The Milwaukee Brewers were leading the National League Central Division well into the summer in 2022. But a business decision to trade electric closer Josh Hader seemed like it was the beginning of a team’s downfall when they finished 86-76 and seven games from winning the MLB standings.
The Milwaukee Brewers season odds expect them to contend again for the NL Central, despite some roster turnover that raised some eyebrows and no seemingly significant additions.
With a pretty standard MLB schedule that features plenty of MLB games against two of the league’s worst MLB teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds, the Brewers should again contend for the playoffs.
Here is a breakdown of a review of 2022. What has changed for the Brewers heading into 2023? Milwaukee Brewers season odds, and more.
2022 Review
The Brewers were slightly above league average in allowing 4.25 runs per game. This has them tied for 16th in the league. That is typically a strength of theirs, but the team struggled, Milwaukee Brewers team stats showed, particularly in the bullpen. Devin Williams was great once he assumed closer duties, but adding Tayler Rogers in the Hader trade did not help as a setup man.
Worse yet, their offense was 10th in scoring 4.48 runs per game. That is generally the weaker unit between the two. But once the bats went through a couple of periods of quietness, the Brewers began to tank in the standings.
Lookahead to 2023
In a surprising move, the Brewers built up some depth in case the MLB injury report strikes them during the season. Milwaukee traded beloved second baseman Kolten Wong to the Seattle Mariners for Jesse Winker and Abraham Toro.
Winker was once a great slugger whose MLB player stats may be aided by the ban on the shift, and the team is hoping for a power resurgence. Toro is a versatile infielder who had 24 extra-base hits out of his 60 total in 352 at-bats.
After letting catcher Omar Narvaez walk in free agency, the Brewers acquired William Contreras from the Braves. At 25 years old, he hit 20 home runs in 97 games for the Atlanta Braves with a .860 OPS. He will get more opportunities as the everyday catcher in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers Player Stats
Hunter Renfroe was also not retained. He is the slugger who is known for a strong arm and was traded to the Angels. But that was to clear the way for Garrett Mitchell, who figures to start in center field.
In his first 61 at-bats, the now 24-year-old hit .311 with a .832 OPS and stole eight bases without being caught, Milwaukee Brewers player stats showed. His combination of speed and power may help set the table.
The pitching staff was relatively unchanged, with ace Corbin Burnes and veterans Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Eric Lauer, and Adrian Houser all back. The Brewers added depth by signing Wade Miley, and youngster Aaron Ashby is also hoping to secure a spot.
Perhaps Miley and Ashby help out of the bullpen while a bunch of young arms help mix in to bridge to Williams.
Awkward Moment
Burnes was outspoken about the arbitration process and some of the things the Brewers said, basically blaming him for his performance.
Mind you, Burnes was an All-Star and finished seventh in Cy Young voting after going 12-8 with a 2.94 ERA, and 243 strikeouts in 202 innings pitched.
Milwaukee Brewers 2023 Season Odds Season Odds
Will the Brewers be popular among MLB picks? Probably not. But there is good value with the Milwaukee Brewers season odds.
Moneyline
They are second in the NL Central at +165 to win their division. They are behind the St. Louis Cardinals, who are -125 and perennial division contenders.
The Brewers are +1600 to win the pennant and +5000 to win the World Series. Burnes is +600 for Cy Young.
Over/Under
The Brewers have an over/under of 85.5 wins. With -125 odds on the over and -105 odds on the under, which is how they were trending.
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