As the 2025 MLB season progresses, the Milwaukee Brewers are once again navigating the challenge of staying on top in the tightly contested NL Central. Following consecutive division titles, the team is aiming for a historic three-peat. However, the landscape has changed. Division rivals have reloaded with impactful moves, while Milwaukee must contend with the departure of several key players. Maintaining their edge in a strengthened division will require resilience, depth, and consistent performance throughout the season.
A Division in Flux
The NL Central has long been considered one of baseball’s most competitive divisions, and 2025 is no exception. The Brewers, despite their recent dominance, are no longer viewed as clear favorites. The Chicago Cubs, bolstered by aggressive offseason moves, and the Cincinnati Reds, powered by a dynamic young core and a new manager, have both made significant strides. Even the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates, while less flashy, remain threats capable of making noise in the race.
Milwaukee’s own offseason was marked by departures rather than additions. The team parted ways with fan favorites Willy Adames and Devin Williams, moves that left noticeable holes in both the lineup and the bullpen. General manager Matt Arnold’s response was measured, bringing in left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin, but not making the kind of splash that would silence doubters.
The Brewers’ Blueprint: Margins and Consistency
Milwaukee’s approach has never relied on star-studded rosters. Instead, the Brewers have excelled at maximizing value on the margins, developing pitching, and playing elite defense. This formula has delivered consistent results, even as the team has cycled through top talent in recent years.
The 2025 roster is emblematic of this philosophy. William Contreras anchors the lineup at catcher, providing both offensive punch and stability behind the plate. Rhys Hoskins, looking to rebound after a down year, leads a versatile infield alongside Brice Turang, Joey Ortiz, and Oliver Dunn. Turang, in particular, has emerged as a reliable presence, combining a strong glove with an improving bat.
The outfield features a blend of youth and experience. Christian Yelich, working his way back from injury, remains a key figure, while Jackson Chourio’s breakout potential adds intrigue. The lineup may lack household names, but it’s balanced and capable of incremental improvement-especially in the power department, where several players are projected to increase their home run output this season.
Pitching and Defense: The Brewers’ Calling Card
If there’s a reason to believe in Milwaukee’s staying power, it’s the pitching staff and defense. The Brewers’ rotation, while not flashy, is projected to be one of the division’s best, with depth provided by Tobias Myers, Nestor Cortes, and a hopefully healthy Brandon Woodruff.
Their consistent ability to win tight games has made them a reliable inclusion in early-season baseball parlay picks, especially when playing at home or against subpar offenses.
The bullpen, despite losing Devin Williams, remains a strength. Trevor Megill steps into the closer’s role, supported by capable arms like Abner Uribe, Joel Payamps, and Elvis Peguero.
Defensively, the Brewers are elite. Joey Ortiz and Brice Turang provide Gold Glove-caliber play up the middle, while Chourio’s athleticism in the outfield elevates the team’s run prevention.
This combination of pitching and defense allows Milwaukee to win close games and absorb offensive inconsistencies-a crucial trait in a division where margins are thin.
The Competition: Cubs and Reds on the Rise
While Milwaukee’s formula has proven resilient, the competition is intensifying. The Cubs, after years of mediocrity, made a statement by acquiring three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker and promoting top prospect Matt Shaw. Their lineup is deeper, and while pitching remains a question, the overall talent level has risen sharply.
The Reds, meanwhile, are the trending pick to dethrone the Brewers. With Elly De La Cruz emerging as an MVP candidate and new manager Terry Francona at the helm, Cincinnati’s young core is poised to shine. The rotation’s depth is a concern, but the upside is undeniable, and the Reds’ aggressive offseason moves signal a team ready to contend.
Even the Cardinals, typically a model of consistency, can’t be overlooked. While their offseason was quiet, their infield remains talented, and they have a track record of outperforming expectations.
What Must Go Right for Milwaukee
For the Brewers to keep pace, several pieces must fall into place:
- Joey Ortiz’s Emergence: Acquired in the Corbin Burnes trade, Ortiz is tasked with replacing Adames at shortstop. If he provides strong defense and league-average offense, the trade could be a long-term win for Milwaukee.
- Bullpen Stability: The loss of Williams puts pressure on Megill and others to step up. Milwaukee’s track record of developing relievers inspires confidence, but the margin for error is slim.
- Health and Depth: The rotation’s success hinges on the health of Woodruff and the continued development of young arms. Depth remains a concern, and injuries could expose vulnerabilities.
- Incremental Offense: The Brewers don’t need to lead the league in scoring, but modest improvements from players like Chourio, Hoskins, and Contreras could make a significant difference.
For fans analyzing team performance, MLB game predictions on FanDuel can be an invaluable resource for those who want to see how these variables are influencing odds and projections week by week.
Outlook: Underdogs Again, But Not Out
Despite the skepticism, the Brewers are well-positioned to compete. Their current record (16-15) places them second in the division, and playoff odds remain favorable at 57%. Oddsmakers may favor the Cubs and Reds, but Milwaukee’s blend of pitching, defense, and managerial acumen has a way of defying expectations.
In a division where no team is a juggernaut, the Brewers’ consistency and ability to win on the margins remain valuable assets. While a third straight NL Central title would be unprecedented in franchise history, dismissing Milwaukee’s chances would be a mistake. The Brewers have made a habit of thriving as underdogs-and in 2025, they may do it again.
