Brewers fall to Cubs 6-2 on July 29 as Chourio's streak ends, but the big news is the trade for catcher Danny Jansen to help a banged-up William Contreras.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a classic 'good news, bad news' day for the Milwaukee Brewers, the sting of a 6-2 loss to the rival Chicago Cubs was softened by a major move from the front office. On Tuesday, the Brewers officially announced the acquisition of catcher Danny Jansen from the Tampa Bay Rays, a decisive trade aimed at shoring up a key position as the team barrels toward the postseason.
Jackson Chourio's incredible 20-game hitting streak, the longest by a Brewers rookie in over a decade, finally came to an end.
The biggest news of the day is undoubtedly the arrival of Danny Jansen. The Wisconsin native joins the Crew after a deal was finalized with the Rays, sending a minor league infielder to Tampa Bay. Jansen, who brings a .703 OPS with 11 homers, provides immediate and critical depth behind the plate. The move is a direct response to the lingering issue of William Contreras playing through a fractured finger. While Contreras has been a warrior, the addition of Jansen allows for much-needed rest for the All-Star catcher, ensuring both are healthy for the stretch run. Jansen is on a one-year, $8.5 million deal with a mutual option for 2026, making this more than just a rental.
On the field, it was a frustrating night at American Family Field. The Brewers' offense couldn't get going against their division rivals, falling 6-2. The loss snapped a two-game win streak and shrinks Milwaukee's NL Central lead to just one game over these very same Cubs. Starter Quinn Priester had a tough outing, surrendering five runs over 5.1 innings. The offense was held in check, with Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick managing the only hits. Pete Crow-Armstrong's 27th home run of the year did most of the damage for Chicago, serving as a painful reminder of how tight this race is.
While the offense was quiet Tuesday, it's worth noting the end of a remarkable run. In Monday's win, rookie sensation Jackson Chourio's hitting streak was snapped at 20 games. Though he went 0-for-3, he still worked two walks, showcasing the plate discipline that has made him so valuable. The streak was a joy to watch and a testament to the rookie's immediate impact. With the offense sputtering in the follow-up game, the Brewers will need Chourio to start a new streak and lead the charge as the calendar flips to August.
While the loss at home stings, the message from the front office is loud and clear: they believe in this team. The acquisition of Danny Jansen is a significant investment in a championship run. Now, with reinforcements in the building, the focus shifts back to the field. The Brewers must find their offensive rhythm and hold off a surging Cubs team in a race that promises to go down to the wire. The next series is no longer just another set of games—it's a direct preview of the playoff intensity that awaits.
