3 Stats That Prove the Brewers Are Legitimate World Series Contenders in 2022

The Milwaukee Brewers have secured a playoff berth in each of the last four seasons, but they haven't reached the World Series since 1982. This roster has the pieces in place to compete for another National League Central division title with manager Craig Counsell leading the clubhouse.

The Brewers have the best odds to win the NL Central at -125 and odds set at +1600 to take home the Commissioner's Trophy, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Let's take a look at three stats that prove Milwaukee is a legitimate World Series contender in 2022.

Milwaukee Brewers World Series

1. 3.48 Team ERA in 2021

It's hard to talk about the Brewers without mentioning their starting rotation. Corbin Burnes is coming off an impressive Cy Young season in which he posted an ERA under 2.70 for the third time in his four MLB seasons. Meanwhile, All-Star Brandon Woodruff racked up career-high 211 strikeouts and Freddy Peralta tied for second on the squad with 10 wins. The depth Milwaukee possesses at the starting pitcher position gives them an opportunity to win every single day. The Brewers finished with the third-best team ERA last season (3.48) and will be a contender for that top spot once again this summer.

2. Andrew McCutchen's 27 Home Runs in 2021

Milwaukee may not have made any major signings in free agency, but it did add Andrew McCutchen to provide a boost at the plate. The 35-year-old exceeded expectations last season by hitting 27 home runs, which was his highest mark since 2017. That mark would've ranked second on the Brewers behind only Avisail Garcia. Keep in mind Milwaukee averaged right in the middle of the pack in terms of runs per game and total home runs. If McCutchen can keep his recent power numbers going, he has a shot to improve those rankings all by himself. Look for the 12-year pro to play a major role on Counsell's team.

3. Josh Hader's 96 Saves Since 2018

The Brewers have leaned on strong pitching over the last few seasons and it has worked out well. That is true from a bullpen perspective, too. Josh Hader has become one of the best closers in the sport since taking over the role in 2018. Not only does has he logged 96 career saves, but Hader has racked up 482 strikeouts in 282.1 innings pitched. That goes to show just how crazy his fastball command is when he is at the top of his game. The 27-year-old has earned an All-Star bid in each of his last three full seasons and will be the key to Milwaukee winning close games down the stretch in 2022.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.