Milwaukee Brewers +700
The Brewers input the break 2.5 games behind the Cubs with a 55-43 record and have the fourth-best NL run differential at +49. Milwaukee includes two starting pitchers on the disabled list in Zach Davies and Jimmy Nelson, yet has allowed the third-fewest runs in the NL (377). The Brewers might find a boost over the offensive side of the ball as they would be the front-runner from the odds to land Orioles standout Manny Machado.
Milwaukee has a well-rounded offense and its two significant acquisitions in the offseason are carrying the load. The Brewers traded for Christian Yelich in January, and also the California native ranks third on the team with a .292 batting average and was named to the NL all-star team. Likewise to Yelich, Lorenzo Cain joined Milwaukee in the offseason, signing a $80-million contract, and has also been appointed to the NL all-star team. Cain’s batting average is one percentage point better than Yelich’s at .293 however he trails in OPS .823 to .820. Besides both new gamers, Jesus Aguilar is leading the NL with 24 home runs and is currently third in RBIs with 70.
The Brewers have some work to do if they want to capture the Cubs in the NL Central Division. But both offseason acquisitions have hit their stride. Late-season comebacks for a couple of starting pitchers and a potential big trade with the Orioles and this club might be poised to snag the NL pennant.
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