MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers have reached the World Series, transforming their remarkable regular-season accomplishments into postseason success. This achievement raises a familiar question: How do they keep accomplishing this feat?
Playing in Major League Baseball’s smallest market with a payroll ranking in the bottom half of the league, the Brewers have consistently excelled. Despite frequently trading away prominent players before they hit free agency, the team has achieved the best record in the majors for two consecutive years, marking their eighth playoff appearance in nine seasons and clinching their fourth straight NL Central title. This remarkable turnaround is particularly striking given the franchise’s previous playoff drought lasting 25 years, from 1983 to 2007.
Historically, the Brewers faced criticism for their lack of postseason achievement. However, that narrative has changed now that they’ve advanced to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1982, having swept the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, out of the playoffs.
Conventional wisdom suggested that the Brewers’ success would wane following the departures of president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Craig Counsell. Stearns left after the 2022 season to join the New York Mets, while Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs following Milwaukee’s playoff exit in 2023. Contrary to expectations, the Brewers promoted from within, appointing Matt Arnold as president of baseball operations and Pat Murphy as manager, and they have continued to improve.
Arnold, who previously worked alongside Stearns in the front office, has skillfully utilized Milwaukee’s robust farm system. He has secured long-term contracts for talented outfielders Jackson Chourio and Luis Lara, as well as shortstop Cooper Pratt, all of whom have made significant contributions this season.
Perhaps Arnold’s most astute decision was promoting Murphy, who had been Counsell’s bench coach since 2016, to the managerial role. Murphy was recognized as the National League Manager of the Year for the past two seasons, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills.
“He’s tremendous, I think, and well-rounded in a way where he has a great way about going about his business with the push-pull,” Arnold stated. “He’s good at pushing when you need it and pulling back when you need it as well. He does a fantastic job.”
Below is a chronological overview of some pivotal moves the Brewers have made in recent years that have shaped their roster into a contender for their first World Series title.
Key Transactions Leading to Success
Trading for Christian Yelich
One of Stearns’ most impactful trades was acquiring Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins in January 2018. In exchange for Yelich, the Brewers sent Lewis Brinson, Isan Díaz, Monte Harrison, and Jordan Yamamoto. Yelich went on to win the MVP award in 2018 and was named the first captain in Brewers history in September 2024.
Drafting Garrett Mitchell
The Brewers selected Garrett Mitchell from UCLA with the 20th overall pick in the 2020 draft. Despite facing injury challenges, Mitchell played 145 regular-season games this year and contributed two homers in the NLCS.
Drafting Jacob Misiorowski
In 2022, the Brewers selected Jacob Misiorowski, a hard-throwing right-hander, in the second round. Misiorowski has emerged as a Cy Young Award favorite this season, solidifying his status as a top pitcher.
Trading Away Josh Hader
At the 2022 trade deadline, the Brewers traded star closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres, a decision that initially raised eyebrows. However, this move paved the way for the development of pitchers like Robert Gasser, who has proven to be a significant asset in recent playoffs.
Trading for William Contreras
In December 2022, the Brewers acquired William Contreras from Atlanta in a three-team trade. Contreras has since made two All-Star teams and has been a postseason standout, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Trading for Trevor Megill
After being designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins, Trevor Megill was acquired by the Brewers in 2023. Megill has since become a reliable reliever, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the playoffs.
Trading for Jake Bauers
The Brewers secured Jake Bauers from the New York Yankees, and he has emerged as a key player, showcasing impressive performance and exceptional stats in the postseason.
Trading Away Corbin Burnes
In February 2024, the Brewers traded Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles, acquiring infielder Joey Ortiz and pitcher DL Hall. Both players have made meaningful contributions to the team this season.
Trading for Andrew Vaughn
Acquired from the Chicago White Sox, Andrew Vaughn has revitalized his career with the Brewers, posting impressive offensive numbers and contributing significantly to the lineup.
Adding Kyle Harrison, Shane Drohan, and David Hamilton
Through strategic trades, the Brewers have added key players like Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, bolstering their pitching staff, while David Hamilton has brought speed and versatility to the roster.
As the Brewers strive for their first World Series title, their combination of strategic trades, strong player development, and effective management continues to position them as a formidable force in Major League Baseball.
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