The stage is set for one of the most compelling playoff matchups in recent memory as the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers prepare to clash in the National League Division Series. This marks the first time these NL Central rivals have met in the postseason, adding unprecedented stakes to their already intense rivalry. The Brewers enter with home-field advantage after posting baseball's best record at 97-65, while the Cubs arrive with momentum after defeating the San Diego Padres in their Wild Card Series.
The storylines are numerous, from Craig Counsell managing against his former team to Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic season and the Brewers' quest to finally break through in October. With the series beginning at American Family Field, these bold predictions will shape how this historic first playoff meeting between these bitter rivals unfolds.
The Craig Counsell Factor Will Decide Game 1
The most compelling narrative surrounding this series centers on Craig Counsell, who left Milwaukee after nine seasons to become the highest-paid manager in baseball history with a $40 million Cubs contract. Counsell's intimate knowledge of the Brewers organization, combined with his strategic acumen, will prove decisive in the series opener.
Counsell managed most of Milwaukee's current roster and knows their tendencies better than any opposing manager could. His decision to start Matthew Boyd on short rest for Game 1, despite Boyd's struggles against Milwaukee this season (5.33 ERA in two starts), demonstrates his confidence in outmaneuvering his former team. Boyd allowed nine runs in 10.1 innings against the Brewers during the regular season, but Counsell understands that Freddy Peralta's efficiency issues could be exploited.
The psychological impact cannot be understated. Brewers fans were so upset by Counsell's departure that someone spray-painted “ass” across his name on a Little League field sign in his hometown of Whitefish Bay. This emotional baggage will create added pressure on Milwaukee players who respected and played for Counsell for years.
Pat Murphy, who replaced Counsell and was actually Counsell's college coach at Notre Dame, will feel the weight of proving the Brewers made the right choice in promoting from within. The Cubs' 7-6 regular season series advantage gives Counsell additional confidence, and his Game 1 strategy will set the tone for Chicago stealing home-field advantage.
Pete Crow-Armstrong's Postseason Breakout Continues
Pete Crow-Armstrong has already delivered clutch performances in the Wild Card Series, collecting three hits in the decisive Game 3 against San Diego. The 23-year-old center fielder made history this season by becoming just the second Cubs player ever to join the 30-home run, 30-stolen base club, joining Sammy Sosa. His combination of power, speed, and elite defense makes him uniquely suited for October baseball.
PETE CROW-ARMSTRONG IS HYPE AFTER ADVANCING! pic.twitter.com/FrEshB4AVW
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) October 3, 2025
Crow-Armstrong's matchup history against Freddy Peralta strongly favors the young star, as he's 5-for-11 with a home run and double against the Brewers ace. His ability to work counts and see pitches effectively will exploit Peralta's efficiency concerns, as the Milwaukee starter completed six innings only 13 times this season and seven innings just once.
The Cubs' defensive excellence, anchored by Crow-Armstrong in center field, will neutralize Milwaukee's speed-and-contact approach that led the league in baserunning value. His range and arm strength will prevent the Brewers from manufacturing runs through their typical small-ball tactics, forcing them into uncomfortable situations where they need to hit for power against a team that ranked better defensively.
Crow-Armstrong's youth and fearlessness in big moments, combined with the Cubs' need for a catalyst after their Wild Card Series grind, positions him perfectly for a signature postseason performance. His energy and athleticism will spark Chicago's offense when they need it most, making him the X-factor that tips the series in the Cubs' favor.
The Brewers' Playoff Curse Extends to Six Consecutive Series Losses
Milwaukee's postseason futility will continue despite their franchise-record 97 wins and baseball's best regular season record. The Brewers have lost five consecutive playoff series dating back to 2019, and several factors suggest this drought will extend to six series.
Milwaukee's offensive approach, which relies heavily on contact hitting and manufacturing runs, historically struggles in October baseball. Teams with the most home runs in postseason games have won more than 80 percent of the time over the last five years, with over 40 percent of playoff runs driven in by home runs. The Brewers ranked 22nd in Major League Baseball with 166 home runs this season, while the Cubs possess significantly more power throughout their lineup.
The pressure of expectations weighs heavily on this Brewers team. After years of early playoff exits under Counsell, this group faces immense pressure to finally deliver a breakthrough. The psychological burden of facing their former manager adds another layer of complexity, as players like Christian Yelich and William Contreras must perform against someone they deeply respected and played for.
Milwaukee's starting pitching depth issues will be exposed in a five-game series. While Freddy Peralta is excellent, questions remain about Jose Quintana's health and Brandon Woodruff's availability. Jacob Misiorowski has struggled since returning from injury, and the Cubs' ability to work deep counts will tax Milwaukee's bullpen despite their regular season success.
The Cubs' recent Wild Card Series experience gives them a crucial advantage in handling playoff pressure that the rested Brewers lack. Chicago's championship pedigree from 2016, combined with veterans who understand October baseball, will prove decisive when the series reaches crucial moments. Milwaukee's franchise history of falling short in the biggest moments will repeat itself, extending their playoff futility to another disappointing October.
The stage is set for a historic clash between these NL Central rivals, with storylines and individual performances that will define both franchises' trajectories. While the Brewers enter as favorites with home-field advantage, the combination of Counsell's strategic edge, Crow-Armstrong's emerging stardom, and Milwaukee's psychological barriers will ultimately deliver the Cubs their first NLDS victory since 2017.
