The National League Championship Series this year pits two of the most dominant clubs in baseball against each other. The Los Angeles Dodgers, making their 14th straight postseason appearance, face the Milwaukee Brewers, who captured a franchise‑record 103 wins. Both teams finished the regular season with at least 100 victories, a rarity that has occurred only six times in MLB history.
Why this matchup matters
Statistically, the Dodgers and Brewers were the top two teams in the majors. The Dodgers logged the second‑most wins (100) and led the league in fWAR (53.1). The Brewers topped the win column with 103 victories and posted the second‑highest fWAR (48.6). Their collision in the NLCS was inevitable given the parity of the rest of the league.
Dodgers: depth and firepower
Los Angeles entered the postseason with a roster that many consider the most well‑rounded in franchise history. The lineup features the resurgence of Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández and Mookie Betts, who combined for a .314/.405/.586 slash line in September, translating to a 170 wRC+. Supporting stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, Andy Pages and Will Smith add depth, giving the Dodgers the second‑best wRC+ (111) and the fourth‑most runs scored (801) in the majors.
Pitching was the Dodgers’ hallmark. They allowed the fewest runs in the league despite Ohtani’s injury‑limited second half. Yoshinobu Yamomoto, last year’s World Series MVP, posted a 2.53 ERA, ranking fifth overall. He is joined by two‑time Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, both acquired at the trade deadline. While the bullpen lacks depth in the middle innings, Edwin Díaz rebounded from a difficult August to dominate in September, providing a reliable closing option.
Brewers: a franchise‑first season
The Brewers entered 2026 after a turbulent 2025, relying more on internal development than big‑ticket free‑agent signings. Their approach paid off: a 103‑win season, first‑place run differential and second‑place fWAR mark. Offensively, the team emphasizes contact, speed and baserunning. Brice Turang ranked fifth in the majors in fWAR as a premier second baseman, while 22‑year‑old Jackson Chourio posted a third 20‑20 season. Veteran Jake Bauers, at age 31, delivered a 143 wRC+, placing him among the league’s top hitters.
On the mound, Jacob Misiorowski emerged as the league’s ace, delivering velocity and command that set new NLCS records in Game 1. He is backed by Logan Henderson as a solid number two, though depth beyond the top two is limited. The Brewers’ bullpen, however, is a strength, with Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby and DL Hall providing high‑leverage reliability.
Key factors to watch
- Pitching duels: Both clubs boast elite starters. The series could hinge on which rotation maintains consistency and health.
- Offensive firepower: The Dodgers’ September surge versus the Brewers’ relentless, contact‑oriented approach will test each other’s defenses.
- Bullpen depth: Milwaukee’s deep relief corps may offset Los Angeles’ relative middle‑inning shortage.
- Home‑field advantage: The series format gives the higher seed (Milwaukee) the first two games at home, a potential early edge.
Both teams have proven they can win in different ways—Los Angeles with a blend of power and elite pitching, Milwaukee with disciplined hitting and a deep bullpen. The NLCS promises a classic showdown of greatness, and fans across the nation can look forward to a best‑of‑seven series that lives up to the hype.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
