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The Milwaukee Brewers have punched their ticket to the World Series for the first time since 1982, sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Now, they set their sights on capturing the franchise's first-ever World Series title.
When it came time to select the NLCS MVP, the choice was clear: first baseman Jake Bauers. While his overall batting line of 4-for-14 (.286) might not jump off the page, Bauers delivered the three most pivotal at-bats of the series, driving in six runs across the four games. As his name was announced, chants of "M-V-P" echoed from his teammates.
Why Bauers Was the Right Choice
Most MVP winners in championship series boast gaudy batting averages, but Bauers made his mark with timely, gritty plate appearances. In Game 2, he worked a 12-pitch walk against Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In Game 3, he launched an 11-pitch home run off Blake Snell. And in Game 4, he delivered two critical at-bats to complete the comeback.
Bauers' home run in Game 3 shifted the momentum of the series. With the Brewers trailing 2-1, the 31-year-old battled Snell and delivered a crushing blow. The blast silenced Dodger Stadium and made a sweep feel inevitable.
The journeyman first baseman had played for four different clubs without finding sustained success. He had even planned to retire, but opted to sign with Milwaukee as he and his wife welcomed their second child. That decision paid off in a big way, as Bauers enjoyed a breakout 2026 season and now holds an NLCS MVP trophy.
Perhaps no player better embodies the Brewers' knack for uncovering hidden talent. A seventh-round pick who bounced around the league, Bauers finally found his footing in Milwaukee, achieving the sustained success that had eluded him elsewhere.
What the Bauers Family Said
Despite trailing in all four games, the Brewers found a way to win each time, marking the first time a team has swept a four-game series while trailing in every contest. "There was never a doubt," Bauers said. "There was never a doubt what was going to happen in the dugout tonight. We knew we were going to win that game."
During the postgame celebration, Bauers and his family appeared on FS1's postgame set. A Southern California native, Bauers had his parents in attendance at Dodger Stadium. His father, Stu, wore a "Rake Bauers" T-shirt, which has become a lucky charm. "I have no words," Stu said. "There's no word that can put in the pride, the joy."
Michael McDermott has covered MLB since the 2016 season. He previously covered the Arizona Diamondbacks for On SI and the Arizona Fall League as credentialed media during the 2022-2025 seasons. Past stops include AZ Snake Pit, Burn City Sports, and FanSided. Follow michaelmcd8393.