ESPN offers hopeful prediction about the Brewers 2025 playoff chances

The Milwaukee Brewers have spent most of 2025 battling to prove they’re more than just a feel-good story in the National League, and the national spotlight is finally starting to catch up. What began as a season of cautious optimism has transformed into a campaign where the Brewers are not only in the mix, but commanding the attention of baseball’s biggest voices. Now, even ESPN’s panel of insiders — players, executives, and scouts — are giving Milwaukee more than just a passing mention. They’re framing the Brewers as the team to beat in the National League, an accolade that carries serious weight heading into October.

For a franchise that has often thrived under the radar, being crowned “cream of the crop” is no small recognition. The Brewers have built their case on balance, a deep, resilient pitching staff, timely hitting, a ton of speed, and a knack for adapting in tight situations. This isn’t just about one hot streak or a few breakout players; it’s about the consistency that’s carried them to a commanding lead in a division many expected the Cubs to control. With big market powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets looming large, Milwaukee has forced its way into the conversation as a legitimate World Series threat.

National spotlight shifts to Milwaukee as ESPN insiders back Brewers

When ESPN asked 19 baseball players, executives, and scouts: “ Who is the team to beat in the National League? And who is the team to beat in the American League?”

They all acknowledged the threat that the Brewers are to winning a World Series and ruling them the cream of the crop in the National League.

“All three teams can slug their way to the World Series, but the Dodgers have a distinct advantage in the power game, outhomering both Philadelphia and Milwaukee by a wide margin this regular season. However, Philly employs easily the best closer of the three – a crucial element that could help finish off those tight October games.

Still, it was the Brewers who won our poll because they’ve played at such a high level in all areas while also possessing a deep and healthy starting staff.”

To be fair, this wasn’t a runaway vote. Of the 19 insiders surveyed, the Brewers led the way with 7 votes, but the Phillies were right behind with 5, the Dodgers grabbed 4, the Padres earned 2, and even the Mets snuck in with 1. That split shows just how competitive the National League is shaping up to be and how narrow the margin for error will be once October begins.

Still, that edge in voting underscores something bigger: the Brewers are no longer viewed as outsiders, but as the team capable of setting the tone for the postseason. This kind of national recognition isn’t just validation for Milwaukee, it’s a challenge. The Brewers will now enter October no longer as underdogs looking to surprise, but as a team expected to deliver on lofty praise. For a city still chasing its first World Series title, the pressure will be real, but so will the belief. And if ESPN’s insiders are right, 2025 could be the year Milwaukee finally turns potential into history.