Brewers Reach Historic 100 Wins, Leaving Five MLB Franchises Without a Century

Key points

• Milwaukee reached 100 wins for the first time in franchise history, surpassing their previous record of 97 wins set in 2025.
• Jacob Misiorowski led the majors in ERA (1.86), strikeouts (247), and strikeout rate, anchoring the Brewers' pitching staff.
• The team secured the No. 1 seed in the National League playoffs following their victory over the Phillies.
• Five MLB teams have never won 100 games: Nationals, Rangers, Padres, Marlins, and Blue Jays.
• The White Sox completed a remarkable turnaround, clinching a playoff spot after losing 100+ games in each of the previous three seasons.

Background

The Brewers' 2026 season represents a significant leap from their 2025 performance, where they won 97 games, a franchise record at the time. Prior to 2025, the team's best regular season was 96 wins, achieved in 2011 and 2018. The franchise, which began in Seattle in 1969 and moved to Milwaukee in 1970, had never approached the 100-win mark. This achievement places them among the elite teams in MLB history, joining a small group of franchises that have reached this milestone. The broader context includes the 2026 MLB playoff picture, where several teams clinched spots, and the ongoing debate about the Brewers' status as the best team in baseball despite not having won a World Series since 1983.

How outlets are covering it

Fox Sports emphasizes the historical significance of the Brewers' 100-win season, highlighting the team's dominance in run differential and wins against winning opponents. They credit Jacob Misiorowski's elite pitching and the offensive contributions of players like Brice Turang and Jake Bauers. MLB Trade Rumors focuses on the broader playoff implications, noting the Brewers' clinch of the No. 1 seed and the postseason berths secured by the White Sox, Cubs, and Guardians. They also highlight the White Sox's turnaround from three consecutive 100-loss seasons. ESPN's source was inaccessible, but the absence of a secondary source from ESPN does not contradict the primary sources. The perspectives align on the Brewers' historic achievement but differ in emphasis: Fox Sports focuses on the team's internal performance and historical context, while MLB Trade Rumors focuses on the league-wide playoff implications and other teams' milestones.

Why it matters

The Brewers' 100-win season is a landmark achievement for the franchise, signaling a shift in their competitive standing and potentially impacting their future playoff prospects. It also highlights the importance of pitching and offensive balance in achieving sustained success. The milestone reduces the number of MLB teams without a 100-win season to five, underscoring the rarity of such achievements. For the White Sox, clinching a playoff spot after three consecutive 100-loss seasons represents a significant organizational turnaround. The broader implications include the competitive dynamics of the 2026 MLB season and the potential for upsets in the postseason.

What to watch

The Brewers will compete in the National League playoffs, where they face potential matchups against teams like the Rays or Cleveland. The White Sox and Guardians will battle for the AL Central crown, with Cleveland currently one game ahead. The Astros and Rangers are tied in the AL West, with the outcome of their remaining games determining the division winner. The Dodgers have secured a first-round bye, positioning them as a strong contender in the postseason. The focus will shift to the playoff matchups and the potential for upsets, particularly given the Brewers' historic regular season performance.