burleson: 111 RBIs, first in MLB entering Friday.
- Sal Stewart: 109 RBIs, second in MLB.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: 105 RBIs, third in MLB.
- Pete Alonso has 102 RBIs after hitting his 300th career homer.
- Jordan Walker has reached 100 RBIs, while Yordan Alvarez has 99.
It has been a full-season statement from the Central. The Brewers owned baseball’s best record at 95-58, Crow-Armstrong has been in the MVP conversation, and Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski has emerged as a Cy Young candidate. The division also has two prominent Rookie of the Year contenders in the mix.
Still, the RBI race is far from settled. Alonso has been carrying Baltimore’s late bid for a postseason spot and sits only three behind Crow-Armstrong. Walker, Burleson’s Cardinals teammate, is five back of the Cubs center fielder and could turn a possible three-man division feat into an even louder Central showing.
Alvarez remains close enough at 99 to matter, too. The longtime American League MVP contender and the Astros close with four games against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park, a setting that can reward a lineup with a little momentum.
Crow-Armstrong may be the player with the most ground to protect. Chicago still has series against Cincinnati, Miami and Boston, including a direct matchup with Stewart and the Reds that could swing the board in a hurry.
Alonso’s Orioles, meanwhile, have a demanding closing run against Milwaukee, Toronto and the Yankees. Burleson, Stewart and Crow-Armstrong have given the National League Central a rare chance at a piece of offensive history; now they need to keep driving runners home until the schedule runs out.
