The Milwaukee Brewers, a small-to-mid-market club, have had a challenging offseason and early season. Their manager, Craig Counsell, departed for the Chicago Cubs, and star pitcher Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. Closer Devin Williams also suffered a back injury, leading many to believe the team was entering a rebuilding phase. However, despite a string of injuries to key players such as Christian Yelich and Wade Miley, the Brewers find themselves tied for the NL Central lead with Counsell’s Cubs.
Surprisingly, the Brewers, who have struggled with injuries and a lackluster pitching staff, have excelled on the offensive side of the ball. Ranking fourth in the NL in runs scored, and second in OBP and third in SLG, the team’s efforts have exceeded expectations. Emerging superstar catcher William Contreras has been a standout player for the Brewers, providing strong defense and hitting capabilities. Additionally, with Freddy Peralta remaining as an NL Cy Young candidate and locked up through 2026, the team has a solid core to build upon.
Contributions from players up and down the lineup have been key to the Brewers’ success. Players like Willy Adames and Rhys Hoskins have helped bolster the offense, while a mix of young talent and veterans have provided a strong foundation for the team. Despite facing challenges in the rotation, with injuries affecting pitchers like Jakob Junis and Aaron Ashby, the Brewers have received surprising performances from players like Colin Rea, who has been a revelation for the team.
The bullpen has also faced challenges with the loss of Williams, but closer Joel Payamps and lefty Bryan Hudson have stepped up in key moments to stabilize the situation. New manager Pat Murphy has shown his ability to manage close games, with the Brewers winning more than their fair share. While the team may not be a 95+ win team, they have shown resilience and potential in the NL Central race, with the upcoming months shaping up to be an exciting time for fans.
Looking ahead, the Brewers will need to address their pitching situation, especially as fly balls begin to carry in warmer weather. With a strong team defense and an abundance of young position players, the team has a high floor and potential for growth as the season progresses. Several players are expected to return from injury soon, adding to the team’s depth and strength. Overall, the Brewers have exceeded expectations in the early season, and fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive stretch leading up to the trading deadline.
