Why Brewers manager Pat Murphy continues to exceed expectations

2. Embracing the power of friendship

Milwaukee’s team chemistry has become a cornerstone of its success. Under Murphy’s leadership, the Brewers have fostered a clubhouse culture built on what has affectionately been called the “power of friendship.” With rituals like pocket pancakes and the clear bonds shared between players and Murphy, the Brewers thrive on connection.

3. Involving everyone on the roster

Murphy has consistently found ways to extract value from players who might otherwise be overlooked. Two standout examples are outfielder Isaac Collins and infielder Andruw Monasterio.

Collins, selected by the Brewers in the Rule 5 Draft from the Colorado Rockies in 2023, didn’t even appear on the NL Rookie of the Year radar entering the season. But through multiple opportunities in Milwaukee’s lineup, he’s contributed in big ways — slashing .262/.362/.410 with nine home runs, 54 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 127 games. Collins has now surged into the top three of the NL Rookie of the Year race, per BetMGM.

Monasterio has turned into a dependable piece in Milwaukee’s infield through consistent performances and defensive versatility — capable of playing every infield position and left field. In 64 games this season, he’s slashing .288/.339/.466, and has had many game-changing plays.

4. Capitalizing on new additions

Amid a season filled with injuries, Milwaukee leaned heavily on trades and free-agent signings to keep its roster afloat. Two of the most pivotal trade acquisitions — starting pitcher Quinn Priester and first baseman Andrew Vaughn — flourished under Murphy’s guidance, transforming into key pieces in Milwaukee's success.

Acquired from the Boston Red Sox in April, Murphy wasted no time inserting Priester into the starting rotation despite arriving to Milwaukee carrying a career 6.23 ERA across 15 starts. Since joining the Brewers, Priester has posted a 13-2 record and a 3.25 ERA over 28 appearances (23 starts).

Vaughn's turnaround was just as impactful. After being acquired in June and spending a brief stint in Triple-A with the Nashville Sounds, he was called up to Milwaukee. In his Brewers debut, Murphy slotted Vaughn into the starting lineup in the five-hole despite him slashing just .189/.218/.314 with five home runs and 19 RBI over 48 games with the Chicago White Sox. 

Vaughn delivered immediately, launching a three-run home run off All-Star Yoshinobu Yamamoto in his very first at-bat. Since joining Milwaukee, Vaughn is slashing .312/.376/.502 with nine home runs and 44 RBI in 59 games.

5. No free passes given

On April 26 against the St. Louis Cardinals, Murphy made a bold statement by benching two starters — Sal Frelick and Caleb Durbin — midway through the game following costly mistakes. The Brewers ultimately lost the contest, 6–5, on a walk-off home run, but the decision emphasized Murphy’s commitment to accountability.

Frelick airmailed a cutoff throw in the fourth inning, allowing the Cardinals to extend their lead to 4–0. In the fifth, Durbin drove in a run with a double but was picked off at second after an aggressive baserunning mistake. Murphy pulled both — Frelick, a 2024 Gold Glove winner, and Durbin, fresh off an RBI hit — not as punishment, but to send a clear message.

In Milwaukee’s next game, Frelick and Durbin returned to the lineup and contributed with a hit apiece in a 7–1 victory. The win marked the beginning of an ongoing 81–46 run.