The Milwaukee Brewers are enjoying a well-deserved day off Monday, June 16, after completing a 3-1 series win over St. Louis with Sunday’s 3-2 victory. Trailing the Cardinals in the standings not long ago, the Brewers now sit 39-34, a game and a half ahead of St. Louis for second place in the NL Central. After an extended homestand, they hit the road for a series versus the Cubs. In a tight wild card race, overtaking the Cardinals at this juncture could prove critical later on, particularly in light of recent developments. The Giants’ trade for Rafael Devers has reshaped the playoff picture for everyone involved.
Milwaukee Brewers Can’t Afford Complacency in Wake of Seismic Giants Trade
Heading into June 16 action, the Phillies maintain their hold on the top NL wild card, 2.5 games up on San Francisco in the two-spot. Both teams have games tonight. The Padres own the third wild card at 39-31, three losses up on the Brewers.
Painfully, Milwaukee could have really gained some ground during the homestand by beating up San Diego. Instead, they were shut out twice and lost the series, going 5-5 overall at American Family Field.
The Brewers still occupy decent position in the race for that final slot. They could put immediate pressure on the Cubs for the division with a series sweep, or cut into their 5.5 game deficit with a simple series win. Creating more space between themselves, the Cardinals, Reds, and Diamondbacks wouldn’t hurt.
But no one should get too comfy; the race has shifted in a major way. Once tied in the standings with St. Louis, the surging Giants made a statement of serious intent by trading for Rafael Devers in a move announced early Sunday evening. If teams like the Brewers had hoped to lurk behind the top teams waiting for a slip-up, that passive plan of attack should now be in the wastebin. Following San Francisco’s example, earnestly pursuing a playoff spot will require some extra effort.
What Areas Can Brewers Target Before Trade Deadline?
The Brewers have already made one notable move, shipping Aaron Civale to the White Sox for first baseman Andrew Vaughn. That trade, though, was more about dumping a dissatisfied Civale than acquiring talent. They should get an organic boost from Jacob Misiorowski, who dazzled across five innings in his no-hit debut.
That probably isn’t enough. If Milwaukee is serious about securing a seventh postseason bid in eight years, they’ll need to make a splash at the deadline. Most obviously, they could target a shortstop to replace the struggling Joey Ortiz (.187 batting average, -0.9 WAR). They could also look to add some everyday outfield thump (Jake Bauers isn’t good defensively and is reportedly on the trade block) or another reliable reliever for bullpen depth.
The Brewers don’t have to make major waves – not every trade needs to bring back a Devers – but they do need to shore up around the edges. Already a strong squad, the Giants announced that they’ve come to play; one way or another, NL rivals must respond.
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