Handing out awards for the Brewers' memorable NLDS victory over the Cubs

Major League Baseball doesn't name an MVP for each Division Series, which is a real shame because Erik Kratz had a strong case back in 2018 when the Milwaukee Brewers swept the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS. MLB instead reserves its coveted playoff series MVP awards for the League Championship Series and World Series.

As a result, we are left to hand out our own awards after the Brewers' streak-breaking postseason series victory over the Chicago Cubs. But, with plenty of impressive performances worth highlighting, we won't just be handing out an NLDS MVP award.

Brewers' 2025 NLDS Postseason Newcomer: Chad Patrick

Seven Brewers made their first postseason appearances during the team's NLDS matchup with the Cubs: Grant Anderson, Robert Gasser, Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, Quinn Priester, Caleb Durbin, and Isaac Collins. While The Miz certainly could have earned Postseason Newcomer Award in addition to a later award, in an effort to highlight as many performances as possible, Patrick takes home the honor.

That's not to say Patrick isn't deserving of the Postseason Newcomer Award; he was incredible during the Brewers' thrilling series victory over the Cubs. After not being a lock to make the NLDS roster, Patrick showed up with new gear in October. Working as a reliever, something he did just four times during the regular season, Patrick shut down Cubs hitters, ultimately making four appearances, covering 4.2 innings, and not allowing a single hit.

In Game 5 last night, he entered the contest in a crucial moment in the top of the sixth inning, with runners on first and second, just one out, and the Brewers only up by one run. He proceeded to not only retire the two batters he faced in the sixth inning in order, but he also tossed a clean 1-2-3 inning in the seventh as well, setting Abner Uribe up for a six-out save.

Pitching in big moments during the NLDS, Patrick, despite his lack of postseason experience, has not looked overmatched. Instead, he's risen to the occasion, and as a result, he's become an integral piece to the Brewers’ 2025 postseason run, which now continues with a matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Brewers' 2025 NLDS Silver Slugger: Jackson Chourio

Despite playing in just his second postseason, 21-year-old Jackson Chourio is quickly building a reputation as a player to watch out for in October. In eight career playoff games, Chourio already has 3 HR, 9 RBI, and an incredible OPS of 1.245.

Chourio, who is battling through a hamstring injury that has made him visibly hobbled throughout the series, still managed to lead the team in hits (7), RBI (6), and doubles (2) during the NLDS, despite missing most of Game 1. Additionally, his three-run homer off Daniel Palencia in Game 2 gave the Brewers the breathing room that they needed to take a 2-0 series lead.

With a matchup against the Dodgers on the horizon, Chourio's continued postseason excellence will be a key factor in the Brewers’ chances of advancing to their second World Series in franchise history.

Brewers' 2025 NLDS Cy Young: Jacob Misiorowski

Before the series began, nobody really had any idea what Jacob Misiorowski's role would be on the Brewers' postseason roster, if he even made the roster in the first place. A shaky second half left his playoff status in question, but both Matt Arnold and Pat Murphy displayed an unwavering confidence in their All-Star rookie, not only including him on the NLDS roster, but also throwing him into some important situations.

It started with a scoreless three-inning outing in Game 2, in which Miz allowed just one hit and struck out four. With the Brewers taking the lead during his second inning of work and maintaining it through the end of the game, Misiorowski earned his first postseason win on Monday night.

Then came the crucial Game 5 matchup last night. With their season on the line, Murphy once again turned to Misiorowski as the focal point of the team's pitching plans, giving him four innings of work in the middle of last night's game. Despite allowing a solo homer to the first batter he faced, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, Miz settled in and ended up earning the win once again. In a series where both Quinn Priester and Freddy Peralta struggled, the 23-year-old Misiorowski stepped up when his team needed him most.

Brewers' 2025 NLDS MVP: William Contreras

Misiorowski was incredible, Chourio carried the offense, and Andrew Vaughn slugged two important homers, but the heart and soul of this Brewers ballclub throughout the NLDS was William Contreras. It started with the Brewers' backstop firing up the Milwaukee faithful with a letter to the fans before the series began, detailing how much he loves the city and how much he believes in this team.

At the plate, Contreras crushed two homers of his own, both of which gave the Brewers a one-run lead at the time. He led the team in runs scored (5), while trailing Chourio by just one hit for the team lead. In Game 5, when it was imperative that the Brewers got off to a hot start, it was Contreras' first-inning homer, breaking Drew Pomeranz's streak of retiring 24 straight batters, that set the tone, shifting the momentum in the Brewers’ favor after two tough games in Chicago.

On top of his impressive offensive performance, Contreras shined behind the dish in the NLDS. Catching every single inning for the Brew Crew, he navigated a pitching staff that included two bullpen games, had several rookies making their postseason debuts, and suffered brutal blows in the first inning of nearly every game. Contreras' poise and clear veteran leadership, despite being just 27 years old, make him the clear choice for the Brewers' MVP in this year's NLDS.