Brewers Clinch Fourth Straight NL Central Title
The Milwaukee Brewers have officially clinched the National League Central Division for the fourth consecutive season, solidifying their status as the class of the NL. The clincher came on September 15 in Pittsburgh, where the Brewers defeated the Pirates to secure the division crown. But the team isn't satisfied with just another division banner.
"We're right in the middle of the golden age of Brewers baseball," writes SI.com's Brewers OnSI, noting that the only thing missing is a World Series title. Milwaukee has accomplished virtually everything else in recent years, and this season they have their eyes on an even bigger prize: the No. 1 seed in the National League playoffs.
Entering play on September 20, the Brewers boasted a 97-58 record and were one win away from tying the franchise record for victories in a season (97, set last year). A win on Sunday night against the Baltimore Orioles would not only set a new franchise record with 98 wins but also reduce their magic number for clinching a first-round bye to one. Milwaukee's magic number to secure the top seed in the NL is down to nine, with 11 games remaining.
"If Milwaukee wins nine of its final 11 games, then it won't matter what the Dodgers do," the SI report explains. "In that scenario, the Brewers would clinch the No. 1 seed simply thanks to their own play on the field."
Franchise Record Within Reach
On Sunday night, the Brewers took the field at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with a chance to make history. Right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (15-5, 1.89 ERA) got the start against Baltimore's Brandon Young (9-4, 3.65 ERA). The game, broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN as part of Sunday Night Baseball's season finale, featured Milwaukee's first opportunity to set a new franchise win record.
The Brewers wasted little time, taking an early lead in the second inning when Cooper Pratt singled to right, scoring Jake Bauers. It was the third time in the series that Milwaukee jumped ahead early, a testament to their aggressive style. As of the game's early innings, the Brewers led 1-0.
A victory would also drop the Brewers' magic number for clinching a bye into the NL Division Series to one, after the Atlanta Braves defeated the Houston Astros earlier in the day. With the Dodgers lurking and playing some of the hottest baseball in the league, Milwaukee's ability to control its own destiny is crucial.
"Every win by the Brewers will lower that number," the SI report notes. "Also, every loss by the Los Angeles Dodgers will lower it as well."
A Golden Era in Milwaukee
This sustained success is unprecedented for a franchise that historically struggled to reach the postseason. The Brewers have transformed from a team that consistently missed the playoffs into the most consistent winner in the National League. Their fourth straight division title is a testament to the organizational culture and roster construction under manager Pat Murphy and the front office.
Milwaukee's 2026 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. With a .623 winning percentage entering Sunday, they have been the class of the NL. The team has won six of its last seven games, including a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs from September 7-9. The Brewers are now three wins away from tying the franchise record and four wins away from a new mark. Six wins would give Milwaukee its first 100-win season in franchise history.
Depth and Development: The Jimenez Promotion
While the major league club chases history, the Brewers are also making moves with an eye on the future. On Sunday, the team announced the promotion of 24-year-old right-hander Edwin Jimenez from Double-A Biloxi to Triple-A Nashville. Jimenez, who has been with the organization for six years, had a solid season in Double-A, recording 46 strikeouts, five holds, and three saves with a 4.88 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP over 34 games.
Jimenez's first outing with the Sounds was rough—he surrendered seven earned runs on six hits and two walks in one inning—but the promotion itself signals the Brewers' commitment to developing internal talent. As the big league club gears up for another deep playoff run, the pipeline remains strong.
What's Next
The Brewers will close out their series in Baltimore on Sunday night, then return home for their final regular-season homestand. With the division already clinched, the focus shifts to securing the top seed and the all-important first-round bye. Milwaukee's magic number for the No. 1 seed is nine, meaning any combination of Brewers wins and Dodgers losses will get them there.
If the Brewers can maintain their current pace, they will not only set a franchise record for wins but also enter the postseason as the NL's top seed, with home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs. For a team that has accomplished everything but win a World Series, this could be the year they take that final step.
As the SI report puts it, "The clock is ticking on the regular season and everything is pointing up for the Brewers. They control their own destiny in the National League standings."
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