Their lead in the NL Central grew to 6 ½ games on June 17. They haven't even been playing poorly lately -- they are still on pace to win 97 games -- but the lead has dwindled. In fact, the Cubs and Brewers are tied for first place.

Williams sensed he was gone last year after giving up that game-winning homer to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in the Division series. It was a gut-wrenching end to the Brewers’ season, the last game beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker called.

Before we get into this next iteration of our weekly power rankings for the 2024 MLB season, a reminder is in order of how early it still is. The Kansas City Royals, who are "hot" off a 106-loss ...