“Milwaukee Brewers Look to Make Deep Postseason Run with Strong Pitching Staff”
With the postseason just around the corner, the Milwaukee Brewers find themselves back in the tournament after missing out last year. Armed with one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, the Brewers are hopeful for a deep run this October.
Their first matchup in the National League Wild Card Series will be against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are making their first postseason appearance since 2017. The D-backs, with their young and exciting core, are looking to surprise and recreate their success from earlier in the regular season.
Looking at each position on the diamond, it’s clear that both teams have their strengths. At the catcher position, the Brewers traded for All-Star William Contreras from the Braves, who proved to be a major upgrade both offensively and defensively. On the other hand, the D-backs acquired Gabriel Moreno, a top catching prospect, and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Moreno had a strong rookie season, especially defensively, making this position a close call. However, the nod goes to the Brewers for their more experienced backstop and additional power at the plate.
Moving to first base, the D-backs’ Christian Walker has been quietly putting up impressive numbers while maintaining his status as one of the best defensive first basemen in the game. In contrast, Rowdy Tellez of the Brewers had a step back this season due to injuries and struggled in September. The Brewers acquired veteran Carlos Santana, who had a strong performance down the stretch. With his experience and recent success, the advantage goes to Santana and the Brewers.
At second base, the Brewers’ Brice Turang had a strong defensive season in his rookie campaign but struggled offensively. Meanwhile, the D-backs’ Ketel Marte is known for his offensive prowess and had a solid season at the plate. With his superior offensive value, Marte has an edge in this position.
Shortstop sees the D-backs’ Geraldo Perdomo, who took big strides this season as a 23-year-old and was named an All-Star for the first time. He slumped in the second half but still shows promise for the future. On the Brewers’ side, Willy Adames has established himself as a strong all-around shortstop. With his playoff experience and consistent performance, Adames gives the Brewers an advantage at shortstop.
At third base, the Brewers made a late-season addition with veteran Josh Donaldson, but he hasn’t produced much at the plate since joining the team. The D-backs’ Emmanuel Rivera may be younger and more reliable, despite limited offensive output during the regular season. This position is a toss-up, but the D-backs’ consistency and defensive strength give them a slight edge.
In left field, former MVP Christian Yelich had a bounce-back season for the Brewers, showcasing his offensive skills once again. The D-backs split time between Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Tommy Pham, who provided solid production, but Yelich’s offensive prowess and playoff experience give him the advantage.
Center field presents a challenge for both teams. The D-backs’ Alek Thomas excels defensively but struggled offensively. On the Brewers’ side, rookie Garrett Mitchell showed promise before a shoulder injury cut his season short. While Mitchell’s role in the postseason is uncertain, his impressive play when healthy could make a difference. If Mitchell doesn’t start, rookie Sal Frelick may take the field, known for his outstanding defensive skills.
In right field, the Brewers’ options lack power at the plate compared to the D-backs. Arizona boasts right fielder Hunter Carroll, a Rookie of the Year favorite, who had an exceptional season offensively and defensively.
As for the designated hitter spot, the D-backs primarily used Gurriel and Pham, but the hot hand at the moment belongs to the Brewers’ Mark Canha. Since being traded to Milwaukee, Canha has been an asset to the team, especially in September.
Lastly, the Brewers have a significant advantage when it comes to starting pitching. Their staff, top to bottom, is one of the best in the league. With talented pitchers such as Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta, the Brewers have the upper hand in this category.
Although both teams have their strengths, the Brewers overall have the edge in this matchup. With their strong pitching staff and a mix of offensive contributors, they have the potential for a deep postseason run. The series between the Brewers and the D-backs is set to begin on Tuesday at American Family Field.