The unlikely reliever who could be the Brewers' X-factor down the stretch

By now, it is common knowledge that the Milwaukee Brewers have one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball. Freddy Peralta, Brandon Woodruff, Jacob Misiorowski, Quinn Priester, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill are just some of the guys who headline the incredible group.

However, when the postseason comes around, there comes a moment from every championship team that requires an unlikely hero. Whether it be David Freese for the Cardinals, Francisco Rodriguez for the Angels, or even Don Larsen for the Yankees, it feels there is always someone to go from role player to postseason legend.

Last season, it was Milwaukee's offense that got the big moments. Garrett Mitchell put the Brewers in front on a two-run home run in the 8th inning of game two of the Wild Card matchup, and in game three, Milwaukee's first postseason series win since 2018 nearly came after back-to-back home runs from Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick, before the New York Mets broke Devin Williams. 2025 may have a different story though, if one reliever steps up in a big way.

Joel Payamps may be Milwaukee's X-factor down the stretch

The Brewers were largely quiet at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, only adding around the margins of their roster. Milwaukee landed a backup catcher in Danny Jansen for a prospect that could have been sniped in the MiLB Rule 5 draft, swapped Nestor Cortes and prospect Jorge Quintana for Brandon Lockridge, and sent cash to Arizona for Shelby Miller and Jordan Montgomery's expiring contract.

While Montgomery was never going to pitch for the Brewers, at least not on his current deal, Miller was figuring to be a sneaky addition to a Milwaukee bullpen that has gotten a lot of work. This all went up in smoke, when after just 11 appearances, Miller was lost for the season with a dreaded UCL injury. In the aftermath, the Brewers brought back Joel Payamps, who was last seen at the Major League level back in May when he was struggling mightily and designated for assignment.

After clearing waivers, Payamps was sent to Triple-A, where he made 27 appearances for the Nashville Sounds. In those games, he managed to find his high leverage stuff, recording six saves in seven opportunities, while recording 30 strikeouts. Since rejoining the team, Payamps has given up a pair of hits and a run in each of his two appearances.

Milwaukee will need to find someone to eat innings down the stretch. Nick Mears, Jared Koenig, and Aaron Ashby have been worked incredibly hard through the season. They have been the heartbeat of the Brewers' bullpen. Uribe and Megill, when he returns, will be the late inning guys.

Having a guy with high leverage experience will be crucial. Payamps was nearly untouchable in big moments over the last two seasons. He may be called upon in a big moment, and unlike Erick Fedde, Grant Anderson, and Rob Zastryzny, he has the postseason experience. Now we just need to hope he can find what made him special in the past.