Garrett Mitchell Powers Brewers Playoff Push in Milwaukee

Garrett Mitchell helped the Milwaukee Brewers secure a National League Division Series victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in San Diego, becoming a key contributor in their pursuit of a first World Series title after returning healthy.

According to U.S. News, Mitchell made a game-saving catch at the center-field wall in the eighth inning of the Brewers' 3-1 Game 4 win, preventing Manny Machado's fly ball from becoming a tying home run.

The Brewers entered their National League Championship Series rematch with the Los Angeles Dodgers with Mitchell available after he missed last year's playoff run while recovering from shoulder surgery. The best-of-seven series starts Sunday night in Milwaukee.

Mitchell, a 28-year-old center fielder, played 145 regular-season games for Milwaukee in 2026, exceeding his combined total from 2022-25, according to U.S. News. He hit .262 with a .354 on-base percentage, 11 home runs, 65 RBIs and 14 steals.

Mitchell said the Brewers developed a stronger belief as a team after their division series victory.

"I think we have a different type of confidence and belief in ourselves together as a team," said Garrett Mitchell, Brewers center fielder.

Mitchell previously dealt with multiple injuries during his first four major league seasons, including shoulder, oblique and finger issues. He also managed Type 1 diabetes after being diagnosed at age nine, according to U.S. News.

"In my mind I took it more as kind of a sign of disrespect," said Garrett Mitchell, Brewers center fielder.

Mitchell said his health condition did not define his ability to handle a baseball season, and he has tried to encourage other young athletes facing similar challenges.

"I'm just trying to show no matter what obstacles are in your way and whatever's thrown at you in your life, if you trust and believe in yourself, nothing can really stop you," said Garrett Mitchell, Brewers center fielder.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy highlighted Mitchell's importance after the regular season, noting that injuries had created uncertainty about his availability.

"He's been phenomenal, and no one could have predicted this, either," said Pat Murphy, Brewers manager.

Murphy's comments came after Mitchell completed his first full healthy season with Milwaukee, following years limited by injuries.

Brewers designated hitter and captain Christian Yelich also credited Mitchell's production after seeing him remain in the lineup throughout the season.

"Obviously everybody knew he was a super-talented player who could do everything on a baseball field," said Christian Yelich, Brewers designated hitter and captain.

According to U.S. News, Mitchell had previously shown his potential with a 2.1 WAR season in 69 games in 2024 and owns an .860 OPS across six career playoff games.