From Milwaukee Brewers On SI · · 1m 50s
Brewers eye division title but face familiar playoff threats
Milwaukee can clinch their fourth straight NL Central crown, but last year's demons and division rivals loom large in October.
In brief
Milwaukee can clinch their fourth straight NL Central crown, but last year's demons and division rivals loom large in October. Despite their regular season dominance, the Brewers face serious postseason challenges from the defending champion Dodgers and their scrappy division rival Cubs. Originally reported by…
Brewers closing in on division crown
Milwaukee can clinch the NL Central on Tuesday with a win and a Cubs loss. It would be their fourth straight division title and fifth in six years.
Last year's sweep still stings
The Brewers had baseball's best record in 2025 but were swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS. They're positioned for another top finish but face familiar threats.
Dodgers remain the biggest obstacle
Los Angeles won back-to-back World Series titles and swept Milwaukee last year. They're likely headed for another NLCS showdown with the Brewers.
LA's pitching duo is elite
Even without Shohei Ohtani pitching in October, the Dodgers can deploy Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal. Taking down that one-two punch won't be easy.
Home field may not be enough
Milwaukee and Los Angeles are battling for the NL's top seed. Even if the Brewers secure home field advantage, beating the Dodgers will be difficult.
Cubs pack a dangerous lineup
Chicago features MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong plus Michael Busch, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki. Their familiarity with Milwaukee makes them dangerous.
Clay Holmes trade strengthened Chicago
The Cubs bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Clay Holmes. Of all playoff-bound teams, they know the Brewers best from division play.
Last year's series went the distance
Milwaukee won the 2025 NLDS against Chicago, but the Cubs forced a Game 5 after dropping the first two. They're hungry to return the favor this October.
“The North Siders gave them a run for their money and should not be taken lightly as they prepare to return to the postseason”
What to remember
Despite their regular season dominance, the Brewers face serious postseason challenges from the defending champion Dodgers and their scrappy division rival Cubs.
