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2019 MLB Power Rankings: Postseason Edition

By Lucas Friedman

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 01: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros celebrates after throwing a no hitter at the end of the ninth inning during a MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 01, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 01: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros celebrates after throwing a no hitter at the end of the ninth inning during a MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 01, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Brewers
ST LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 15: Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after hitting a grand slam against the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth inning at Busch Stadium on September 15, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

MLB Power Rankings: Postseason Edition

9. Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are heading back to the playoffs for the second straight season. This is the first time the Brewers have made back-to-back playoff appearances since 1982. In 2018, they won their second NL Central division title in team history. They came up just short of winning their first NL pennant, losing in game 7 of the NLCS to the Dodgers.

Thus, expectations were high entering 2019. Fans carried the hope that they can finally break through and win their first World Series behind a strong bullpen, young starting pitching, and an offense powered by 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich.

While they didn’t come out and dominant the NL Central, the Brewers did enough all season to set them up for a playoff run down the stretch. Christian Yelich not only replicated his MVP season, but even improved. In 2019, he hit .329/.429/.671 with 44 home runs and an OPS+ of 179. All of these numbers surpassed his 2018 MVP performance in 17 less games. Unfortunately, Yelich fractured his right knee cap on September 10th, thus prematurely ending his season.

Many thought the injury to Yelich would bury the Brewers in a very crowded NL Wild Card race. They were wrong. The Brewers proved their depth and resiliency, going 13-2 since Yelich went down. They have also 20-4 in September, and 42-26 in the second half to separate themselves from the contenders and cement themselves as true contenders in the

While Yelich was undoubtedly the best player in their lineup, the rest of the Brewers offense is no joke. Mike Moustakas has remained one of the most underrated third basemen in the league, slugging 35 home runs en route to his third All Star game appearance. Ryan Braun continues to be a consistent elite veteran presence at the top of the lineup. Newly-acquired Yasmani Grandal has produced one of the better offensive years from a catcher in 2019.

However, no one has been more valuable to the Brewers’ scorching-hot second half than rookie infielder, Keston Hiura. Originally stepping in for the struggling Travis Shaw, Hiura has proved he has the talent to be a big time contributor on the major league level. In 81 games, Hiura has hit .300/.366/.573 with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs. The young star will look to fill the void Yelich has left and anchor the Brewers lineup in October.

The Brewers’ bullpen has been scorching-hot as well. In September, they have compiled a 2.58 ERA, 3.31 FIP, and 1.00 WHIP. Drew Pomeranz has turned into one of the best trade deadline acquisitions, putting up a 2.16 ERA in 24 appearances out of the bullpen for the Brew Crew. Brent Suter has returned from Tommy John surgery, and has pitched extraordinarily well out of the bullpen thus far. He looks to contribute in October. And of course, Josh Hader is one of the best closers in the MLB.

If the Brewers have a weak point, its their lack of depth at starting pitching. While Zach Davies and Brandon Woodruff give them a good 1-2 punch, there is a noticeable drop off in quality. Hopefully Jordan Lyles can continue his dominance since coming over at the deadline. In 11 starts, Lyles is 7-1 with a 2.45 ERA.

The Brewers are the hottest team in the MLB entering the playoffs. Like last season, they are peaking at the right time. Their absurd September has earned them the right to make another run at their first World Series title. And by the way, they are only one game behind the Cardinals for the NL Central lead. If the Brew Crew stays this hot, the rest of the league better watch out.

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