An unexpected power surge has helped Milwaukee to the top of the standings as it boasts eight different players with at least five home runs, though none has reached double digits yet. And the Brewers have done it with veterans like Rhys Hoskins and Christian Yelich in and out of the lineup due to injuries. Young players like Joey Ortiz have stepped up. Ortiz, acquired in the trade of Corbin Burnes to Baltimore, has opened eyes in the clubhouse with his slugging ability. Most impressive is catcher William Contreras, who looks more than comfortable in his second season with Milwaukee. He's an MVP-caliber player right now.
The Milwaukee Brewers were good enough in May, just one of 11 teams to finish multiple games over .500 in the month. We have to take notice of Milwaukee’s pitching (3.58 ERA), even if quality starts (14, 28th in MLB) remain a rarity. The Cubs have fallen out of the NL Central race for now, but St. Louis is now giving Milwaukee a fight. With that acknowledged, the Brewers are unmistakably a playoff contender in 2024 and the Brewers lineup is a treat to watch.