The Milwaukee Brewers enter their March 29, 2025, contest against the New York Yankees looking to rebound after a tough Opening Day loss and to establish an early rhythm in what is expected to be a transitional yet competitive season. The most compelling storyline for the Brewers in this matchup is the return of Nestor Cortes to Yankee Stadium, now wearing a Milwaukee uniform and tasked with facing the team he once called home, where he earned All-Star honors in 2022 and became a fan favorite for his unique delivery, off-speed deception, and unorthodox timing. Cortes brings valuable experience and familiarity with the Yankees’ hitters, giving Milwaukee a potential tactical edge on the mound, especially if he can effectively mix his fastball, cutter, and curveball to induce weak contact and disrupt timing. The Brewers, who underwent notable roster changes during the offseason, are leaning on a blend of proven veterans and emerging talent to remain in contention in a retooled NL Central. With longtime clubhouse leaders like Willy Adames gone and key additions like Connor Thomas and Gary Sánchez stepping in, Milwaukee is still finding its new identity, but the pieces are there for a successful campaign. Christian Yelich continues to be the face of the franchise, and while no longer posting MVP-level numbers, he remains an essential contributor with his on-base ability, leadership, and timely hitting. Supporting Yelich are young contributors such as Brice Turang, Garrett Mitchell, and Joey Wiemer, who bring athleticism and energy to the field, while Rowdy Tellez and William Contreras provide much-needed pop in the middle of the lineup. The Brewers’ offense showed promise during spring training, where they hit .277 with 46 home runs and 177 RBIs as a team, indicating the potential for run production even as they adjust to new roles and chemistry.

Defensively, Milwaukee is expected to be strong up the middle, with Turang and Turang’s double-play partner displaying solid glove work, and the outfield, anchored by Mitchell, possessing excellent range. However, the biggest concern remains the pitching staff, particularly after a spring in which the Brewers posted a team ERA of 5.79—far from ideal entering a season that demands consistency from the rotation and bullpen. That puts added pressure on Cortes to set the tone in this start, especially against a dangerous Yankees lineup that already showed its firepower in Game 1 with home runs from Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe. The Brewers’ bullpen, featuring a mix of young arms and veteran relievers like Joel Payamps and Hoby Milner, must be ready to enter early if Cortes runs into trouble, especially given New York’s tendency to wear down pitchers with patient, power-laden at-bats. Milwaukee will also need to play clean defense and find a way to scratch out runs against Max Fried, one of the most skilled left-handers in baseball, making his highly anticipated Yankees debut. If the Brewers can stay competitive in the early innings and get into the New York bullpen with the game close, their resilience and scrappy style could put them in position to even the series. For a team seeking to prove it can contend in 2025 despite turnover and questions surrounding its depth, a win in the Bronx behind a familiar face would serve as an early-season statement that Milwaukee is still a team to watch.