The Milwaukee Brewers are continuing their impressive run this season, aiming for a remarkable fourth consecutive National League Central division title. Despite the departure of David Stearns, who moved to the New York Mets as president of baseball operations, the Brewers have consistently performed at a high level. They currently boast the best record in Major League Baseball, showcasing their dominance in the league.
Brewers Face Mets in Crucial Three-Game Series
On Tuesday night, August 24, 2026, the Milwaukee Brewers will commence a pivotal three-game series against the New York Mets. The encounter will take place at the Mets' home stadium, pitting Brewers' pitcher Kyle Harrison (10-3, 2.84 ERA) against Mets' left-hander Zac Thornton (3-4, 3.04 ERA). Both teams enter the series following losses on Sunday. The Brewers, after an impressive three-game winning streak, narrowly missed a sweep against the Atlanta Braves in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a 4-2 defeat. The Mets, on the other hand, lost their rubber match against the Chicago White Sox 2-1.
Milwaukee's current record stands at an outstanding 81-50, placing them one game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the National League West. This strong performance positions them six games clear of the second-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. The Brewers' recent success marks a significant shift in their franchise history, with seven playoff appearances in the last eight seasons and five division titles, a stark contrast to their earlier years.
A minor concern for the Brewers arose on Sunday when center fielder Garrett Mitchell was hit by a fastball on his right forearm. Although initial fears suggested a serious injury, X-rays revealed only a contusion, and Mitchell confirmed he was fine. Many current Brewers players, including 11 on the active roster, were either signed, drafted, or acquired by David Stearns during his tenure with the club from 2015 to 2022. Stearns served as an advisor in 2023 before his move to the Mets.
For the New York Mets, Stearns' transition has been more challenging. After a strong showing in 2024, reaching the NL Championship Series, and leading the league by mid-June last year, the Mets experienced a significant collapse, missing the playoffs on the final day with an 83-79 record. Stearns' recent overhaul of the Mets' roster saw the additions of Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr., and Devin Williams, replacing franchise mainstays like Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz. However, these new acquisitions have faced struggles and injuries.
Despite a tough April, which included a 12-game losing streak, the Mets have shown resilience, achieving a 12-6 record since August 3. They secured victories in four out of five series following the trade deadline, despite suffering two walk-off losses to the AL Central-leading White Sox. Interim Mets manager Andy Green acknowledged the competitive spirit of his team, stating, "You come out of a series 1-2, you don't feel great about that, but that was competitive." Currently, the Mets are 12 games out of a playoff spot and face the risk of finishing last in the NL East for the first time since 2003.
In their recent performances, Brewers' pitcher Kyle Harrison secured a win on August 18, pitching five scoreless innings in a dominant 22-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Conversely, Mets' pitcher Zac Thornton took a loss on the same day, allowing three runs over five innings in a 5-2 defeat to the San Diego Padres. Historically, Harrison received a no-decision in his only prior start against the Mets in May 2024, yielding five runs (four earned) in a San Francisco Giants' 8-7 road win. Thornton, however, earned his first major league win against the Brewers in July, delivering six scoreless innings in a 4-0 New York victory.
This series presents a fascinating contrast between two teams heading in different directions. The Brewers are a well-oiled machine, driven by a consistent vision and strong player development, largely influenced by David Stearns' earlier work. Their ability to maintain excellence even after his departure highlights the robust foundations laid within the organization. For the Mets, it's a narrative of struggle and adaptation. Stearns' ambitious roster overhaul has yet to yield immediate success, and the team is grappling with injuries and underperformance. However, their recent surge since the trade deadline suggests a potential turnaround. This series will not only impact the Brewers' quest for the best MLB record but also serve as a crucial test for the Mets' newfound momentum and their long-term rebuilding efforts under Stearns' leadership. It's a reminder that even with significant front-office changes, the path to sustained success in baseball is often a complex and challenging journey.
