Brewers vs. Cubs in the NLDS centers on rest vs. grind. Matthew Boyd’s short rest start for Chicago invites risk while Milwaukee leans on a fast, defense-first lineup featuring Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras to spark early pressure. Blake Perkins adds elite defense and baserunning value; Sal Frelick provides speed up top. Freddy Peralta’s rest-accustomed ace status looms large as Chicago counters with a resourceful bullpen and a nimble infield led by Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. Michael Busch fuels Cubs’ power, while a leadoff homer and timely defense shape the chase for fantasy relevance in multiple lineups.

Rotation decisions drive fantasy upside: Cubs’ Javier Assad is out of NLDS contention, pushing Boyd into an iffy role on short rest, while Milwaukee’s bullpen usage could tilt leverage and save chances. Chicago’s middle infield defense (Hoerner, Swanson, Crow-Armstrong) pairs with a ground-ball Brewers lineup, making plate discipline and batting order placement hot topics for daily formats. The broader playoff movements include Mariners’ Bryan Woo and Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette, framing the surrounding ALDS chatter around rest and bullpen depth.

Overall, expect a tactical game where rests, bullpen readiness, and strong defensive plays drive fantasy value more than raw power alone. The Brewers’ dynamic up-the-middle trio and Peralta’s readiness could tip timing in Milwaukee’s favor, while Chicago’s power and defense offer counter-punch threats as rotation and roster machinations unfold.

NL Central rivals Milwaukee and Chicago collide in the NLDS, setting up a glove-driven war where outs and range trump home run swing diplomacy. Cubs’ infield leaders Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson anchor a top-tier defense, with Pete Crow-Armstrong patrolling center and contributing range. Milwaukee counters with Brice Turang, William Contreras, Joey Ortiz and Sal Frelick delivering elite play on the dirt and behind the plate. The series leans on defense, with both clubs excelling in defensive metrics and turning batted balls into outs.

Defensive metrics back the storyline: Cubs sit just behind the league leaders in defensive efficiency, fielding run value and outs above average, while Milwaukee sits solidly in the upper tier. In a best-of-five, the glove work could swing the balance in tight games, elevating pitching and situational defense as the ultimate differentiator.

The Cubs edged the Padres 3-1 at Wrigley in a wild-card clincher, sparked by Dansby Swanson’s glove and a jubilant clubhouse embrace. Crow-Armstrong blossomed into a centerpiece as Happ, Suzuki and the rest fed off the energy, delivering a champagne-soaked celebration that ended Chicago’s postseason drought and set up a NLDS with Milwaukee.