LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 8: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on in the dugout during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on September 8, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
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Shohei Ohtani, and his Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for another World Series title.
The Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers are headed for a showdown.
It seems likely one of those teams will represent the National League in the 2026 World Series.
At the start of play September 23, the Dodgers have a record of 97-60.
At the start of play September 23, the Brewers have a record of 98-59.
Both those first place teams have hurdles to cross in the National League playoffs before they can think about the World Series.
Six teams are projected with a chance to enter the World Series from the National League side of the MLB landscape.
Those six teams project to be the San Diego Padres, the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers or the Brewers.
mlb.com projects that the Dodgers will have to get beyond either the Padres or the Braves to reach the National League Championship Series. The winner of that series goes on to the World Series.
mlb.com projects that the Brewers will have to get beyond either the Philadelphia Phillies, or the Cubs to make it to the Championship Series.
Shohei Ohtani’s Los Ángeles Dodgers’ Strengths:
Los Angeles, CA – September 07, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) sits in the dugout before an MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
1- Shohei Ohtani plays for the Dodgers.
As sports.yahoo points out September 23, “Shohei Ohtani is expected to be back in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup after a stint on the injured list.” The story went on to say, “The two-way superstar has been on the IL since September 9 due to right biceps inflammation and lingering soreness in his left knee.”
With Ohtani in the lineup, most likely at the leadoff position, the Dodgers offense might be the most formidable in Major League Baseball.
Los Angeles, CA – September 08, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) delivers during the second inning of an MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
2- The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff:
Few baseball teams can match the Dodgers starting rotation.
The Dodgers starting pitching staff includes lefty Tarik Skubal, righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto, righty Tyler Glasnow, and lefty Blake Snell. And of course, Ohtani can probably pitch, if needed. But that would be a long shot.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 8: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates scoring a run during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on September 8, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
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3- The Dodgers potent offense includes All Stars everywhere.
Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernandez, Josue De Paula, Andy Pages, Tommy Edman, and of course Ohtani, can all rake.
Any of them are capable of ending a game with one swing
The offense is complete, balanced, and lethal.
Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers Are Great, But The Brewers Have Strengths:
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at American Family Field on September 08, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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1- The Brewers roster is loaded with talented players
As sports.yahoo.com indicates in a September 11 headline, “Brewers’ Talent Ranked Among Best In Baseball.” The article stated, “For weeks now, the Milwaukee Brewers have been the best team in Major League Baseball. Recently, they also became the first team to reach 90 wins this season.”
Infielder Brice Turang has speed, power, and an excellent hit tool to go along with excellent middle-infield defense. He can steal a base at any time.
Outfielders Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell have the ability to knock the ball out of the park, or hit the gaps for long doubles and triples. Both can run.
While not the star he once was, outfielder Christian Yelich is still formidable with the bat.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 27, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
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2- The Brewers have Jacob Misiorowski, and other great stars.
Right-hander Jacob Misiorowski may be the best pitcher in the game. He has the ability to throw his fastball at 105 miles-per-hour. Incredible.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 02: Manager Pat Murphy #00 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 02, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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3- The Brewers have manager Pat Murphy
A true leader, as mlb.com states, Pat Murphy has won two consecutive National League Manager of the Year Awards.
Murphy handles both his player roster and his pitching staff with great skill and patience.
Murphy has the temperament to lead without being overbearing, but he is tough. And fair.
To this old scout, Pat Murphy is a tremendous asset for the Brewers.
Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers, or Milwaukee Brewers, Which Is The Better Team?
That is in the eye of the beholder.
Time will tell who goes to the World Series from the National League.
But…
Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers are both capable of being in the World Series as the National League entry.
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