As the baseball season nears its final innings, the focus has shifted beyond the MVPs and Gold Glove winners. Now, the discussion centers on the masterminds behind the strategies. Many names have surfaced—including Phillies skipper Rob Thomson and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts—but the National League standout consensus points to someone else entirely. The top pick among baseball analysts isn’t Thomson or Roberts; it’s a different NL manager who has captured widespread acclaim.

That choice is Pat Murphy, the Milwaukee Brewers’ manager, who claimed the 2024 NL Manager of the Year title in his very first season at the helm. Taking over for Craig Counsell, Murphy immediately made an impact, guiding the Brewers to an impressive 93-69 record and a dominant 10-game lead in the NL Central division during his debut season. This year, he is continuing his success as the Brewers once again secured a playoff spot, solidifying his reputation as a top contender for the award among both analysts and fans.

Recently, on the MLB Network, the discussion shifted to who would win the Manager of the Year Award, and many names were mentioned, including Joe Espada and Will Venable. However, when Mike Lowell said, “We got to go with Pat Murphy in Milwaukee?” Everyone agreed, “Yeah.” “I feel like that would be the one winner if there was just one. I think he holds them very accountable. I mean, it’s hard not to give it to him. I think he’s done the best job.” 

Indeed, it’s clear the award is about more than just wins; it’s about maximizing potential and getting the most out of the talent on hand. This season’s Brewers are a good example of why it is true. They’ve been great: consistently winning a lot of games in the NL, playing disciplined baseball, and helping young players like Jackson Chourio, Quinn Priester, and Jacob Misiorowski grow. From getting a spot in the playoffs early on, they are still in the running for the NL Central title. There is a lot of confidence in their clubhouse.

The fact that it’s different from the Dodgers makes it even more interesting. The LA Dodgers, who have a payroll of about $314 million, which is the kind of group that many people think will win by default. On the other hand, Milwaukee’s payroll is around $113 million. Despite that, the Brewers have been better than the Dodgers on the field. In fact, the NL manager isn’t the only place where the Brewers have outmatched the Dodgers.

On the diamond, the Brew Crew has been dominant, too. This season, Milwaukee won all six games played between the two clubs. They scored more runs in close games by hitting well when it mattered and pitching well when it mattered. These were games that looked like they should have gone to the Dodgers with the kind of star-studded team they have. But Murphy’s tactical brilliance prevailed.

These impressive strategic victories over the star-studded Dodgers highlight the difference Murphy has made on the field. But Murphy’s impact goes beyond tactics as his emotional leadership recently took center stage.

Pat Murphy shares emotional Bob Uecker message as Brewers clinch postseason

Murphy might get another NL Manager of the Year. However, their playoff-clinching celebration adds another level of reality to the Brewers’ achievements under Pat Murphy. Instead of using stats or strategy, he gave an emotional speech that wonderfully summed up what his team has been about all season: belief and camaraderie.

Murphy took out a letter from the late Bob Uecker during the locker room toast. Uecker was a famous voice in Milwaukee and a voice that will always be associated with Brewers baseball. Murphy read it out loud, “Howdy, boys. Never a doubt you would get this invitation. You did it by believing. Really miss you guys, and I wish I was there.”

Murphy went on reading Uecker’s letter, “Told the big guy about you guys. You play hard every night. You’re not afraid to play for each other. He’s obviously very interested in the group with this uncommon goodness… The fact that you have the best record in baseball and the best road record in baseball caught his attention. I know you guys really don’t need me, but I’ve got to tell you, I’ll be on the headset every night watching. And don’t forget to take it all in, enjoy it, keep it light, and believe in each other. — Bob Uecker.”

It seems like Uecker was still on the journey. The players were in a rare mix of laughter and tears. Murphy ended the occasion by raising a glass and said, “So let’s toast to him and our team and what we’ve achieved so far.”

The tribute to Uecker perfectly encapsulates Murphy’s season, which is a mix of honoring history and success. Well, only postseason will tell if Brewers can hold up under playoff pressure, but the early results say a lot. Another NL Manager of the Year award could be on the way for Murphy, who has shown that strategic leadership and a strong culture can beat any payroll.