What would a successful season look like for the Brewers in 2025?

The Milwaukee Brewers are coming off back-to-back seasons as NL Central division winners. However a team looking to three-peat will be faced with several challenges to repeat the process. Having won 90+ games three out of the last four seasons, the Brewers have a high level of expectations despite the exit of a couple stars. Here’s what the Brewers need to do if they want to maintain their level of excellence and have another season considered successful.

How a successful season for the Brewers could take shape

Stay on top of the NL Central

Simply put, it’ll be hard to call the season a success if the Brewers don’t claim the NL Central. The division will undoubtedly be extremely competitive. The Cubs made aggressive offseason moves, the Cardinals are looking to build on their success last season finishing over .500, and the Reds’ young talent and new manager are on the rise. For Milwaukee, securing first place for the third straight year would not only double down on their long-term approach but also set them up for another postseason run. Even if they don’t win the division, securing a Wild Card spot is a must to keep the club’s playoff streak alive.

Joey Ortiz has a breakout campaign

When the Brewers traded Corbin Burnes to Baltimore for shortstop Joey Ortiz and lefty DL Hall, it wasn’t exactly received as a clear indication of their faith in Ortiz. However, Milwaukee is looking to maximize this deal, and in order for that to happen Ortiz will need to step up as an impact player in the lineup in the absence of Willy Adames. If he delivers Gold Glove-caliber defense and produces at the plate — we’re talking minimum .250 - .260+ average, 15+ HR, and 20+ stolen base range — this trade will look like another long-term win.

Starting rotation needs to stay healthy

The Brewers have had one of baseball’s better rotations. Their success hinges on Freddy Peralta embracing the role of an ace, alongside contributions from a returning Brandon Woodruff, newly acquired Nestor Cortes, Aaron Civale, and Jose Quntana. The Brewers are deep with starting arms so don’t be surprised if a healthy Robert Gasser or DL Hall enter into the mix if the club is trying to find stability.

Jackson Chourio continues his excellence

With the Brewers committing a long-term contract to Jackson Chourio, expectations have always been high. Chourio takes the mantle as the team's star and will need to deliver in a big way. Another solid season of offensive production complemented with solid defense in the outfield would help solidify the Brewers' future.

Christian Yelich and Rhys Hoskins live up to expectations

Yelich couldn’t make it to the finish after a strong start to the 2024 campaign. If he maintains that level of production — or even takes another step forward — it could be the key to keeping Milwaukee’s offense dangerous.

Same for Rhys Hoskins who provided significant power to the team with 26 home runs and 82 rbis despite a low batting average of .214. The Brewers will need the version of Hoskins they signed after his pivotal role leading the Phillies to the offseason in 2022.

A bullpen that holds their ground without Devin Williams

The Brewers have consistently found ways to develop bullpen arms, but the loss of Devin Williams leaves a void and there’s no way around it. To compensate, Trevor Megill who was a dependable late-inning arm will take over closer duties and guys like Abner Uribe, Joel Payamps, and Elvis Peguero need to step up as valuable high leverage options. If Milwaukee finds stability at the back end of the bullpen, they can still be a formidable force in close games.

A deep postseason run

The Brewers have made the postseason in five of the last six seasons but haven't advanced past the NLDS since 2018. A successful 2025 will not just be about making the playoffs, but finally breaking through with a legitimate run at the NLCS and beyond if capable. The Brewers are in a transition phase, but they still have the pieces to be competitive — now it’s about proving they will remain a contender without their former stars.

More Brewers News from Reviewing the Brew