The consensus among early 2026 power rankings is that the Milwaukee Brewers will be a top 10 team, but where they fall exactly according to the national media varies slightly.
After rattling off a franchise-best 97-wins in 2025, winning the National League Central Division for the third year in a row and booking a trip to the National League Championship Series, the Milwaukee Brewers are slated to be a top 10 team in 2026.
Yet, the national media outlets evaluating the Brewers view them in slightly different lights. Recently, ESPN and MLB.com released power rankings for all 30 clubs, and there were slight variations in where Milwaukee ended up.
For MLB.com, the Brewers improved from 9th place to 6th in its recent rankings.
“The team with the best record in baseball last year traded Isaac Collins, and there are persistent rumblings that their top starting pitcher, Freddy Peralta, might be next,” it wrote. “If that makes you doubt them, well, people doubt the Brewers every year, and they keep winning the NL Central anyway.”
Meanwhile, ESPN has the Brewers one spot below at No. 7.
“Though Milwaukee lost some players such as Rhys Hoskins and Jose Quintana to free agency, the core of a roster that produced the best regular-season record in 2025 is intact -- save outfielder Isaac Collins, who was traded to Kansas City for left-hander Angel Zerpa,” it wrote. “Retaining Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta instantly makes the Brewers contenders in the National League Central again -- assuming both pitchers break camp with the team.”
Peralta has been a hot name in trade talks since the Brewers chose to pick up his $8 million club option following a dominant 2025 campaign. Last season, the 29-year-old posted a 17-6 record with a 2.70 ERA, 204 strikeouts and 66 walks through 33 starts and 176.2 innings pitched.
If the Brewers decide to move on from Peralta sooner than later, they will have to ensure the return for him is strong enough to uphold the framework of what has made them one of baseball’s better teams. Milwaukee has found a way to become a contender despite its lack of a superabundant payroll thanks to back-to-back National League Manager of the Year award winner Pat Murphy and back-to-back Executive of the Year award winner Matt Arnold, but there are limitations.
Meanwhile, Woodruff’s $22.025 qualifying offer he accepted has drawn skepticism due to his injury history. Woodruff made just 12 starts last season, and if he replicates limited availability once more, the money he is making will become cumbersome.
Despite the uncertain outlook on the mound, the Brewers are plenty talented elsewhere. With players such as Christian Yelich, Brice Turang and a young, rising star in Jackson Chourio returning in 2026, Milwaukee can live up to its power rankings.