The Dodgers Face a Challenging Matchup
The Dodgers have been a powerhouse in baseball, but they’ve finally encountered a formidable opponent.
During a regular season defined by competitiveness, the Brewers and the Dodgers stood out. The Brewers achieved the highest win total with 103 games and finished second in fWAR at 48.6. The Dodgers followed closely with 100 wins, leading in fWAR at 53.1. Regardless of the statistics you favor—or even if you disregard them entirely—it’s clear that these two teams were head and shoulders above the rest in 2026. Their meeting in the National League Championship Series felt almost destined from the season’s early days.
This playoff matchup has the makings of one for the ages. It’s only the sixth time in history that both teams in the NLCS have won at least 100 games in the regular season. The last instances were in 2018 and 2019 when the Astros faced the Red Sox and Yankees, respectively. Historically, such occurrences have been rare, making this clash a potential showcase of ultimate talent.
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the first time they’ve faced each other in the playoffs. Last year, the Dodgers dominated the Brewers in the NLCS, sweeping them in four games. Los Angeles then went on to secure their second World Series title in a row and spent the offseason bolstering their roster, signing top free agents and elevating their payroll, positioning themselves as frontrunners for a potential three-peat.
They enter 2026 looking just as strong. This might be one of the most balanced teams the Dodgers have fielded in their 14 consecutive playoff appearances. With a deep lineup and the best pitching staff in the league, they appear to have hit their stride at just the right moment.
Looking back, the few moments where the Dodgers stumbled this season—resulting in only 100 wins—came from underwhelming performances by key players. Kyle Tucker had a tough summer, leading to discussions about the implications of his $240 million contract on the sport’s future. Teoscar Hernández also faced challenges, finishing the season with fewer than 20 home runs for the first time in his career. Additionally, concerns arose about Mookie Betts and whether his Hall of Fame career could be cut short. Without a solid performance from their key hitters, the Dodgers collectively posted a wRC+ of 92 during July and August, landing them among the lowest in the league.
But that all seems like a distant memory now. In September, the Dodgers’ offense surged, powered by Tucker, Hernández, and Betts, who collectively boasted a .314/.405/.586 line (170 wRC+). With contributions from stars like Shohei Ohtani, Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, Andy Pages, and Will Smith, the lineup once again looks threatening. They ended the season with the second-best wRC+ at 111 and scored a total of 801 runs.
Interestingly, offense might not even be the Dodgers’ strongest attribute. They allowed the fewest runs in the majors, even with Ohtani sidelined for part of the season. Leading their rotation is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, last year’s World Series MVP, who achieved a commendable 2.53 ERA. Following him is Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner acquired at the trade deadline, and Blake Snell, another past winner, who has shown resilience despite injury troubles.
If there’s any area of concern for the Dodgers, it could be their bullpen. While they generally excelled, middle-inning depth is slightly lacking. Nonetheless, Edwin Díaz bounced back from a poor August, finishing September strongly and giving the team several potential closers.
This Dodgers roster is undeniably powerful, possibly the most formidable in what could be interpreted as the final act of their current era. However, it’s notable that they didn’t hold the record for the most wins this year; that honor goes to the Brewers, who may even be considered the favorites in this historic matchup.
The Brewers, after a disappointing end to 2025, had a less glamorous offseason but made strategic adjustments without major free-agent signings. Known for their analytical approach, they seemed to trust their internal assessments. Yet projections were not favorable; FanGraphs had them finishing third in the NL Central while PECOTA anticipated only 80 wins. Did the Brewers see something others missed?
Turns out, they certainly did. The Brewers concluded the season with 103 wins, achieving triple digits for the first time in franchise history. While it’s hard to top a season with the most wins in the majors, they somehow managed to enhance their overall performance, finishing first in run differential and second in fWAR, making a strong case for being the league’s top team.
The Brewers are a tough team to face offensively, known for their patience at the plate and versatility on the base paths. While they don’t necessarily hit for tons of power, their offensive pressure can wear out even the best of bullpens, as their recent series showcased.
While the Brewers may not have a standout “star,” they boast considerable depth. Brice Turang excelled as one of the league’s best second baseman, contributing significantly on both offense and defense. Young sensation Jackson Chourio has already shown remarkable potential with multiple 20-20 seasons. Jake Bauers, a veteran first baseman, had a breakout year, marking his name as one of the league’s top hitters. Overall, everyone in the lineup adds value in some way, whether it’s through fielding, base running, or offensive contributions.
On the pitching side, Jacob Misiorowski stands out as not just the Brewers’ ace but arguably the best pitcher in the game today. His performance in Game 1 is anticipated to set new records for velocity in the NLCS. His mix of speed, skill, and control makes him nearly impossible to hit. Much discussion will focus on how the Brewers deploy him during the series.
Of course, this leads to conversations about the rotation depth behind Misiorowski, which isn’t expansive. Logan Henderson is a solid number two, but Dustin May has faced challenges since arriving at the trade deadline, creating a possible advantage for the Dodgers.
However, where the Brewers could gain an edge is in their bullpen, which is notably deep. Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe have been exceptional under pressure, while Aaron Ashby and DL Hall offer strong performances from the left side. Just like the lineup, their relievers provide various options to keep the Dodgers on their toes.
I could delve into potential “X factors” or aspects that might shift the series, like Ohtani finding his groove after injury or the sheer endurance Misiorowski can provide. But honestly, framing this matchup with such lenses seems limiting. We’re looking at two outstanding teams with well-rounded rosters ready to compete fiercely. It’s the kind of NLCS we’ve been anticipating all year, and now it’s finally upon us.
