While the Milwaukee Brewers finished second in the National League with 4.98 runs per game, they only hit 166 home runs. The only teams that hit fewer homers were the Nationals, Rockies, Marlins, Padres, Cardinals, and Pirates. The only players to eclipse more than 20 home runs in 2025 were Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio. Despite the limited number of home runs, Milwaukee had the best record in baseball, won its third straight NL Central title, and defeated the archrival Chicago Cubs in five games in the NLDS. However, they would be unceremoniously swept in the NLCS by the Los Angeles Dodgers. To win a championship in today’s game, a team must be able to outslug its opponent. If the Brewers want to get over their postseason hump, they need to add more power to their lineup.

The Brewers Lineup Had Inconsistent Power Embed from Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers had a great offensive team in 2025. They finished second in the National League with 4.98 runs per game behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, despite having power hitters like Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Christian Yelich, Rhys Hoskins, and later Andrew Vaughn, Milwaukee only hit 166 home runs all season. Only the Nationals, Rockies, Marlins, Padres, Cardinals, and Pirates hit fewer home runs. Out of all those teams, only the Padres made it to the postseason.

Milwaukee’s only lineup regulars to hit more than 20 homers were Chourio and Yelich, who had 21 and 29 longballs, respectively. Despite the limited power, the Brewers had the best record in baseball, won their third straight division title, and defeated the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS. However, the Brewers would be embarrassingly swept in the NLCS by the eventual world champion Dodgers.

Generally, to win a championship in today’s game, a team must have the ability to outslug its opponent. In 2025, Milwaukee mainly relied on generating contact, speed on the basepaths, and occasional power from key hitters. This style of offense was enough for them to make it to the postseason and win a series. However, their inability to generate consistent power was a big reason why they were swept in the NLCS. Once again, Milwaukee’s offense let them down when it mattered.

The Brewers Will Have Payroll Flexibility This Offseason Embed from Getty Images

Last season, the Brewers entered the regular season with an average roster age of 27.4, tied for the 10th-youngest in baseball. Given the Brewers’ success during the regular season and their NLCS appearance, this is the offseason to spend some money. With the contract options of Rhys Hoskins, Brandon Woodruff, Jose Quintana, Danny Jansen, and William Contreras declined and the end of Jordan Montgomery’s deadline salary dump, an estimated $58.4 million is coming back to them.

On Opening Day, Milwaukee had the 24th-ranked payroll at an estimated $108,048,836 for its 26-man roster. Under owner Mark Attanasio, the Milwaukee Brewers have had an Opening Day payroll as high as $131,930,160, which was in 2022. Given the amount of money coming off the books and that most of the roster is under team-friendly deals, the team will have some payroll flexibility this offseason.

Heading into the offseason, the Brewers have needs at both first and third base. Aside from Vaughn, Tyler Black is the only other player currently on the roster who can play first base and is unproven. While third baseman Caleb Durbin is a Rookie of the Year finalist, he has limited power. It’s illogical to think that Milwaukee will be in the sweepstakes for Pete Alonso, Cody Bellinger, or Alex Bregman. However, free agent power hitters like Jorge Polanco, Ryan O’Hearn, Josh Bell, Eugenio Suarez, and Yoan Moncada could all fit the bill. It wouldn’t be a surprise if some of those players were available when the Brewers open spring training. This would mean that Milwaukee would be able to sign one of those players to a bargain contract, something they love to do.

The Brewers Have A Big Opportunity To Get Closer To A Championship Embed from Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers had no issue scoring runs in 2025. They had the best record in baseball and won their third straight division title. However, despite having multiple power hitters in their lineup, only six teams in the National League hit fewer home runs than the Brewers. Milwaukee’s inconsistent power would hurt them in the postseason, especially in the NLCS, where they were unceremoniously eliminated by the Dodgers.

If the Brewers want to get to the World Series, they need more consistent power in their lineup. The Brewers have plenty of money coming off their books and will have some payroll flexibility. Currently on the open market, there are many players who can fit within the Brewers’ budget, fill needs at either first or third base, and add more consistent power to the lineup. With all the success the Brewers had this season, this is the offseason to capitalize on it.  

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