Brewers FeedJake Bauers
1B · Age 31 · Bats Left
Where things stand
Jake Bauers is heading into the World Series as the Brewers' NLCS MVP after delivering clutch performances against the Dodgers, including a go-ahead two-run home run off Blake Snell in Game 3. The Brewers have him batting second in their World Series lineup against the Rays, and he carries World Series MVP odds of +750, trailing only co-favorites William Contreras and Jackson Chourio. Bauers will face his former organization, the team where he began his career before eventually joining Milwaukee.
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2026 season
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Jake Bauers coverage
World Series giveaway from our partners at Homage
Homage is partnering with the site to give away a World Series merchandise pack while the Brewers face the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series. The prize includes a hoodie or crewneck, two t-shirts, and sweat shorts or pants, with options featuring player-specific designs for Jackson Chourio, Jacob Misiorowski, William Contreras, and Jake Bauers. A winner will be selected on Sunday, November 1, and notified by Monday, November 2.
Brew Crew BallWorld Series Game 1 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) vs Tampa Bay Rays (0-0)
Jacob Misiorowski will start Game 1 for the Milwaukee Brewers against Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays, with both teams seeking their first World Series championship. The Brewers finished the regular season 103-59 and swept through the postseason until facing the Dodgers in the NLCS, while the Rays won the AL East and rallied from a 2-1 deficit to beat Cleveland in six games. Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff, recovering from a shoulder injury and inactive since July 4th, has been added to the 26-man roster after throwing live batting practice. The Brewers will deploy a lineup featuring Jackson Chourio leading off with Jake Bauers and Christian Yelich following, while the Rays counter with Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda at the top and speedster Chandler Simpson batting third ahead of power hitter Junior Caminero.
Brew Crew BallPat Murphy shuffles Brewers' batting order ahead of World Series opener against Rays
The Milwaukee Brewers adjusted their batting order for World Series Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays, with manager Pat Murphy moving captain Christian Yelich to the third spot. Yelich has faced Rays starter Nick Martinez 19 times in his career, batting .263 with a home run, and his new position could pressure Rays manager Kevin Cash to decide whether to keep Martinez in the game or use his bullpen early. The Brewers also moved NLCS MVP Sal Bauers up to the second spot to protect leadoff hitter Jackson Chourio, while Brent Turang dropped from second to fifth in the order.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers to face off against former hitting coach in World Series matchup with Rays
The Brewers and Rays will meet in the World Series, with both teams seeking their first championship. Multiple player and coaching connections link the franchises, including ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta returning to face his former team, NLCS MVP Jake Bauers playing against his original organization, and Ozzie Timmons rejoining the Rays after serving as the Brewers' co-hitting coach. Brewers president Matt Arnold spent nine years in Tampa's front office before joining Milwaukee, facilitating numerous trades between the teams over the years. Both teams employ similar offensive strategies emphasizing contact and speed, though the Brewers have powered through the postseason with a league-leading 10 home runs.
Reviewing the BrewBauers, Díaz reunite in World Series 8 years after trade that altered their careers
MLB.com BrewersBrewers and Rays' World Series MVP odds offer several long-shot possibilities
The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are set to compete in the 2026 World Series, with William Contreras and Jackson Chourio listed as co-favorites for World Series MVP at +700 odds, followed by NLCS MVP Jake Bauers at +750. Unlike most years, no single player emerges as a clear frontrunner, with several long-shot candidates like pitchers Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson potentially moving into contention with strong performances. History shows that World Series MVP awards often go to unexpected players rather than the favored team's star power hitter or ace, making prediction particularly difficult.
Reviewing the BrewThe ties between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 World Series
The Brewers and Rays meet in the 2026 World Series with several notable connections between the organizations. Outfielder Joey Bauers played for Tampa early in his career before eventually joining Milwaukee, where he won NLCS MVP after a strong 2026 season. Pitcher Freddy Peralta was traded from Milwaukee to the Mets mid-season before the Rays acquired him at the deadline, and he earned ALCS MVP honors for Tampa. Drew Rasmussen was drafted by the Brewers and traded to Tampa in 2021, where he has developed into an All-Star pitcher. Additionally, Brewers general manager Matt Arnold spent nine seasons with the Rays organization in various front office roles before joining Milwaukee.
Brew Crew BallHow the Brewers fared against the Rays during the 2026 regular season
The Milwaukee Brewers won the regular season series against the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 in late March and early April, outscoring Tampa 14-3 across the final two games. However, the matchups occurred nearly seven months ago, and both rosters have changed significantly since then, with the Rays adding right fielder Victor Meas and catcher Liam Hicks while losing starter Shane McClanahan to a season-ending forearm injury. The Brewers hold a bullpen advantage with a 3.40 ERA compared to Tampa's 3.99, though the Rays have a slight edge in starting pitcher ERA at 3.51 to 3.61. Milwaukee's offensive power, demonstrated by home runs from William Contreras, Brice Turang, and Jake Bauers in the spring series, could prove decisive in the World Series.
Reviewing the BrewA position-by-position breakdown of Brewers vs. Rays
The Brewers and Rays, two small-market teams that have exceeded expectations, will face off in the World Series with managers Craig Counsell and Kevin Cash both among the league's best. Catcher Salvador Perez gives the Brewers an advantage after his strong postseason performance, while second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Wander Franco provide Tampa Bay with solid options. The Brewers hold advantages at catcher, first base, and shortstop due to strong postseason performances from players like Contreras and Bauers, though the Rays counter with young superstar Yandy Caminero at third base, who leads the majors in home runs over the past two seasons despite some defensive limitations.
Brew Crew BallJake Bauers vs. Blake Snell: A Breakdown
Jake Bauers hit a go-ahead two-run home run off Blake Snell in an 11-pitch at-bat during the NLCS, following up an earlier impressive 12-pitch walk against Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The article analyzes Snell's pitching approach and arsenal, noting that while he throws only four pitches—fastball, changeup, slider, and curveball—all are swing-and-miss pitches, with his curveball ranking among the best breaking balls in baseball. Snell's strategy against Bauers involved attacking him up and in with fastballs while mixing in breaking balls and changeups away to keep him off balance. Throughout the at-bat, Bauers demonstrated exceptional plate discipline, fouling off multiple pitches and working the count to 3-2 before ultimately connecting for the home run.
Brew Crew Ball5 overlooked performances from Brewers' NLCS sweep of Dodgers
The Milwaukee Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2026 NLCS, with Jake Bauers earning series MVP honors after recording six RBI and delivering clutch at-bats including a go-ahead home run in Game 3. Reliever Aaron Ashby emerged as another standout performer, pitching 6.2 scoreless innings with two saves and joining an exclusive group with a three-inning save in the series-clinching Game 4. Garrett Mitchell contributed two crucial home runs, hitting a solo shot immediately after Bauers' two-run homer in Game 3 and adding a go-ahead solo blast in Game 4 off left-handed pitchers. The sweep marked the Brewers' first pennant since 1982, with Cooper Pratt, David Hamilton, and JoJo Romero also making valuable contributions to the victory.
Reviewing the BrewEvery position player’s top moment from the NLCS
The Brewers swept the Dodgers in the NLCS with contributions from nearly every position player. NLCS MVP Sal Bauers delivered the series' most impactful moment with an 11-pitch at-bat against Blake Snell in Game 3, hitting a two-run home run that gave Milwaukee a 3-2 lead worth +.320 WPA. Catcher Willy Contreras went 3-for-4 with a 438-foot home run in Game 2, while outfielders like Jackson Chourio and Joey Ortiz provided key hits and defensive plays throughout the series.
Brew Crew BallBrewers postseason Breaking T shirts thread
Breaking T is releasing daily merchandise celebrating the Brewers' 2026 postseason run, with designs commemorating key moments and players. The Brewers swept the Dodgers and advanced to the World Series as National League Champions, with standout performances from players like William Contreras, Jake Bauers, Jackson Chourio, and Garrett Mitchell. Christian Yelich was named the franchise's first official captain in its 50-plus year history. The merchandise line captures memorable moments including Chourio's walk-off single against San Diego and Mitchell's wall catch that sent Milwaukee to the League Championship Series.
Brew Crew BallFrom non-roster invitee to NLCS MVP: Jake Bauers rewarded for series-changing performance
Jake Bauers earned NLCS MVP honors after leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026. The 31-year-old had nearly retired two years earlier after posting a .199 batting average in 2024, but returned on a minor league deal and eventually earned a roster spot. Bauers finished the 2026 regular season with 26 home runs and a .873 OPS, then delivered four hits and six RBIs during the playoff series, including a crucial 12-pitch walk in Game 2 that shifted momentum in the Brewers' favor.
Reviewing the BrewBreaking T releases new three new shirts for your NL Champion Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have reached the 2026 World Series for the first time since 1982, and Breaking T has released three new commemorative shirts to celebrate. The designs feature players including Jake Bauers, Garrett Mitchell, Jacob Misiorowski, William Contreras, and Brice Turang, with one shirt highlighting Bauers' performance in the League Championship Series where he hit a go-ahead two-run homer in Game 3 after lengthy at-bats.
Brew Crew BallBauers takes home NLCS MVP after series filled with signature moments
MLB.com BrewersBrewers head to the World Series for the first time since 1982
The Milwaukee Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the National League pennant and reach the World Series for the first time since 1982. The Brewers won the clinching game 6-4 behind strong relief pitching from JoJo Romero and Aaron Ashby, who combined for five scoreless innings. Jake Bauers earned NLCS MVP honors after going 4-for-14 with three walks and six RBIs across the series. Milwaukee will face either the Tampa Bay Rays or Cleveland Guardians in the World Series, with Cleveland leading their series 2-1.
Brew Crew BallBlake Snell’s pregame comments come back to bite him in most satisfying way for Brewers fans
Blake Snell suggested before Game 3 of the NLCS that the Brewers might struggle mentally when facing adversity, but Milwaukee responded by scoring four runs in the seventh inning to take the lead. Jake Bauers battled Snell for 11 pitches before hitting a go-ahead two-run homer, followed by Garrett Mitchell's solo shot off a missed changeup. The Brewers, who had recorded five come-from-behind wins in their first seven postseason games, proved they could handle pressure rather than let their focus slip as Snell had predicted.
Reviewing the BrewUnsung hero from Brewers' Game 3 victory overshadows Pat Murphy's questionable bullpen decision
The Brewers defeated the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLCS behind several offensive contributions, including Jackson Chourio's leadoff homer and Jake Bauers' go-ahead home run off Blake Snell. Manager Pat Murphy made a questionable decision by leaving struggling reliever Abner Uribe in the game to face Will Smith, who hit a two-run double to give Los Angeles the lead. DL Hall entered after the damage was done and delivered 2.1 scoreless innings of relief, becoming an unsung hero as the Brewers' offense rallied to win the game in the seventh inning.
Reviewing the BrewBauers blast has Brewers on the brink of World Series
Jake Bauers hit an 11-pitch home run off Blake Snell in the seventh inning to give the Brewers a 3-2 victory in Game Three of the NLCS, putting Milwaukee one win away from reaching the World Series for the first time in 44 years. Jackson Chourio homered on the game's first pitch, and Garrett Mitchell added another home run, while starter Robert Gasser pitched five scoreless innings for the Brewers. The Dodgers had taken a 2-1 lead on Will Smith's two-run double in the sixth inning before Bauers' heroics turned the game around.
Brew Crew Ball