The Milwaukee Brewers Bandwagon Guide 2025

As the Brewers head into the playoffs, they have had a magical season.

Their longest winning streak in team history — and free burgers!

The best record in team history with 97 wins!

The No. 1 seed in the playoffs!

And hopefully, they’re just getting started.

If you’re just jumping on the Brewers bandwagon now, no judgements! There’s plenty of room to join the cheering section. And if you want to know the storyline, we can help you get up to speed.

This small-market franchise from Wisconsin's smallest MLB city has achieved something incredible this season, positioning themselves for their first World Series appearance since 1982.

For bandwagon fans seeking an authentic underdog story with legitimate championship potential, the Brewers offer the perfect blend of compelling narratives, exciting young talent, and one of baseball's most welcoming fan cultures. Here’s what you need to know.

The best record in Brewers history

The 97-65 record represents the best regular season in franchise history. More importantly, they've clinched the National League's #1 seed, meaning they get a first-round playoff bye and will host every home game through the World Series if they advance.

Their +168 run differential leads all of Major League Baseball by a wide margin, reflecting both their explosive offense (806 runs scored, 3rd in MLB) and elite pitching staff (3.58 ERA, 2nd in MLB). The team achieved a franchise-record 14-game winning streak in August and went an incredible 29-5 from July through mid-August, establishing themselves as the cream of the National League crop.

Christian Yelich has emerged as their offensive catalyst with 29 home runs and 103 RBIs, returning to MVP-caliber form after years of injury struggles. The pitching staff is anchored by ace Freddy Peralta, who leads the National League with 17 wins while posting a 2.68 ERA and 200+ strikeouts.

Rising stars lead a new generation

At just 21 years old, Jackson Chourio has become the face of the franchise's future. The Venezuelan outfielder made history as the youngest player ever to achieve a 20-home run, 20-stolen base season and signed a record-breaking $82 million extension before establishing himself in the majors. His playoff heroics in 2024, where he hit two game-tying home runs in a single postseason game, announced his arrival on baseball's biggest stage.

Brice Turang provides elite speed with 24+ stolen bases as part of the team's aggressive base-running approach that ranks 2nd in MLB with 164 steals. The Brewers have achieved something unprecedented in modern baseball - six different players with 50+ RBIs and 15+ stolen bases, a feat not accomplished since 1920.

The pitching staff combines veteran leadership and emerging talent. Brandon Woodruff returns from shoulder surgery that cost him all of 2024, while Jacob Misiorowski, a towering 6'7" right-hander, represents the next wave of Milwaukee's renowned pitching development program.

Pat Murphy's managerial magic

First-year manager Pat Murphy has orchestrated one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history after replacing the departed Craig Counsell. Murphy, who won the 2024 NL Manager of the Year Award as bench coach, has created what players describe as a family atmosphere while maintaining the team's signature "Check Game" culture that keeps egos in check.

The coaching staff blends continuity and fresh perspectives, with pitching coach Chris Hook entering his seventh season and associate manager Rickie Weeks Jr., a former Brewers All-Star, providing veteran leadership. This organizational stability has helped develop a roster that combines proven veterans like Yelich with emerging stars like Chourio.

American Family Field experience

American Family Field features North America's only fan-shaped retractable roof and hosts what many consider the best tailgating experience in Major League Baseball. The massive parking lots transform into outdoor festivals three hours before each game, where fans fire up grills for bratwurst boiled in beer, creating a community atmosphere that mirrors Wisconsin's welcoming culture.

The stadium's 41,900-seat capacity ensures an intimate environment where fans feel close to the action. Unique features include Bernie Brewer's famous slide (the mascot slides down after every home run) and the beloved Racing Sausages - a sixth-inning tradition where costumed characters representing bratwurst, Polish sausage, Italian sausage, hot dog, and chorizo race around the field.

Recent concession upgrades include the new Alley Food Truck Park featuring local Milwaukee vendors, Wisconsin cheese curds, and Friday fish fry options that celebrate the region's culinary traditions.

Recent playoff heartbreak fuels hunger

The Brewers have made the playoffs five times in the past six seasons, demonstrating remarkable consistency despite operating in MLB's smallest media market. However, recent postseason disappointments have created urgency around this historic 2025 opportunity.

Their recent playoff history includes division titles in 2021 and 2023, but they've lost nine of their last ten playoff games since their magical 2018 run to the National League Championship Series. The 2024 Wild Card Series loss to the Mets, despite Chourio's historic two-homer performance, exemplifies the frustration of early exits.

This playoff drought makes their 2025 positioning especially meaningful. With the National League's top seed and home-field advantage through the World Series, they've never been better positioned to break through and reach their first World Series since 1982.

David versus Goliath story

The Brewers operate with approximately the 21st-highest payroll in MLB at around $115 million, less than one-third of what teams like the Dodgers ($353+ million) and Mets ($347+ million) spend. This financial disadvantage makes their success even more remarkable and appealing to neutral fans.

Milwaukee represents MLB's smallest media market, yet they consistently outperform teams with unlimited budgets through smart spending, exceptional player development, and organizational culture. Their approach proves that intelligence and chemistry can compete with financial muscle - making them the ultimate underdog story.

The franchise has generated $2.5 billion in economic impact for Wisconsin since 2001, serving not just Milwaukee but the entire state. This community connection runs deeper than typical professional sports relationships, with the team genuinely representing Wisconsin's blue-collar values and work ethic.

Counsell returns: Brewers-Cubs NLDS preview

The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs will meet in the postseason for the first time in franchise history when they square off in the National League Division Series beginning Saturday, October 4. The best-of-5 series pits the top-seeded Brewers (97-65, best record in baseball) against the resurging Cubs (92-70), who just defeated San Diego 2-1 in the Wild Card round. The matchup carries extraordinary narrative weight as Cubs manager Craig Counsell returns to face the team he led for nine seasons, with contrasting styles—Milwaukee's pitching and small ball versus Chicago's power hitting—set to clash in a battle between division rivals who know each other intimately. Milwaukee holds home-field advantage throughout the playoffs after earning a first-round bye, while the Cubs bring momentum from their first playoff series win since 2017. The series begins at 2:08 PM ET Saturday at American Family Field in Milwaukee, with all games broadcast on TBS.

This represents a defining moment for both franchises. The Brewers seek to advance past the Division Series for the first time since their 2018 NLCS run, having been eliminated in the Wild Card round each of the past two seasons despite consistent regular season excellence. The Cubs, meanwhile, aim to reach their first NLCS since their historic 2016 World Series championship, ending a playoff drought that saw them miss October entirely from 2021-2024. With betting odds nearly even (Brewers -116, Cubs +100 on FanDuel), experts anticipate a tightly contested series that could extend to all five games.

The Craig Counsell revenge storyline dominates

No narrative looms larger over this series than Craig Counsell's return to Milwaukee. The Cubs' first-year manager holds the Brewers' franchise record for managerial wins and led them to five postseason appearances from 2015-2023, including the organization's 2018 NLCS appearance. His stunning departure to accept Chicago's offer in November 2023—reportedly the highest annual salary in managerial history—shocked the baseball world and created genuine animosity among Milwaukee fans. A sign honoring Counsell in his hometown of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin (a Milwaukee suburb) was vandalized following the announcement, and when he returned to American Family Field in May 2024, he was greeted with sustained booing.

The Cubs won the regular season series against Milwaukee 7-6 in 13 meetings, outscoring the Brewers 60-56, which adds another layer to Counsell's homecoming. He knows this Brewers roster better than any opposing manager, having shaped much of the organizational philosophy that current manager Pat Murphy inherited. When asked about facing his former team, Counsell diplomatically called it "as good as it gets" while praising Milwaukee's 97-win season. But make no mistake—this is personal. Brewers players and fans view Counsell as having abandoned the organization for a division rival, transforming what would already be an intense playoff series into something approaching blood feud territory.

Milwaukee replaced Counsell with Murphy, who guided the team to its best record since 1982 while maintaining the organizational identity Counsell established. The philosophical question underlying the series: Can Counsell's intimate knowledge of Milwaukee's approach and personnel overcome the talent advantage the Brewers hold?

Series schedule and format details

The best-of-5 Division Series follows a 2-2-1 format, with Milwaukee hosting Games 1, 2, and a potential Game 5 by virtue of their superior record. Game 1 takes place Saturday, October 4 at 1:08 PM CT at American Family Field, with Freddy Peralta starting for Milwaukee against a Cubs starter yet to be determined. Game 2 follows Monday, October 6 at 8:08 PM CT at the same venue. The series then shifts to Chicago's Wrigley Field for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 8, with Game 4 (if necessary) scheduled for Thursday, October 9. If the series extends to a deciding fifth game, it returns to Milwaukee on Saturday, October 11.

All games will be broadcast nationally on TBS and available via HBO Max streaming. Both teams have announced watch party locations for away games—the Cubs at Gallagher Way adjacent to Wrigley Field ($10 tickets benefiting Cubs Charities), while the Brewers organized viewing events at multiple locations across Wisconsin. Given the teams' proximity (just 90 miles separate the ballparks), expect significant road fan presence at all venues, particularly Cubs supporters traveling to Milwaukee for the first two games.

The winner advances to face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series, with a World Series berth on the line. For the Brewers, it would represent their first-ever National League pennant (they won the 1982 AL pennant as an American League franchise). For the Cubs, it would mark their first pennant since the 2016 championship season and just their second since 1945.

How the Brewers dominated to the top seed

Milwaukee's 97-65 record matched the franchise's all-time win total and represented the organization's best season since 1982, when they reached the World Series. The Brewers clinched their third consecutive NL Central division title on September 21 and became the first team to secure a playoff berth, wrapping up their postseason spot on September 13. More impressively, they clinched the best record in baseball—and thus home-field advantage throughout the entire postseason, including a potential World Series—on September 27.

The Brewers' season featured remarkable stretches of dominance, most notably a 14-game winning streak from August 6-16 that established a franchise record and marked the first such streak by any team since the 2022 Seattle Mariners. Additional winning runs of 8 and 11 games from late May through mid-August showcased their ability to string together extended periods of excellence. They paced the National League in multiple categories: third in runs scored (806), second in team ERA (3.59), third in batting average (.258), and first in stolen bases (164).

However, late-season struggles tempered their momentum entering October. After their historic 14-game streak ended, Milwaukee posted an 18-21 record through the regular season's final six weeks, including a 1-5 finish in their last six games. This downturn raised questions about whether the team peaked too early or was simply coasting after clinching everything early. The nearly week-long layoff between their September 28 regular season finale and the October 4 NLDS opener adds another variable—will rest benefit their pitching staff, or will it create rust?

Their regular season success came despite a shoestring $115 million payroll (among the lowest in the playoffs) built through shrewd trades rather than free agent spending. Fourteen players on their roster arrived via trade, reflecting general manager Matt Arnold's ability to identify undervalued talent. The Brewers finished with MLB's best home record (51-27), making American Family Field a genuine fortress that opposing teams struggled to conquer.

The Cubs' playoff return and Wild Card triumph

Chicago's 92-70 record earned them the NL's #4 seed and second place in the Central Division, five games behind Milwaukee. They clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 on September 17 and secured Wild Card home-field advantage on September 28, setting up a best-of-3 series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. The Cubs' return to October baseball represented their first full-season playoff appearance since 2018, ending a frustrating stretch where the franchise failed to capitalize on its championship window following the 2016 World Series title.

The Wild Card Series tested the Cubs' mettle immediately. They opened with a 3-1 victory in Game 1 behind Matthew Boyd's solid start, marking their first Wrigley Field playoff win since 2017. Game 2 brought disaster—a 3-0 shutout loss where the Cubs managed just four hits and saw Shota Imanaga surrender a crucial two-run homer to Manny Machado. Facing elimination in Game 3, Chicago responded with a 3-1 victory behind Jameson Taillon's four scoreless innings and stellar bullpen work. The win was historic: the first winner-take-all playoff game victory at Wrigley Field in franchise history, after previous failures in the 1945 World Series Game 7, 2003 NLCS Game 7, and 2018 Wild Card Game.

Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered the defining defensive play—a spectacular diving catch in center field that preserved the lead and energized the Wrigley faithful. The Cubs' bullpen proved dominant throughout the series, allowing just one run in 13.2 innings of work while striking out batters at an elite rate. This hot streak continues a September surge where Chicago's relief corps struck out 30.8% of batters faced.

The Cubs enter the NLDS with genuine momentum, having won five of their last six games and demonstrating the ability to win close, high-pressure games. However, the quick turnaround presents challenges—their bullpen absorbed heavy usage in the Wild Card round (9.2 innings in Games 1-2 alone), potentially creating fatigue issues against Milwaukee. Key arms like Andrew Kittredge threw in all three Wild Card games, raising concerns about diminished effectiveness on short rest.

Milwaukee's elite pitching versus offensive limitations

The Brewers' identity centers on preventing runs through elite pitching and defense while manufacturing offense through speed and fundamentals rather than power. Milwaukee's 3.59 team ERA ranked second in the National League, supported by the ninth-best WHIP (1.23) in baseball. They allowed the fifth-fewest home runs in MLB and recorded the seventh-most strikeouts (8.8 K/9), creating a stifling environment for opposing hitters.

Freddy Peralta anchors everything as the team's undisputed ace and the best starting pitcher in this series. The right-hander posted a career-best 17-10 record with a 2.70 ERA, striking out 204 batters across 174.2 innings while maintaining a microscopic 1.07 WHIP. His 17 wins led the National League, and he reached 200 strikeouts for the third time in his career. Peralta earned NL Pitcher of the Month honors for August 2025, posting an absurd 0.32 ERA during that stretch. He'll start Game 1 on full rest, giving Milwaukee a significant advantage in what could be the series' most critical game.

Behind Peralta, the rotation shows depth concerns magnified by injuries. Quinn Priester (13 wins) provides a solid second option, likely pitching Game 2. But Brandon Woodruff (right lat strain) remains questionable at best after landing on the injured list September 21, robbing Milwaukee of an experienced playoff starter. José Quintana (left calf strain) offers more hope—the veteran left-hander simulated three innings successfully on September 26 and could be available for Game 3 if the series returns to Chicago. His health represents perhaps the series' biggest wild card for Milwaukee.

The bullpen ranked among baseball's elite throughout the season, led by Abner Uribe's MLB-leading 26 holds and closer Trevor Megill's 30+ saves. However, Megill just returned from a right flexor strain, activating for the regular season finale specifically to test his health before the playoffs. DL Hall, the high-upside power lefty, also returned from a right oblique strain on September 29. Both relievers' effectiveness after injury layoffs remains uncertain. If fully healthy, Milwaukee's bullpen depth—featuring Joel Payamps, Jared Koenig, and potentially rookie sensation Jacob Misiorowski as a multi-inning weapon—should provide late-game advantages.

Where the Brewers struggle is power hitting. Their 166 home runs ranked just 22nd in MLB, a glaring weakness compared to the Cubs' 223 long balls (6th in MLB). Milwaukee's 57-homer deficit means they must manufacture runs through the very approach that defined their 164 NL-leading stolen bases and fundamentally sound baseball. Seven players reached 50 RBIs, with six achieving the historic feat of 50+ RBIs and 15+ stolen bases in the same season—the first MLB team since 1920 to accomplish this with six players.

Christian Yelich leads the offense after a remarkable turnaround from a .190 average on May 21 to finish at .265 with 29 home runs and a team-leading 103 RBIs. His extended hot streak coincided with Milwaukee going 31-15, proving his continued importance despite diminished MVP-caliber production. Brice Turang emerged in his second season, hitting .287 with 168 team-leading hits while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base. Sal Frelick (.290-.296 BA, .362 OBP) and Jackson Chourio (.268 BA, 21 HR) round out a balanced attack that prioritizes situational hitting over raw power.

The question: Can Milwaukee score enough runs against Chicago's pitching if games become shootouts? Their strength lies in winning low-scoring games through superior pitching and defense, but if the series becomes a home run derby, the Cubs hold a significant advantage.

Chicago's power arsenal and pitching concerns

The Cubs constructed their roster around power hitting, and it paid dividends. Three players reached 30+ home runs—first baseman Michael Busch (34 HR, 90 RBI, .866 OPS), center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (31 HR, 95 RBI, 35 SB), and right fielder Seiya Suzuki (32 HR, 103 RBI)—marking the first Cubs trio to accomplish this feat since 2004. Their collective 223 home runs ranked sixth in MLB, providing the offensive firepower to overwhelm opponents when clicking.

Busch emerged as the team's most dangerous hitter, leading in home runs and slugging percentage (.503) while tying the Cubs franchise record with 13 total bases in a single game against St. Louis. He became the first Cubs first baseman to homer in five consecutive games (April 10-15) and made history with two games of 13+ total bases in the same season. His left-handed power plays up at Wrigley Field and should translate well to American Family Field's dimensions.

Crow-Armstrong's historic 30-30-30 season (30 HR, 30 2B, 30 SB) made him the first Cub ever to achieve this milestone and just the second to reach the 30-30 club, joining Sammy Sosa. His elite center field defense provides Gold Glove-caliber value, though he struggled badly in Wild Card Games 1-2, going 0-for-7 with five strikeouts before regaining his footing. If the real Pete Crow-Armstrong appears—the confident, aggressive version from the regular season—he becomes a matchup nightmare for Milwaukee's pitchers.

Suzuki represents perhaps the series' most critical individual matchup. The Japanese outfielder struggled miserably against Milwaukee during the regular season, posting a brutal 6-for-50 (.120) line with 22 strikeouts and .428 OPS in 13 games. Brewers pitchers had his number completely. However, Suzuki heated up dramatically entering October, homering in each of his final four regular season games after a 38-game drought, then delivering in Game 1 against San Diego. If he's solved Milwaukee's pitching staff, the Cubs become exponentially more dangerous. If the regular season pattern continues, Chicago loses a crucial piece of their lineup.

Kyle Tucker, acquired via trade from Houston, serves as the Cubs' best overall hitter when healthy (.270 BA, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 25 SB, .853 OPS in 134 games). But Tucker missed most of September with a left calf strain and only returned for the final series and Wild Card round. He's clearly not at full strength, working back to normal timing and power. His health trajectory determines Chicago's offensive ceiling—a fully operational Tucker transforms them into legitimate World Series threats, while a compromised version limits their upside. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer called Tucker their "best hitter," emphasizing his importance.

The rest of the lineup features solid contributors: second baseman Nico Hoerner led the team in batting average (.297) while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense; shortstop Dansby Swanson (.253 BA, 24 HR, 78 RBI) delivers steady two-way production; left fielder Ian Happ (.258 BA, 18 HR, 76 BB) brings patience and on-base ability. However, Happ joined Crow-Armstrong in going 0-for-7 with multiple strikeouts in Wild Card Games 1-2, raising concerns about their ability to perform under October pressure.

Chicago's pitching presents a mixed picture. Left-hander Matthew Boyd, likely getting the Game 1 start, posted a career year at age 34 (14-8, 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) with 154 strikeouts across 179.2 innings. His strong strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.67:1) reflects excellent command. However, Boyd stumbled badly down the stretch with a 6.54 ERA over his final six starts before the playoffs, though he steadied with a solid five-inning, one-run performance in Wild Card Game 1.

Shota Imanaga, the team's Opening Day starter and 2024 All-Star known as "The Throwing Philosopher," struggled even more dramatically late in the season. After a dominant first half featuring a sub-2.00 ERA through May, Imanaga posted a 5.97 ERA over his final six starts, allowing 12 home runs in his last seven outings. His vulnerability to the long ball (29 HR allowed total) against a Brewers team that lives on manufactured runs creates an interesting dynamic—Milwaukee doesn't hit many homers, potentially neutralizing Imanaga's biggest weakness. His elite walk rate (lowest in majors in 2024) and 0.99 WHIP demonstrate his ability to limit baserunners when avoiding hard contact.

Jameson Taillon, the likely Game 3 starter, rebounded late with a 1.54 ERA in September and delivered four scoreless innings in the Wild Card elimination game, showing he can handle pressure. Colin Rea provides versatility as both a starter and long reliever. The rotation's biggest loss came when rookie Cade Horton, who dominated in the second half, suffered a rib fracture on September 25. He's unavailable for the NLDS but could return if Chicago advances deep into October.

The bullpen's September surge—striking out 30.8% of batters faced—continued in the Wild Card Series, where relievers allowed just one run across 13.2 innings while dominating San Diego's lineup. Setup men Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge shared late-inning duties, while closer Daniel Palencia recently returned from a shoulder injury. Trade deadline acquisitions Taylor Rogers (from Pittsburgh via Cincinnati) and Kittredge (from Baltimore) strengthened the relief corps significantly. However, the heavy workload in three consecutive Wild Card games creates legitimate fatigue concerns—Kittredge appeared in all three games, and several relievers visibly ran out of gas in the Game 3 ninth inning.

Pitching matchups shape everything

Game 1's projected matchup of Freddy Peralta versus Matthew Boyd heavily favors Milwaukee. Peralta represents the series' only true ace, a difference-maker capable of shutting down any lineup on a given day. Boyd's late-season struggles—6.54 ERA over his final six starts—and tendency to allow hard contact against elite offenses raise questions about his ability to outduel Peralta at American Family Field. If Milwaukee steals Game 1 behind their ace, the pressure immediately shifts to Chicago, which must then win Game 2 to avoid a 0-2 series deficit heading to Wrigley.

Game 2 likely features Quinn Priester for Milwaukee against Shota Imanaga for Chicago. This matchup appears more even, though Imanaga's recent struggles with home runs and command create an advantage for a Brewers lineup that makes consistent contact and puts balls in play. Priester's 13-win season and steady presence give Milwaukee confidence, but he lacks the shutdown capability that defines true aces. This game could swing on bullpen management, particularly whether Chicago's relievers have recovered from their Wild Card workload.

Game 3 at Wrigley Field becomes critical if the series is tied 1-1. José Quintana's health determines Milwaukee's Game 3 pitcher—if available, the veteran left-hander (11 wins before his September 17 calf strain) provides a significant upgrade over alternative options. Chicago counters with Jameson Taillon, who showed poise in the Wild Card elimination game and excelled in September. The atmospheric change from Milwaukee's closed-roof environment to Chicago's outdoor ballpark and rowdy Wrigley crowd could favor the Cubs, who fed off their home fans' energy against San Diego.

Beyond the starters, the series increasingly becomes a bullpen battle. Milwaukee's group ranked among baseball's elite throughout the season, featuring Abner Uribe's MLB-leading 26 holds and an experienced closer in Trevor Megill (when healthy). The Brewers' relief depth allows them to match up favorably in any situation. However, Chicago's bullpen enters riding an electric hot streak, and their ability to deploy former starters like Colin Rea, Michael Soroka, and potentially Aaron Civale as multi-inning weapons provides flexibility that could neutralize Milwaukee's advantage.

The X-factor remains Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee's rookie sensation with electric stuff who proved nearly unhittable in four of his five starts. Rather than using him as a starter in the NLDS, the Brewers shifted Misiorowski to a multi-inning relief role, where his overpowering arsenal could devastate Cubs hitters in high-leverage spots. If he's on the NLDS roster and deploys effectively, Milwaukee gains another weapon in their arsenal.

What each team must do to advance

For Milwaukee to win the series and reach the NLCS for the first time since 2018, they must capitalize on their pitching advantage. Freddy Peralta needs to dominate his Game 1 start, potentially stealing a second start in Game 5 if the series extends that far. A 1-0 series lead built on Peralta's brilliance puts immense pressure on Chicago's struggling starting pitchers to respond.

The Brewers' offense must manufacture runs through their speed and situational hitting rather than trying to match Chicago's power. Their 164 stolen bases and aggressive baserunning create pressure on opposing pitchers and catchers, forcing mistakes and manufacturing runs without needing home runs. Christian Yelich's continued hot hitting, Brice Turang's contact-oriented approach, and Sal Frelick's on-base ability at the top of the lineup become critical. If Milwaukee's hitters fall into the trap of trying to hit home runs to keep pace with the Cubs, they'll struggle—their identity demands they remain disciplined and execute fundamental baseball.

Protecting home field in Games 1 and 2 isn't just important—it's essential. A 2-0 series lead heading to Chicago effectively ends the series, as the Cubs would need to win three consecutive games including a return trip to Milwaukee. Even a split sets up favorable dynamics, with the Brewers needing just two wins in the final three games to advance. Their 51-27 home record demonstrates the genuine advantage American Family Field provides.

The bullpen's health determines everything. Trevor Megill and DL Hall must be fully recovered from their recent injuries to provide the high-leverage innings Milwaukee needs late in close games. Abner Uribe's elite setup work and the team's overall relief depth should dominate tired Cubs hitters, particularly later in the series when Chicago's lineup wears down from facing quality arm after quality arm.

For Chicago to advance, the Cubs must exploit Milwaukee's power-hitting weakness by jumping on Brewers pitchers early and building leads that force the opposition into unfamiliar territory—trailing games and needing offense quickly. Their 223 home runs represent a 57-homer advantage, and if they can turn any game into a home run derby, Milwaukee lacks the firepower to respond. Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, and Pete Crow-Armstrong need to punish mistakes and make Brewers pitchers pay for every error in execution.

Kyle Tucker's health trajectory shapes Chicago's ceiling. If he rounds into form and approaches his normal production levels by Game 3 or 4, the Cubs gain their best hitter at exactly the moment they need him most. President Jed Hoyer's assessment of Tucker as the team's best hitter reflects his importance—he's the difference between a good offense and a great one.

The starting pitching must stabilize after its late-season struggles. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga need to rediscover their first-half form, giving Chicago quality starts that prevent overworking the bullpen. If the starters only provide 4-5 innings of mediocre work, the relief corps—already taxed from the Wild Card Series—will deteriorate rapidly across a five-game series. Jameson Taillon's September excellence and elimination game poise suggest he's ready for October pressure, making him a potential difference-maker if he can deliver length and quality in Game 3.

Most critically, Chicago must solve Freddy Peralta. No realistic path to the NLCS exists if Peralta dominates twice. The Cubs need to attack him early, work deep counts to drive up his pitch count, and prevent him from settling into a rhythm. His 204 strikeouts demonstrate his ability to overpower hitters, so patience and contact-oriented at-bats become essential. If they can chase Peralta early and expose Milwaukee's rotation depth concerns, the series dynamics shift dramatically in Chicago's favor.

The bullpen fatigue question looms over everything. Andrew Kittredge threw in all three Wild Card games, and Brad Keller visibly lost effectiveness in the Game 3 ninth inning. If Craig Counsell can manage his relievers carefully—avoiding overuse of any single arm while strategically deploying his multi-inning options—the Cubs can survive. But one miscalculation, one reliever pushed too far, could cost them a critical game and ultimately the series.

Expert predictions lean toward Milwaukee

Betting markets reflect the series' competitiveness, with Milwaukee opening as slight favorites on FanDuel (-116, implying 53.7% win probability) against Chicago at even money (+100). DraftKings shows wider separation, listing the Brewers at -135 and Cubs at +115. Game 1 odds heavily favor Milwaukee (-148) behind Peralta's start, with the over/under set at 8 runs—reflecting expectations of a low-scoring, pitcher-dominated game.

ESPN's 25-expert poll, conducted before the Cubs won their Wild Card Series, showed 13 votes for Milwaukee, 11 for San Diego, and just one for Chicago. The lack of respect for the Cubs reflects skepticism about their late-season pitching struggles and concerns about their ability to win on the road against baseball's best team.

Bradford Doolittle of ESPN made the analytical case for Milwaukee: "At the most obvious level, the Brewers have the best record and run differential and finished in the top three in scoring and preventing runs. They are a complete team, baseball's best during the regular season. As well-balanced as Milwaukee is, however, it is vulnerable to an opponent that can out-thump it."

Matt Snyder of CBS Sports went against the consensus, predicting Cubs in 5: "Not much would surprise me here. This is two very good teams that are awfully familiar with one another. There are concerns with the Brewers' rotation behind Peralta and I'll wager the Cubs get rookie Cade Horton back. The Cubs have a more powerful offense, too, so I'll say that also makes a difference."

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report favored the Brewers in 4 games, citing Milwaukee's home-field advantage and superior pitching depth. MLB.com's official preview emphasized the bullpen battle: "Freddy Peralta is the only ace-level starting pitcher we'll see in this series, so it could come down to a battle of the bullpens. The Brewers had one of baseball's best relief corps throughout the season, but the Cubs' bullpen is on a heater right now."

The contrasting styles—Milwaukee's pitching, defense, and manufactured runs versus Chicago's power hitting and aggressive approach—create genuine uncertainty about the outcome. Both teams possess legitimate paths to victory, with the margin likely coming down to execution in key moments and which team can impose its preferred style of play.

Conclusion: History, revenge, and October drama collide

This NLDS represents far more than a matchup between division rivals—it's a referendum on competing baseball philosophies, a revenge narrative for the ages, and a historic first playoff meeting between franchises that have battled for supremacy in the NL Central for nearly three decades. The Brewers enter with the pressure of expectations, seeking to validate their best regular season in franchise history while overcoming recent October failures. The Cubs bring momentum, power, and a manager intimately familiar with everything Milwaukee does well and where they're vulnerable.

The series likely extends to four or five games, with multiple one-run contests decided by bullpen execution and clutch hitting. Milwaukee's pitching advantage and home field provide the foundation for victory, but Chicago's power and recent playoff success make them dangerous opponents capable of stealing games through one swing of the bat. The winner emerges battle-tested and ready for the NLCS, while the loser faces an offseason of soul-searching about missed opportunities.

For Milwaukee, this represents perhaps their best chance to reach the World Series since 1982. For Chicago, it's an opportunity to build on 2016's championship and prove the current core can compete for titles. Craig Counsell's return adds emotional stakes that transcend normal playoff intensity, transforming each pitch and every play into statements about loyalty, legacy, and what it means to beat the team that knows you best. Baseball rarely delivers October matchups this rich in narrative and competitive balance—the NLDS between the Brewers and Cubs promises to deliver drama worthy of their historic rivalry.

The 2025 Milwaukee Brewers offer bandwagon fans everything they could want: legitimate championship potential, compelling underdog narratives, emerging superstars, authentic fan culture, and the chance to support a small-market team achieving something special. With baseball's best record, home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and a hungry roster that's never been closer to a World Series title, this represents the perfect storm for breakthrough success. Jump on the bandwagon now - Wisconsin's finest are ready to make history.