A view of the Milwaukee Brewers logo Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

One NL Central team is red hot with playoffs approaching

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 8/28/23

After falling short of a playoff spot in 2022, the Milwaukee Brewers entered 2023 with one thing on their mind and that was a National League Central division title.

Currently 73-57, the Brewers hold a four-game lead over the Chicago Cubs with 32 games left to play and don't look like a team that's going to let that lead slip.

After getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 15-17, the Brewers have won eight straight games including three against the Texas Rangers and two versus the Minnesota Twins who are both battling for the playoffs as well.

The Brewers have swept the Padres in Milwaukee for the first time since 2003.

They have won 8 in a row for the first time since June of 2021.

They are 16 games over .500 for the first time since 2021.

They continue to be the hottest team in baseball. Clubhouse reaction coming! pic.twitter.com/JeKxeRWfyR
— Hunter Baumgardt (@hunterbonair) August 27, 2023

The Brewers have watched shortstop Willy Adames heat up after a rough season, slashing .326/.392/.543 with three home runs and 10 RBI in his last 12 games. While mid-season acquisitions first baseman Carlos Santana and outfielder Mark Canha have added a spark to the offense that it lacked a majority of the season.

With off-season pickup catcher William Contreras solidifying a position that has been lacking since former Brewer Jonathan Lucroy was traded in 2016, a bounceback season for 2018 National League Most Valuable Player Christian Yelich has also been a huge boost after struggling over the last three years.

New longest HR of the year just dropped (450 ft) ‼️@WContreras42 | #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/5B4pRJSFMv
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 27, 2023

The pitching staff is headlined by pitchers Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta who are all healthy for the first time this season and have been another driving force behind their current win streak.

With one of the best bullpens in baseball that includes All-Star closer Devin Williams, the Brewers have multiple arms they can turn to in high-leverage situations with five relievers currently with an ERA under 3.00.

When locked in the Brewers can compete with the best and a deep playoff run shouldn't be a surprise in 2023. With a pitching staff featuring three starters who can dominate on any given night, a bullpen that has been lights out and an offense that is heating up the Brewers pose a tough matchup for any team.