Milwaukee Brewers Lead NL Central While Mulling Nick Castellanos Claim

The Milwaukee Brewers have posted a 37‑21 record, the best in the National League Central and the third‑best mark in the National League as of late May 2026. Despite ranking last in home runs, the team ranks sixth in runs scored and boasts a league‑leading 3.15 ERA, driven by pitcher Jacob Misiorowski’s 2.9 strikeouts per hit allowed and rookie starter Kyle Harrison’s 1.57 ERA over ten starts. Hitter Jake Bauers, once a .211 career average, is now batting .275 with ten homers.

Separately, the club is evaluating a possible waiver claim on former two‑time All‑Star Nick Castellanos, who was designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres. Castellanos entered the season with a .191/.221/.339 slash line and four homers for San Diego, but his career includes a .250/.294/.400 line in 2025 and a Silver Slugger award. At a $780,000 salary, the Brewers could add him for depth at first base, corner outfield, or occasional third base, with the option to designate him again if it does not work out.