Dodgers, Brewers collide in all-time NLCS matchup

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers clashed in an historic National League Championship Series matchup. In 2026, baseball witnessed a rare all-time matchup, as both teams won at least 100 games during the regular season. The Brewers led the way with 103 wins and finished second in fWAR (48.6), while the Dodgers came in second with 100 wins and topped the charts in fWAR (53.1).

This was the sixth time both teams in an LCS had won at least 100 games during the regular season. The most recent pairings were in 2018 and 2019, when the Astros faced the Red Sox and Yankees, respectively, in the ALCS. This could be an all-time contest of greatness vs. greatness, a rarity in modern baseball. However, this is also a rematch, as the teams faced each other in last year's NLCS, where the Dodgers swept the Brewers 4-0 and went on to win their second consecutive World Series.

The Dodgers were once again a powerhouse this year, boasting a deep lineup, the best pitching staff in the league, and having gotten hot at just the right time. The Dodgers' offense exploded in September behind the trio of Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández, and Mookie Betts, who combined for a .314/.405/.586 (170 wRC+). With stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, Andy Pages, and Will Smith, the Dodgers showcased one of the deepest and most fearsome lineups in the majors.

Los Angeles finished the season with the second-best wRC+ (111) and fourth most runs scored (801). However, the Brewers were just as formidable, winning the most games in the majors in 2026 with 103 victories. Their offensive approach of working counts, putting the ball in play to all fields, and running the bases effectively proved to be a tough matchup for the Dodgers.

The Brewers' pitching staff included Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, and Blake Snell, who all contributed to their strong season. With this lineup, the Brewers were indeed the favorites in this all-time series.