Milwaukee Brewers model: The Underdogs from a small market could topple Goliath, the Los Angeles Dodgers

The 2026 MLB playoffs are in full swing, with the World Series fast approaching. Only four teams remain, each fighting for a place in baseball’s biggest showdown.

Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reached the National League Championship Series (NLCS). What is surprising, however, is that the defending champions find themselves trailing a team that has never won a World Series title and has not claimed an NL pennant since 1982.

The Milwaukee Brewers currently lead the best-of-seven NLCS 2-0 against the defending champions. Although they have previously reached the World Series, they have never won an NL pennant; their only appearance in the Fall Classic came in 1982, when they were still part of the American League.


Last season, the Brewers were swept 4-0 by the Dodgers at the same stage, with Los Angeles going on to win the World Series. This time, however, Milwaukee has put itself in a strong position to turn the tables and move within two wins of just its second World Series appearance.

From MLB strugglers to World Series contenders: The Brewers' transformation

While the players deserve credit for their performances on the field, Milwaukee’s transformation has also been shaped by decisions made at the top. Much of the credit goes to owner Mark Attanasio, who purchased the franchise from Milwaukee native Bud Selig in 2004.

When Attanasio took over, the Brewers were struggling and hadn’t been to the playoffs in 26 years or had a winning record in 14 years. Therefore, he laid out four principles that would guide his approach to running the franchise.

• Have a perennially competitive team
• Great fan experience
• Have a great place to work
• Be a leader in the community

While he laid out the principles, he didn’t realise how hard it would be to actually achieve that, especially building a competitive team ready to compete year after year.

“I didn’t realize how hard it would be, especially being perennially competitive. But we’ve done it. I got lucky, too. Everything was set up with Doug Melvin as our GM. We had a great farm system with Rickie Weeks, Prince Fielder, JJ Hardy and Corey Hart. Then in my first year, Doug drafts Ryan Braun with the fifth pick. It was set up for success. We just hadn’t had it yet.” Attanasio said in conversation with Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

It still took years for the Brewers to become a competitive team that regularly competed for a playoff spot. Of course, it didn’t just happen by itself. Attanasio had to make changes by getting along with the times by increasing the payroll and investing in the infrastructure.

Then a series of changes in the front office changed their course. David Stearns replaced Doug Melvin in 2015, who then made way for Matt Arnold. Following the departure of beloved manager Craig Counsell, the front office decided to promote bench coach Pat Murphy.

His appointment has been game-changing. The Brewers have had record franchise victories over the past two seasons, with the team surpassing the 100-win mark this season.

The Brewers have impressed everyone this season, and that includes Yankees great Derek Jeter

Milwaukee's success this season has been particularly impressive given the financial disparity between the Brewers and their opponents.

The Brewers won 103 games in the regular season, most by any team this season and they did all that with a payroll of $146.21 million, which makes them the 19th most expensive squad assembled in the MLB. However, this figure is dwarfed in comparison to that of their heavyweight opponents, the LA Dodgers.

The contrast with the Dodgers is striking. They entered the playoffs with a payroll of $339.32 million, which is 2nd in the league and only behind the Mets. Despite this significant financial advantage, they now find themselves trailing Milwaukee 2-0 in the NLCS.

Their brand of baseball, which many have dubbed “Brewer Ball,” has earned them some plaudits. Their approach has caught the eye of Yankees great Derek Jeter, who finds them impressive. He believes they can go all the way, pointing out their ability to close games.

“You can call it Brewer ball, small ball, call it situational baseball. Quite frankly, that’s how baseball is supposed to be played. These guys do all the things they need to do in order to win close games. The question is- can they win like this? Of course they can win like this. They have great pitching, great defense, and timely hitting. But this is how the game of baseball is supposed to be played, especially at this time of the year. Brewers are playing the game the right way.”


The Brew Crew have been dominant this season despite operating with a payroll of just $146.21 million. They are now on the verge of sending the Dodgers home. But their on-field success is not the only reason Milwaukee fans love this team. It’s also the strong connection between the franchise, its players, and the community

Milwaukee loves their Brewers, and the players don’t take that for granted

Milwaukee is one of the smallest markets in the MLB and the Brewers aren’t the biggest or richest of teams. Yet, there is something about the team in the small market. Fans are close to the team, cheer for them passionately, and support them day in and day out.

That spirit runs inside the franchise, according to team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich.

“It’s a family environment around the team, where everybody really cares for each other. That’s from ownership on down. They take care of the players, their families, and the guys on the team are friends. The community supports the team. The fan base has been amazing. You understand that your performance as a team directly impacts the happiness of the people in the state, in the city, and you don’t take that for granted.” Yelich said to the USA Today

They have managed to build a team that has been competitive for a few years now but have failed to get over the line. Now, they stand on the verge of booking their place in the World Series. Their season has been impressive, and they have earned plaudits for their efforts on the field.

While the Brewers' story tells us that building a winning ball team doesn’t always require the biggest names or payroll, their opponents, the Dodgers, will beg to differ.

They have assembled a roster packed with talent, which has won them two consecutive World Series titles. Despite falling behind, they have the personnel and experience to turn things around.

For now, the Brewers have given their fans a lot of cheer and believe that they can finally come out on top and reach the promised land.

Yet, in baseball anything can happen. Things can change, and their dream of winning the World Series might just remain that- a dream.