Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers weekend preview

Between all of these position groups, the Cubs have a definitive advantage over the Brewers with their position players. Their lineup is full of current and potential All-Star players, not to mention “bench players” like Javier Báez.

While the Brewers’ position players have potential, they are not quite equal in skill to the Cubs. The most notable players in their lineup are Ryan Braun and Jonathan Villar. Braun has obviously put together a very successful career, but Villar has had just one superb season (2016).

For the Brewers to beat the Cubs, they will need their lesser-known players to produce offensively. It seems safe to assume that the Cubs’ offense will not have a hard time scoring. If the Brewers’ offense struggles, it will be even hard for them to keep up with the Cubs.

Last season, Brewers’ third baseman Travis Shaw hit 16 home runs with the Boston Red Sox. While he is no Kris Bryant, the Brewers will need his power to produce if Villar and Braun get on base ahead of him.

Another Brewers’ player to watch is outfielder Keon Broxton. Before the All-Star break last season, Broxton hit .125; afterward, he hit .294. With him, Villar, Braun and Shaw, the Brewers’ have a very formidable top of the lineup. All in all, though, the Cubs’ offense should be able to score plenty against the Brewers’ average pitching staff.