The Milwaukee Brewers enter the 2026 playoffs carrying a sense of confidence that was missing a year ago, despite having more wins and improved offensive numbers. After falling 4-0 in the National League Championship Series last October, the team has worked to erase doubt and build belief in their ability to reach the World Series for the first time since 1982.
First baseman Jake Bauers, who leads the Brewers in home runs this season, described a “different feeling around the team” as they prepare for their opening playoff game against the San Diego Padres on October 3. “Last year, there was maybe a little bit of lack of belief, maybe a little too much doubt,” he said on October 2. “Going into the postseason, there’s a different feeling around the team. I think there’s been a concerted effort to make sure everybody in the room knows what we’re capable of.”
Bauers highlighted the team’s culture and resilience. “We all know whether one person doesn’t get it done, there’s somebody right behind them who’s going to be ready to pick them up,” he added. His own journey reflects that mindset. Drafted by the Padres in 2013, Bauers struggled early in his career, hitting just one home run in the Arizona Rookie League. He once believed he might retire after the 2024 season, but now leads the Brewers in homers.
“Things can change so quickly in this game,” Bauers said. “It’s so easy to get down on yourself, so easy to feed it at times and not want to keep going. I know I’ve been there plenty of times throughout my career. … Keep going, keep learning.”
The Brewers have clinched the National League Central division title for four consecutive seasons but have yet to advance past the NLCS. Owner Mark Attanasio acknowledged the team’s evolving mindset. “Four division titles in a row, and every year the celebrations have gotten a little less festive,” he said. “Still spirited, but a little less like it’s a big surprise.” Attanasio relayed that outfielder Christian Yelich noticed the team was less worn out this year after clinching the division in Pittsburgh.
Manager Pat Murphy said the team is aware of the doubt that surrounds them but refuses to accept it as a limit. “There’s so many reasons to doubt,” he said. “For a team built like us, it’s such an uncommon thing – except if we’re not to accept that doubt and just I believe it’s going to happen. I believe it could happen. Things can go wrong. But things can go wrong for the other team, too.”
Bauers has experienced professional baseball’s ups and downs firsthand. After being traded from the Padres to the Rays in 2017 as part of a deal that sent Wil Myers to San Diego, he learned the business side of the sport quickly. “I actually remember being at Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch with some friends. MLB Network was on the TV and next thing you know, I see my name,” he said. “That’s how I found out.”
He was traded again in December 2018, this time to Cleveland in a three-team trade involving Edwin Encarnacion, Carlos Santana, and Yandy Diaz. Reflecting on those moves, Bauers said, “Some of that you don’t necessarily want to look back on because some of it is bad memories. But also at the same time, everything that’s happened has brought you to where you are today. It’s just an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to learn and an opportunity to keep going.”
The Brewers enter the 2026 postseason with a roster strengthened by a superstar starting pitcher and improved offense. They face a Padres team that manager Murphy believes is equally prepared. The series opener on October 3 will test whether Milwaukee’s renewed belief can carry them beyond last year’s NLCS disappointment.
According to Yahoo Sports.
