With the 2026 MLB playoffs approaching, each contender faces a fatal flaw that could hinder October success. The Milwaukee Brewers, despite clinching their fourth straight NL Central title and poised for 100 wins, rank tied for 28th in home runs, with only 32.6% of runs coming from the long ball—well below the 2026 MLB average of 40.6%. Over the past 10 postseasons (excluding 2020), teams with the fewest regular-season home runs went 17-29 and never reached the World Series, highlighting the increased importance of power in playoff baseball.

However, the Brewers have improved since June, posting a .269/.349/.430 slash line and 1.10 home runs per game, with Jackson Chourio, Jake Bauers, and Joey Ortiz bolstering the lineup. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers, historically strong offensively, have struggled in the second half, tying for 16th in runs since July 1. After finishing second in runs in 2023, 2024, and 2025, their recent dip raises concerns about sustaining production against elite playoff pitching.

Both teams must address these flaws to advance deep into October, though history shows overcoming them is possible—but not guaranteed.