Brewers vs. Dodgers: Underdogs or Pretenders?

The Milwaukee Brewers, having just beaten the Chicago Cubs to clinch their first NLCS berth since 2018, are embracing the underdog narrative against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite Milwaukee going 6-0 against Los Angeles in the regular season, manager Pat Murphy and his players continue to frame themselves as “Average Joes” facing a Goliath.

The David vs. Goliath Context

• Payroll gap: Brewers ~$130M vs. Dodgers ~$400M (luxury tax included).
• Star power: Dodgers roster includes Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell, and rising phenom Roki Sasaki.
• Market size: Dodgers are global icons, while the Brewers operate in baseball’s smallest market.

Brewers’ Perspective

• Murphy on his team: “We’re just a bunch of average Joes… misfit toys. Everybody has been DFA’d or moved around or been through really tough stretches.”
• Players’ mentality: Brandon Woodruff and Christian Yelich emphasize that being underdogs is freeing: “We got nothing to lose.”
• Confidence: Home-field advantage and regular-season wins against the Dodgers give them belief, even if the world doesn’t expect them to win.

Dodgers’ Perspective

• Not buying the underdog talk:
  • Blake Snell: “They’re not. They have the best record in the NL. They’re a really good team.”
  • Manager Dave Roberts: “Anything Murph speaks to, in the Lou Holtz vein, we’re not buying, because that’s a very good ballclub.”
• Respect for Brewers: Dodgers acknowledge Milwaukee’s grit, athleticism, and strong team culture, but maintain confidence in their own star-studded lineup.

Key Takeaways

1. Milwaukee: Underdogs by narrative, but battle-tested and confident after sweeping the Dodgers in the regular season.
2. Los Angeles: Veteran powerhouse, experienced, and globally dominant, but respects Milwaukee’s competitiveness.
3. NLCS dynamic: Star power vs. grit and momentum, with history reminding fans anything is possible—think Buster Douglas, Miracle on Ice, or Jets’ Super Bowl III upset.

Bottom Line

While the Brewers love the “David vs. Goliath” story, the Dodgers aren’t buying it. Yet, baseball’s history of upsets gives Milwaukee hope—and a potential blueprint for postseason magic.

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