The Milwaukee Brewers haven’t made the playoffs since 2011 but they could be inching closer heading in to the 2017 season. Milwaukee has some intriguing pieces and an absolutely loaded farm system so there are plenty of reasons for optimism among their fans. However, the Brewers still play in the loaded National League Central and at this point they appear to be at least a year away from contending for the postseason. Still, there is plenty to be excited about in Milwaukee with a talented team that is expected to improved after recording 73 wins a year ago.
Key Additions: RP Neftali Feliz, 1B Eric Thames, 1B/3B Travis Shaw, C Jett Bandy, SP Tommy Milone, RP Joba Chamberlain, 2B Eric Sogard
Key Losses: 1B Chris Carter, RP Tyler Thornburg, RP Blaine Boyer, RP Chris Capuano, C Martin Maldonado
Strengths
The starting rotation was excellent in the second half of last season and should be a major strength once again moving forward. Junior Guerra was the biggest surprise when he went 9-3 with a 2.81 ERA in 20 starts after beginning the year in Triple-A and he should be the club’s ace heading in to this season. Jimmy Nelson, Zach Davies and Chase Anderson all had strong seconds halves when the starters combined for a 3.61 ERA in September in October so they definitely have something to build on. Meanwhile, the offense remains potent with Ryan Braun back to lead the way once again. Milwaukee let Chris Carter walk to the New York Yankees but they still have an excellent blend of power and speed with Braun, Jonathan Villar, Scooter Gennett and Hernan Perez. The Brewers also have a deep list of prospects led by outfielder Lewis Brinson, who was acquired in the Jonathan Lucroy trade last summer, so they could bring them up at some point this season.
Weaknesses
The key for Milwaukee remains making progress this season without rushing the young pieces up too fast so that will mean they need to stay healthy. The Brewers aren’t very deep in terms of their veteran talent and they will have to survive one of the toughest divisions in baseball this season. A lot will depend on the rotation’s ability to perform at a high level and while they finished last year on a high note they don’t have any established superstars so there is still some reason to expect regression.
2017 Milwaukee Brewers Depth Chart
| Catcher | Jett Bandy | Manny Pina | |
| First Base | Eric Thames | Travis Shaw | |
| Second Base | Jonathan Villar | Scooter Gennett | |
| Third Base | Travis Shaw | Hernan Perez | |
| Shortstop | Orlando Arcia | Jonathan Villar | Hernan Perez |
| Left Field | Ryan Braun | Kirk Nieuwenhuis | |
| Center Field | Keon Broxton | Kirk Nieuwenhuis | |
| Right Field | Domingo Santana | Kirk Nieuwenhuis | |
| Starting Pitcher | Jimmy Nelson | Wily Peralta | Matt Garza |
| Relief Pitcher | Carlos Torres | Michael Blazek | Jhan Marinez |
| Closer | Neftali Feliz | ||
Projected Win Total: 72.5
World Series Odds: +12500
Outlook
While the Brewers look a little better on paper than they did at this time a year ago, they still have too many holes to expect them to take a major step forward this season. Milwaukee remains on track to take a substantial step forward in 2018 but there will be growing pains this season as they continue to develop. The key will be to remain healthy and allow the young talent to stay in the minors until they are ready. The other issue for the Brewers is the division that they find themselves within. There are only so many wins to be had and one has to expect that the Chicago Cubs will get about 100 of them. After that, there is the St. Louis Cardinals, which could be an 85 to 90-win team if everything goes right for them. Then there’s also the Pittsburgh Pirates, who could very well be around the .500 mark. That leaves the Brewers and Cincinnati Reds to duke it out for fourth or fifth place – maybe third if things go well – but there is just limited upside for Milwaukee. There is plenty of reason for optimism but Brewers fans must remain patient through another tough season in 2017.
Prediction: 75-87
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