The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a heated National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, a rivalry that's about to explode on the playoff stage. After grinding out a three-game wild card win over the San Diego Padres, the Cubs punched their ticket to this best-of-five clash. Indeed, it's the first time these NL Central foes meet in the postseason, and the drama feels inevitable with former Brewers skipper Craig Counsell now calling the shots in Chicago.
Counsell, who racked up the most wins in Brewers history before bolting for a massive deal with the Cubs after 2023, returns to American Family Field under very different circumstances. Milwaukee, fresh off clinching the division on September 21, earned home-field advantage and will host Game 1 on Saturday at 4:08 p.m. CT. The series schedule rolls quickly: Game 2 on Sunday afternoon, then shifting to Wrigley Field for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday if needed, with a potential Game 5 back in Milwaukee on Friday, October 10.
However, excitement comes with logistics. Tickets for the opener are already scarce, with resale prices starting around $150 for upper deck seats, climbing past $500 for premium spots. Cubs fans chanting "Go Cubs Go" will have to travel north first, but Wrigley dates are drawing massive interest. Brewers tickets follow suit, though their home crowd might give them an edge in this pressurized environment.
The Cubs' path here wasn't smooth—they clinched a wild card spot on the regular season's final day, finishing with 89 wins. Milwaukee, at 92-70, dominated the division but stumbled late. Analysts point to Chicago's revamped bullpen and young hitters as keys, while the Brewers lean on their stout rotation. Moreover, Counsell's intimate knowledge of Milwaukee's inner workings could tilt early games, or it might fuel a vengeful Brewers response.
Still, as the first pitch looms, one wonders if this series will redefine the rivalry or just add another chapter to their contentious history.