The Dodgers enter the National League Championship Series as favorites over the Milwaukee Brewers, backed by a recent history linking high payrolls to postseason success. Since 2012, World Series champions have averaged the sixth-highest payroll in baseball at $218.4 million, and only three title winners ranked outside the top 10. Los Angeles, the two-time defending champion, led the majors in spending in both title seasons.
Milwaukee has reached the playoffs in eight of the last nine years but is making just its third NLCS appearance in that span. The Brewers were swept by Los Angeles in last year's NLCS, scoring one run per game while slashing .118/.191/.193 with 41 strikeouts against 11 walks. The Dodgers hit 50 more home runs than Milwaukee during the regular season, though the Brewers scored 31 more runs, stole 90 more bases, and ranked fifth in doubles.
The pitching matchup presents a contrast. Milwaukee enters with NL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal fully rested for Game 1, alongside Jacob Misiorowski, giving the Brewers a stronger rotation setup than last October. However, the Dodgers hold advantages in starters' ERA, expected ERA, and FIP despite injury management. Los Angeles plans to start Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow in the first four games.
An analyst noted the Brewers are built for the 162-game grind but may lack the power required for October, while the Dodgers shift focus entirely to the postseason once qualified. Milwaukee's improved depth includes Misiorowski and Logan Henderson, though pitchers with ERAs above 5.00 such as Dustin May, Shane Drohan, and Brandon Sproat are not expected to start.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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