Brewers Defend NL Central Crown, Cubs Close Behind

0:00It's March 24th, Milwaukee Brewer's news today starts now, AI-powered and game-ready. I'm Cory with the story. The Milwaukee Brewer's are heading into the 2026 season as three-time defending national league central champions after a 97-and, 65 finish last year. Despite trading away Ace Freddie Peralta this offseason, following Corbin Burns and Devin Williams in prior years, they added players like Louis Rengafo and Gary Sanchez along with several prospects. Pundits remain skeptical, with many eyeing the Chicago Cubs to finally overtake them. Other teams shuffled their rosters too. The Cubs grab Alex Bregman, but lost Kyle Tucker. Pittsburgh bolstered its line up around Paul Schienes with Marcel O'Zuna, Ryan O'Hern, and Brandon Lowe. Cincinnati welcome back you Hennie O'Swarez and added JJ Blade, though they're missing Hunter Green until July due to surgery. The Cardinals win full rebuild, shipping out Brendan Donovan, Nolan Aeronado, Sunny

1:00Gray, and Wilson Contreras. Experts mostly stick with the brewers on top, predicting them to win between 91 and 94 games. The Cubs trail close in second place across the board, anywhere from 1 to 4 games back. Fans and analysts note Milwaukee's knack for defying low expectations year after year through depth and smart moves. Looking deeper, Pittsburgh could push for a winning record with Schienes anchoring the staff, but their offense might still lag. The Reds, who snuck into playoffs last season, face a tough start without green. St. Louis looks headed for the basement in their reset. All eyes will be on weather Milwaukee's youth and rotation depth, hold up and another grueling division race.