The Milwaukee Brewers’ 2025 season concluded with disappointment as they fell short of their first World Series title, but the campaign was not without considerable achievements. The team secured their first playoff series victory since 2018, notched a franchise-record 97 regular-season wins, and established a remarkable 14-game winning streak. A standout moment came from rookie Jacob Misiorowski, whose postseason performance included a record-setting nine strikeouts.
Despite these accomplishments, the Brewers faced a tough reality in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), where they were unable to secure a single game against the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers. The team strayed from the fundamentals that underpinned their regular-season success, a misstep that ultimately cost them the opportunity to advance to the World Series.
With the offseason upon them, the Brewers now must address several critical questions if they hope to make a successful return to the NLCS and overcome the Dodgers in 2026.
First and foremost is the future of the starting rotation. Freddy Peralta led the way for the Brewers in 2025, boasting a team-friendly $8 million club option for the upcoming season, which could make him a valuable trade chip. Meanwhile, the likelihood of declining options for both Brandon Woodruff and José Quintana suggests significant changes ahead for the rotation. Rookies such as Jacob Misiorowski and Chad Patrick, along with the promising Quinn Priester, are poised to play key roles moving forward. Additionally, players like Aaron Ashby and DL Hall may be converted to starting roles, supported by the depth offered by other prospects such as Tobias Myers, Logan Henderson, and Robert Gasser.
Another pivotal question is the status of Joey Ortiz as the team’s shortstop moving forward. Despite a promising 2024 rookie season, Ortiz struggled offensively in 2025, which has raised concerns about his role in the lineup. Given Brice Turang’s breakout season and potential impact, the Brewers must consider whether to retain Ortiz in hopes of revitalizing his bat or to seek a short-term solution until prospects like Cooper Pratt and Jesús Made are ready for the Major League.
Additionally, the Brewers must confront the need for more power within their lineup. While they excelled in scoring runs during the regular season, the absence of home runs became evident in the playoffs, particularly against the Dodgers’ formidable pitching staff. To improve their postseason viability, the Brewers might aim to add a legitimate power hitter to their roster this offseason. However, strategic decisions will be crucial to ensure that they do not hinder the development of their promising young prospects.
Overall, while the Brewers showcased significant talent and achievement in 2025, the postseason highlighted areas that require improvement. How the organization approaches the offseason could prove vital in transforming their roster into a championship contender. With a young core already in place, the Brewers are close, and with a few strategic moves, they could be on the brink of achieving their championship aspirations in 2026.