The Milwaukee Brewers have only participated in eight games in 2024, yet they’re already exceeding the predictions set for them. When Craig Counsell chose the Chicago Cubs over Milwaukee, some doubted the team’s ability to compete this season. The trade involving Corbin Burnes going to the Baltimore Orioles further fueled these doubts.

Despite skepticism, the new manager, Pat Murphy, confidently assured critics that his team would indeed be strong contenders this season. Although it’s early days, his team currently boasts a 6-2 record, placing them in second position in the National League Central Division.

How the Milwaukee Brewers Reached 6-2 Through Their First Eight Games

The recent victory of the Brewers against the Seattle Mariners turned into a high-scoring affair with numerous home runs, but the team’s pitching performance this season is notable. Freddy Peralta has emerged as the team’s top pitcher, boasting a 1-0 record with a 3.09 ERA and 15 strikeouts in two starts.

Colin Rea, initially placed as the Brewers’ second starter, has impressed with a 2-0 record and a 1.64 ERA across two starts. Despite Wade Miley’s injury, Milwaukee’s pitching rotation appears stronger than anticipated, although the back-end starters need to demonstrate their ability to pitch deep into games.

Despite occasional disappointments from some relievers, the bullpen has generally been reliable. Abner Uribe has secured three saves out of four opportunities, while Elvis Peguero boasts a 2-0 record with a perfect 0.00 ERA across five games.

MLB Analyst Predicts that Christian Yelich Will Lead the Milwaukee Brewers in Home Runs

In the previous season, Willy Adames topped the Brewers in home runs, hitting 24. The year prior, Rowdy Tellez held the club’s home run record with 35. Conversely, Yelich has struggled to reach the 20-home run mark since his knee injury in 2019.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report anticipates a change in Yelich’s performance this year. While acknowledging the potential for other players like Jackson Chourio or Rhys Hoskins to excel, Miller sees Yelich as a strong contender. Despite not returning to his peak form of hitting 80 homers between 2018 and 2019, Yelich showed improvement in 2023 and has had a promising start to the current season.

Although it’s still early in the season, Yelich’s strong performance could continue, especially with the upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds, a team he has historically performed well against, boasting 23 career home runs against them with solid career averages. Following the series in Cincinnati, the Brewers will face the Baltimore Orioles, where Yelich has a batting average of .313 in nine previous encounters.