Fansided

5 moves the Milwaukee Brewers could make to say on top

By Joshua Sadlock

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles stands outside the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on May 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles stands outside the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on May 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /
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The Milwaukee Brewers currently have the best record in the National League, but what can they do to make sure they stay on top?

It was right around this time last season that the Milwaukee Brewers officially had to be taken seriously as a contender in the National League. Though they would falter down the stretch in the second half and give way to the hard-charging Chicago Cubs, the young Brew Crew announced itself as a burgeoning force to be reckoned with. A multi-year rebuild was accelerated by an aggressive winter and additions of Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain, and the Brewers made it clear they were not messing around.

Milwaukee currently has the best record in the National League and leads the Cubs by a half-game. Cain and Yelich have solidified an already powerful lineup by making it more patient and consistent, while Josh Hader has blossomed into the most dominant reliever in baseball. The Brewers are 42-29 and by no means is that a fluke. They are not going away and are poised to get even better.

To avoid last year’s stumble in the second half, the Brewers need to be smart at the deadline and address their few weaknesses in a meaningful way. With a deep farm system and plenty of trade chips, the front office will be able to get it done. These five moves make the most sense, and will keep the Brewers on top of the National League all the way through to October.

5. Add to bullpen strength

This is setting up to be a great market for teams needing top relievers at the deadline. Multiple All-Stars will (should) be on the move, including Zach Britton, Brad Brach, Kelvin Herrera, Brad Hand and Jake Diekman. The strongest unit of the Milwaukee roster has been the bullpen, but that’s no reason for the front office to rest on its laurels when there are so many rental relievers who have the potential to impact a pennant race.

The Brewers have a top-five bullpen, but it has been worked heavily so far this season. There is also some room for improvement behind the top group of Josh Hader, Jeremy Jeffress and Jacob Barnes. The Brewers don’t need to give up a ton to rent a reliever, but every contender benefits from bringing in an established veteran to reinforce the bullpen for the stretch run.

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