The Milwaukee Brewers have solidified their place as the champions of the National League Central division once again. This achievement became official following the Chicago Cubs' loss to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. The Brewers have now clinched their second consecutive division title and their third in the last four years, marking a period of sustained excellence for the franchise.
Moreover, Milwaukee is the first team to secure a postseason berth this season, underscoring their dominance within the division. This success comes despite significant upheavals in their organization. David Stearns, the longtime head of baseball operations, departed to join the New York Mets, and veteran manager Craig Counsell took on a managerial role with the Cubs. Additionally, ace pitcher Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, moves that might have shaken a less resilient team.
Despite these changes, the Brewers have shown remarkable consistency and depth. They took first place in the division on May 9 and have maintained at least a five-game lead since July 20. By August 14, their lead had extended to eight games or more, a comfortable cushion that allowed them to remain focused and play their best baseball. Analytics website FanGraphs had the Brewers' odds of winning the division at 75% or higher since late July, indicative of the team's strong performance down the stretch.
Offensively, the Brewers have been formidable, ranking fourth in baseball for runs scored per game. Much of this firepower can be attributed to the emergence of young stars like Jackson Chourio and Joey Ortiz, who have invigorated the lineup with their youthful exuberance and talent. However, the team has faced adversity, including the loss of Christian Yelich for the season due to back surgery. Despite this setback, the team continued to excel, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Defensively, the Brewers have also been impressive, allowing the fourth-fewest runs per game. This commitment to solid defense has been complemented by the return of All-Star closer Devin Williams from the injured list in late July, bolstering their bullpen at a crucial time. However, the team has had to navigate significant injuries, with rookie Robert Gasser and veteran Wade Miley both undergoing elbow surgeries this season.
One of the more remarkable aspects of the Brewers' season is the sheer number of starting pitchers they have utilized. Seventeen different pitchers have started games for Milwaukee this season, the most in baseball. This statistic underscores the depth of the Brewers' roster and their ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
Looking at the broader picture, the Brewers are on pace to have their best record since 2021 and their fourth-best record since 2012. Currently, they are trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by two games for the league’s best overall record and the Los Angeles Dodgers by four games for the National League’s second seed. These standings highlight the competitive spirit within the team, as they aim to secure the best possible positioning for the postseason.
As the Brewers prepare for the playoffs, their recent performances and sustained success suggest they are well-equipped to make a deep run. The combination of a potent offense, sturdy defense, and a resilient roster could make them a formidable opponent in October. With their sights set on postseason glory, the Brewers are poised to build on their regular-season success and aim for their ultimate goal—a World Series championship.