Aug 17, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Austin Hays (12) celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off single in the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Christian Yelich knows exactly the first question he’ll hear from reporters when the visitors' clubhouse doors open on Monday ahead of a five-game, four-day series between the Brewers and Cubs. For weeks,

Improbably, the Brewers are back in first place, confounding skeptics and offering a blueprint for success on a shoestring budget.

The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for Cubs manager Craig Counsell. His team opened the year on a 59-39 tear—only to find themselves outpaced by a once-in-a-generation Brewers squad, currently in the process of setting Milwaukee ablaze two years after its ex-skipper's departure.

George Webb burgers for the Brewers' tailgate party-loving fan base. With a club-record 14 consecutive wins that led to Sunday's 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Cincinnati Reds, the Brewers have won an almost unfathomable 28 of 33 games.

Still, Milwaukee's status as the best team in MLB remains unchanged, much like the teams currently in a position for a playoff spot. The top six teams in both the American and National Leagues are the same from last week, but there's still some drama heading into the home stretch of the 2025 season.

Among the usual top baseball teams this season, there is another, more unexpected name – that of the Milwaukee Brewers.

What strikes me about watching the Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick is how much he reminds me of Pete Rose — the player, apart from his controversies.