Brewers vs. Cubs on July 28, 2025, for first place in the NL Central. Rookie Jacob Misiorowski duels ace Matthew Boyd in a high-stakes divisional showdown.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It doesn't get much bigger than this in late July. Riding the high of a dramatic walk-off win, the Milwaukee Brewers return home to find their archrivals waiting. The Chicago Cubs are in town, and with both teams sitting at an identical 62-43 record, first place in the National League Central is up for grabs tonight at American Family Field. This isn't just a game; it's a potential turning point in the season.
Tied at 62-43, the Brewers and Cubs enter tonight's game with identical records and sole possession of first place in the NL Central on the line.
The spotlight shines brightest on the mound, where a fascinating duel awaits. The Brewers are handing the ball to flamethrowing rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who has been nothing short of electric in his debut season. Sporting a 2.46 ERA and a dazzling 0.92 WHIP, the kid has proven he has the stuff to compete. But tonight is his biggest test yet, as he faces Cubs ace Matthew Boyd. Boyd has been a Cy Young contender all year, posting an 11-3 record with a minuscule 2.20 ERA. For the Brewers to come out on top, the offense, led by the power of Christian Yelich (19 HR) and Jackson Chourio (67 RBI) and the on-base prowess of Sal Frelick (.352 OBP), will need to solve one of the league's best.
The Crew couldn't have asked for a better shot of adrenaline heading into this series. Sunday's finale against the Marlins was a nail-biter that ended in pure jubilation. After the bullpen locked down Miami for three tense innings, it was Blake Perkins who played hero, lacing a single in the bottom of the ninth to secure a 3-2 victory. That kind of clutch performance is exactly the momentum a team needs when staring down a three-game set with their biggest rival.
While all eyes are on the big-league race, the foundation of the organization has never been stronger. A new report confirms the Brewers' farm system is now one of the deepest in baseball, boasting six Top 100 prospects—tied for second-most in MLB. Recent breakouts from 2024 draftees Marco Dinges and Tyson Hardin have added even more firepower to the pipeline. This embarrassment of riches presents a good problem for the front office, which must now navigate the futures of 34 minor leaguers set for free agency. Deciding who to protect and who to re-sign will be crucial for maintaining the depth that promises to keep the Brewers competitive for years to come.
Tonight is more than just another game; it's a statement. A win sets the tone for the series and puts the Brewers in the driver's seat of the NL Central. With the trade deadline just days away, the front office is watching closely. Will they stand pat, trusting the current roster and the wave of talent in the minors, or will they make a move to add that one final piece for a deep October run? Grab your popcorn, Brewers fans. This week is going to be a wild ride.
