The Milwaukee Brewers didn’t just stumble out of the gates to open the 2025 season — they were completely bulldozed. Losing to the Yankees shouldn’t be shocking. What’s alarming is the fashion in which they lost. Thoroughly outmatched by New York’s shiny new bats, while the Brewers’ arms were left searching for answers.
It didn't end there, either. Milwaukee lost to the Kansas City Royals on Monday afternoon in their home opener by the score of 11-1. Turns out, it wasn't just the torpedo bats!
But let’s take a breath. It’s been four games. The Brewers now return home to face the Royals with a chance to reset. Before we look ahead, let’s break down some overreactions (and one truth) after what we've seen so far.
3 overreactions from the start of Brewers' 2025 season
The Starting Rotation is Doomed
If any (shouldn’t be many) Brewers fans entered the season with high hopes for the starting rotation, they were met with a brutal reality check in the Bronx. The numbers don’t lie — Milwaukee pitchers surrendered 15 home runs in three games, a nightmare start for a rotation that already had question marks.
But let’s add some perspective.
The first home run of the series? A 348-foot "blast" off the bat of Austin Wells. A home run that wouldn’t have made it out of the park in literally every other MLB stadium. That’s the Yankee Stadium effect.
Throw in the fact that Milwaukee’s No. 2 starter Nestor Cortes was facing his former team in Yankee Stadium — a situation that rarely goes well — and you start to see why this might not be a fair measuring stick.
There goes that man. #AllRise pic.twitter.com/LaZZr93kcF
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 30, 2025
Was it ugly? Absolutely. But writing off this rotation after two games after the opposition abused a major stadium advantage would be irresponsible. The Brewers have a chance to course-correct against the Royals at home, and this is a series they need to flush and move on from. Also, don't forget injuries are killing the pitching staff right now. This will not be the norm moving forward.
Jackson Chourio is Taking a Step Back
Few things strike fear into a fanbase quite like a young superstar struggling right out of the gate. So when Jackson Chourio opened the season by going 0-for-5 with five strikeouts, some were quick to hit the panic button.
But let’s look at the bigger picture.
At just 21 years old, Chourio made history by leading off on Opening Day for the second straight season. Unfortunately, he made a different kind of history in the process — becoming the first Brewer ever to strike out five times on Opening Day.
That’s rough. But it’s also one game.
Chourio has already proven he can adjust quickly at the plate. His approach, discipline, and ability to learn from his experiences are what make him a future star. This rough start (3-for-15 with 7 Ks) won’t define his season. If anything, expect him to bounce back even stronger.
The Brewers Got Robbed in the Rhys Hoskins Deal
Patience is wearing thin for some fans when it comes to Rhys Hoskins. In a small sample size, he looked like more of the same — big swings, big misses, and a tough opening series. But this isn’t a player who was expected to be an on-base machine.
Hoskins is a power hitter, first and foremost. And considering he returned from a torn ACL last season and still launched 26 home runs with 82 RBI, it’s far too early to sound the alarm.
Could he cut down on strikeouts? Sure. But that’s never been his game. Milwaukee signed him for his power production, and that will come in time. Given the injury of fan-favorite Tyler Black, Hoskins is clearly cemented as the best option at first base right now. He’s not a lost cause — he just needs a little more time to find his rhythm.
One undeniable truth from the start of the Brewers' 2025 season
The Right Decisions Were Made in the Infield
If there’s one bright spot from the opening series, it’s the Brewers' infield.
Joey Ortiz, Vinny Capra, and Brice Turang didn’t just look competent — they looked like a group that can hold things down on both sides of the ball.
Capra wasted no time making an impact, launching a home run on Opening Day and proving why the organization trusted him to break camp with the big-league club.
Vinny smashes our first HR of the year on his first Opening Day ‼️ https://t.co/0OZaVpyvjV pic.twitter.com/qBpLGlmtL2
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 27, 2025
Ortiz and Turang, meanwhile, showcased disciplined approaches at the plate, with Turang’s lone hiccup being an uncharacteristic error in the field. If Brewers pitching can start inducing more ground balls, this middle infield duo has a chance to be a serious strength.
Milwaukee made the right calls here. This infield isn’t just serviceable — it’s a legitimate asset that can help keep this team competitive.
The Brewers' season is not over after an 0-4 start. Overreactions are part of baseball, but good teams find a way to course-correct.
Milwaukee now has a chance to do just that against the Royals at home. If they reset, clean up the pitching issues, and let their young talent settle in, this stumble out of the gate will be nothing more than a blip on the radar.
So take a deep breath, it’s a long season.