Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of followers throughout the MLB. All year long we ask questions of probably the most plugged-in Milwaukee Brewers followers and followers throughout the nation. Enroll right here to take part within the weekly emailed surveys.
Welcome again to a different spring coaching with the Brewers! With the total roster now in Arizona and the group’s first recreation scheduled for Saturday, February 22, we’re able to look to the season forward slightly than the winter (almost) within the rearview.
In our first two polls of 2025, we’re asking followers the place they anticipate Milwaukee to complete within the NL Central and who they anticipate to be Milwaukee’s major shortstop come March 31.
Coming off one other NL Central title, the Brewers didn’t do a lot over the winter outdoors of shedding Willy Adames (Giants) and Devin Williams (Yankees). Nonetheless, there’s no motive to imagine these losses ought to push them out of first. They misplaced Corbin Burnes (Orioles) and Brandon Woodruff (damage) for 2024 and nonetheless managed to enhance from 2023, profitable 93 video games after profitable 92 in 2023.
On prime of that, most of Milwaukee’s competitors didn’t do a lot both. The Cubs most likely stay the most important competitors, particularly after including Kyle Tucker by way of commerce. The Cardinals and Pirates did just about nothing, and the Reds may’ve gotten barely higher as they added Gavin Lux, Austin Hays, and Brady Singer whereas shedding Jonathan India.
FWIW, I’d nonetheless take the Brewers and Cubs because the 1-2 punch on the prime of the division, although I believe it’ll be nearer than it was in 2023 (92 wins for Milwaukee vs. 83 wins for Chicago) or 2024 (93 wins for Milwaukee vs. 83 wins for Chicago).
The opposite key query — and arguably extra necessary to Brewers followers — is who would be the group’s major shortstop to start the season? With Adames gone, the main candidate might be Brice Turang, who rose by the minors as a shortstop. Adam McCalvy lists Turang because the shortstop in his present projections.
Joey Ortiz is the following prime choice, and past these two, Andruw Monasterio or Caleb Durbin is also candidates. With three infield spots to separate between these 4 gamers (plus Oliver Dunn, Vinny Capra, and Isaac Collins, relying on who makes the roster), I’d presently put Ortiz at 3B, Turang at SS, and a few kind of platoon between Monasterio, Durbin, and Dunn at 2B.
What’s your take? Reply the ballot beneath and keep tuned for outcomes later this week!
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