Brewers gearing up for World Series, NL Central roundup

There were no games on the schedule in the NL Central, but the Milwaukee Brewers are firmly in the spotlight as they shift into World Series mode. After posting an MLB-best 103-59 record, Milwaukee is, as CBS Sports notes, just four wins away from the first championship in franchise history, with the Tampa Bay Rays standing in the way.

Brewers at the center of the Fall Classic — and the front-office market

CBS Sports points out that the World Series will open Friday in Milwaukee, matching the top seed from each league: Brewers vs. Rays in a best-of-seven showdown. Among the potential swing factors, the outlet highlights infield defense and the effectiveness of Bryan Baker’s fastball as elements that could help shape the series.

On the pitching side, one of the biggest roster questions is Brandon Woodruff. MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Brewers’ key decision heading into the World Series is whether the two-time All-Star right-hander will be carried on the pitching staff. Woodruff publicly stated during Milwaukee’s NLCS celebration that he wants a spot on the World Series roster, and, according to MLB Trade Rumors’ summary of Adam McCalvy’s reporting, his recent fastball work has been closely monitored by the club.

Behind the scenes, Milwaukee’s success is drawing attention around the league. Per MLB Trade Rumors, Brewers assistant general manager Matt Kleine has emerged as a candidate for the Houston Astros’ GM vacancy, which opened when Dana Brown was let go in late August. The same outlet notes that Houston has also spoken with White Sox assistant GM Josh Barfield and Cardinals scouting director Randy Flores, as owner Jim Crane moves toward a hire that could come before the end of the World Series.

Stability for Cubs’ staff, Cardinals linked to Astros’ search

In Chicago, the Cubs (89-73) are choosing stability on the mound. MLB Trade Rumors relays that the club will retain pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and assistant pitching coach Casey Jacobson after a year in which they had to manage numerous injuries in both the rotation and bullpen, as well as multiple trade-deadline additions.

An ex-Cubs hitting coach is also back on the radar. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the New York Mets are considering John Mallee for a hitting coach role, with Kevin Long also set to interview. The outlet notes that Troy Snitker served as hitting coach and Rafael Fernandez as assistant for the Mets in 2026.

For St. Louis (77-85), the headline is in the front office rather than on the field. MLB Trade Rumors reports that Cardinals executive Randy Flores is among those the Astros have spoken with in their GM search. Elsewhere in the division, the Cincinnati Reds (75-87) and Pittsburgh Pirates (82-80) stayed out of the news cycle on a quiet off-day as they look ahead to the offseason.