The 2026 National League pennant race is shaping up for an exciting conclusion, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers standing as the top contenders. Both teams hold commanding leads in their divisions, with the Dodgers at 97-60 and the Brewers slightly ahead at 98-59 as of late September. The path to the World Series will not be easy, as both clubs will likely have to navigate tough playoff series against strong opponents like the Padres, Braves, Phillies, and Cubs. Yet, the depth and star power on these teams make them favorites to emerge as the National League representative.

Shohei Ohtani’s return to the Dodgers lineup, after recovering from right biceps inflammation and knee soreness, adds a significant boost to their already potent offense. Likely serving as the leadoff hitter, Ohtani complements All-Stars Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and others to create one of the most balanced and dangerous offenses in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers also boast an elite pitching rotation with Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and potentially Ohtani as a pitcher, making their staff one of the most formidable in baseball this season.

On the other side, the Milwaukee Brewers have earned widespread praise for their talented roster and impressive regular season success, including being the first team to reach 90 wins. Stars like infielder Brice Turang, power hitters Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell, and veteran Christian Yelich form a versatile offensive core. The Brewers’ pitching is led by right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, who is considered one of the best arms in the league with a fastball that can reach 105 miles per hour. Manager Pat Murphy’s leadership, rewarded with two consecutive National League Manager of the Year awards, has been crucial to the Brewers’ strong performance.

The debate over which team is superior—the Ohtani-powered Dodgers or the deep and dynamic Brewers—is ongoing and subjective. Both squads showcase the talent and depth necessary to make a deep postseason run, and their head-to-head matchup for the National League pennant could be the highlight of the playoffs. Ultimately, time will determine which team advances to the World Series, but for now, the Dodgers and Brewers stand as the dominant forces in the National League race.