Cardinals, Cubs and Brewers: 2 truths and 1 lie about the NL Central

Lie: The Brewers are the class of the NL Central

The Brewers have been doing a lot right early on in the 2023 season. Case in point: Milwaukee’s +22 run differential is second in the National League, behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers thus far.

Corbin Burnes has struggled, but Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta have been their usual selves, with Wade Miley and Eric Lauer providing support on the back end. What’s really made the Brewers’ season so far, though, is their surprisingly potent offense.

You know about Christian Yelich, Rowdy Tellez and Willy Adames, but rookies Garrett Mitchell, Joey Wiemer and Brice Turang have all stepped in to contribute at the dish. And Brian Anderson came out of nowhere to provide a bang early on. Of course, the league will adjust back to Milwaukee’s young talent, so regression will be on the way for a young lineup.

Additionally, the trade rumors are once again swirling. Can the Brewers keep this core together?

Last summer, the team traded star closer Josh Hader to San Diego, and refused to pay Corbin Burnes what he wanted in arbitration this winter. Milwaukee knows it can’t keep its ace AND Brandon Woodruff AND extend shortstop Willy Adames. So will they trade those players at their maximum values this summer? Or will they push all their chips in for one last hurrah?

The Cardinals won’t stay down forever, and the Cubs are improved. Plus, we haven’t even mentioned the broader context of the NL playoff picture that includes behemoths like the Padres, Dodgers, Braves, Phillies and Mets. That means nothing is guaranteed for the refreshed Milwaukee Brewers this season, despite coming out hot in the NL Central. And they aren’t a lock to remain in their first place position the rest of the way.