The Milwaukee Brewers’ World Series hopes hinge on Logan Henderson’s poise. If his dominant command translates to the postseason, the team gains a terrifying rotation edge.
When the Milwaukee Brewers begin their postseason run, one of the most compelling questions will be which players from their young roster can elevate their performances under greater pressure.
Logan Henderson stands out as arguably Milwaukee’s most important postseason X-factor.
That does not mean Henderson will necessarily be the best player on the roster.
Jacob Misiorowski was the best pitcher in MLB this season. If he continues performing at the level he maintained throughout the regular season, the Brewers should feel confident every time he takes the mound.
Misiorowski is not the X-factor because Milwaukee already expects him to dominate.
Jackson Chourio enjoyed a breakout season and may be the most important player in the Brewers’ lineup. However, the expectation is also that Chourio will produce.
Henderson’s road to October
Henderson enters October with greater uncertainty. He has already demonstrated that he is an excellent pitcher, but he has never appeared in a postseason game.
The right-hander finished the regular season with a 2.47 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 98.1 innings over 18 starts, recording 110 strikeouts against 19 walks.
Henderson posted a 1.78 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 25.1 innings over five starts last season. If his regular season production translates to October, Milwaukee will possess another significant weapon.
The Brewers should have an opportunity to win nearly every game Misiorowski starts because of how well he pitched this year. The same was often true with Henderson during the regular season.
If Henderson carries that effectiveness into the postseason, Milwaukee will gain a substantial advantage.
The Brewers will face either the Chicago Cubs or San Diego Padres in a five-game National League Division Series. Misiorowski and Henderson could give Milwaukee an opportunity to take a 2-0 series lead, making the Brewers difficult to defeat.
Depending on the series length, Milwaukee could also receive multiple starts from both pitchers.
Henderson’s importance
Predicting how an inexperienced pitcher will respond to postseason pressure is difficult, even when his regular season performance inspires confidence.
Henderson’s composure is valuable. He works with control, trusts his pitches and does not need to manufacture intensity to compete effectively.
His command allows him to attack hitters rather than create unnecessary traffic. Henderson also demonstrates the maturity to follow a plan while making adjustments when circumstances change.
All of that matters during a short series, when one difficult inning can shift momentum. Henderson must remain patient, maintain his mechanics and avoid allowing the occasion to alter his identity.
Milwaukee may lack overwhelming power, but two starters operating at a nearly untouchable level can carry a team deep into October.
If Henderson handles the moment and remains the pitcher he was during the regular season, the Brewers will become considerably harder to eliminate.
