What to expect from the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018
After their surprising run last year, there is a great deal of optimism surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers heading into 2018.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
It is easy to see why. The Brewers upgraded their outfield with Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. Not only should the offense improve, but their stellar defense will help the pitching staff over the course of the season.
And yet, for all that optimism, there are still quite a few question marks in Milwaukee. The pitching staff still needs some work, both in the rotation and bullpen. Can Zach Davies or Chase Anderson really be a top of the rotation starter? Second base is another position that could be in flux for most of the year, with Eric Sogard, Jonathan Villar, and Hernan Perez battling for playing time.
The Brewers did try to fix one of those holes, as they pursued Yu Darvish this offseason. Even though they came up short in their pursuit, there are still options. Jake Arrieta would be a nice fit atop the Brewers rotation. Neil Walker could solidify second base once again. Plenty of relievers are still on the market. The Brewers, as currently constructed, may not be a finished product.
However, as it currently stands, the Milwaukee Brewers are not yet ready to take that next step and reach the postseason. They are getting closer, but still a year away. Prediction: Third place in the NL Central.