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Jake Bauers wins NLCS MVP after breakout performance
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Brewers' Jake Bauers wins NLCS MVP after breakout postseason performance

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Oct 16, 2026 12:17 AM ET
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The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the World Series for just the second time in franchise history after a four-game sweep over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In the sweep, it was the most unlikely hero who continuously provided big swings in the series, something that eventually earned him National League Championship Series MVP honors.

Jake Bauers was the star of the NLCS

Milwaukee first baseman Jake Bauers was awarded NLCS MVP after a standout performance in the series. Bauers collected a hit in all four games, one of which was a go-ahead home run in the Brewers' Game 3 win on Wednesday.

In Game 4, Bauers delivered a two-run double to cut Milwaukee's deficit from 4-0 to 4-2. He also delivered a game-tying walk in the fifth inning of the series-clinching win on Thursday.

In the series, Bauers hit .286 with one double, one home run, three walks and six RBI. Bauers entered the 2026 playoffs with just four RBI in the postseason for his entire career, a number he nearly doubled in the NLCS alone.

Jake Bauers nearly retired from baseball two seasons ago

It was touched on multiple times during the series, but Bauers nearly retired from professional baseball after the 2024 season when he hit just .199 in 116 games.

The thing that made him change his mind? His wife became pregnant and he decided he needed health insurance. Bauers decided to stick in Milwaukee and continue playing, something that has turned out to be one of the best decisions of his career.

Bauers joined the postgame crew Thursday and went a bit more in depth about that process and how he's turned into an excellent player.

Who will be the breakout player in the World Series?

In a season that has been full of unexpected performances, it feels that another one is coming from somewhere in the World Series.

Whether that be from centerfielder Garrett Mitchell, who was also a star in the NLCS, or from starting pitcher Logan Henderson, who had a breakout regular season, it seems that another stellar performance is coming from somewhere.

It will be intriguing to see exactly who that comes from as Milwaukee looks to win its first World Series in franchise history.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

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