The Cubs host the Brewers on June 17, 2025, in a pivotal NL Central showdown. Can starter Ben Brown rebound and help Chicago extend its division lead?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The lights are bright at the Friendly Confines tonight as the Chicago Cubs (44-28) kick off a massive three-game series against their closest rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers. This isn't just another series in June; it's a statement series, a chance for the first-place Cubs to widen their five-game lead and assert their dominance over the NL Central.
The Cubs' bullpen hasn't just been good in June; it's been historically dominant, posting a league-best 0.98 ERA.
Tuesday marks the start of a heavyweight bout at Wrigley. The Cubs, riding high after winning their last series, welcome a Brewers (39-34) team that's also playing good baseball. The stakes couldn't be clearer. A strong showing here could give the Cubs significant breathing room in the division standings. Fans will remember the last time these two met, with the Cubs outscoring Milwaukee 16-6. While hot bats from the likes of Gage Workman (.424 AVG) and Darius Hill (.750 AVG) have been key, the real story of the Cubs' recent success lies on the mound.
Taking the ball for the Cubs is the enigmatic Ben Brown. While his last outing against Philly was one to forget (6 ER in 5.2 IP), the underlying numbers tell a more promising story. With a 3.38 xFIP and a knack for generating swings and misses, Brown has the stuff to be a difference-maker. Before that last start, he was electric, posting a 1.38 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 13 innings. Tonight's start against a tough division rival is a massive test and a perfect opportunity for Brown to prove his 5.71 ERA is just a number and that he's the real deal.
Backing up Brown is the single best relief corps in baseball this month. The Cubs' bullpen has been practically unhittable, posting a mind-boggling 0.98 ERA in June. This lockdown unit is the team's ultimate trump card. But the Cubs aren't just built for today. Even after dealing a top prospect for Kyle Tucker, the farm system remains elite, boasting a league-high-tying seven players in MLB's Top 100. According to farm director Jason Kanzler, this depth provides not only future stars but also the assets needed to make a significant move at the trade deadline to gear up for a deep October run.
This series against the Brewers is more than just three games; it's a barometer for what this Cubs team is capable of. With a young arm looking to prove himself, the most dominant bullpen in baseball, and a treasure trove of prospects, the Cubs are in an enviable position. A series win here wouldn't just pad their lead; it would send a clear message to the rest of the National League that the road to the World Series might just run through the North Side of Chicago.
