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The Milwaukee Brewers have secured the NL Central crown for three consecutive seasons and currently hold a six-game lead over the Chicago Cubs as the second half begins, positioning them for a fourth straight division title. With the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline approaching, the team's primary objective is clear: how to finally win the National League pennant that has eluded them. Hall of Famer CC Sabathia emphasized the need for a significant trade.
"I hope the Brewers make a trade. This would be the time," Sabathia said. "The last three, four years, they've been the best team during the regular season ... but can't get over the hump in October." Last season, the Brewers were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. Prior to that, they lost in the NL Wild Card series in consecutive years. Their closest brush with a World Series appearance came in 2018, when they fell to the Dodgers in seven games.
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Milwaukee already boasts Jacob Misiorowski, who is emerging as the frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award, and an MLB-best team ERA of 3.41. Sabathia believes the rotation and bullpen could be further strengthened with targeted additions. "If you could make a trade for a [Tarik] Skubal, even [Mason] Miller at the backend of your bullpen — that could help you," Sabathia stated. "I think the only way you can beat the Dodgers is by having a pitching staff [like that]." Sabathia's bold prediction: "The Brewers make a big trade and go out and give the Dodgers a run for their money. I think that has to happen." Milwaukee continues its second-half surge this weekend against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday Leadoff at 3 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN. New episodes with CC and Ahmed Fareed drop every Wednesday on NBC Sports NOW, NBCSN, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Originally reported by yahoo.