The Tampa Bay Rays are ready to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series as they have announced their roster of 26 players for the Fall Classic.
The roster is identical to what they rolled out when they swept the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, as they have swapped top prospect Brody Hopkins for southpaw Garrett Cleavinger.
Although Brody Hopkins was on the Rays roster for the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, Kevin Cash never found the correct moment to utilize Hopkins' tantalizing arm as his command issues make him a liability in close games.
The Brewers roster of position players consists of six left-handed hitters, so Kevin Cash opted to have another southpaw in the bullpen, joining Steven Matz and Ian Seymour.
During the 2025 campaign, Cleavinger at times was the best reliever in the Rays bullpen but the 32-year old southpaw has dealt with injuries in 2026 and poor performance while on the active roster. He finished the regular season with a 4.79 ERA | 4.12 FIP with a 29.8 K% & 12.2 BB% over 41.1 IP. Cleavinger last pitched on September 4th, he was placed on the Injured List following that outing with left forearm tightness; Cleavinger has not pitched since that performance.
The rest of the Rays roster remains the same.
PITCHERS (12):RHP Bryan Baker, LHP Cam Booser, LHP Garrett Cleavinger, RHP Griffin Jax, RHP Kevin Kelly, RHP Nick Martinez, LHP Steven Matz, RHP Freddy Peralta, RHP Drew Rasmussen, LHP Ian Seymour, RHP Cole Sulser, RHP Tyler Wells
CATCHERS (2):Nick Fortes, Liam Hicks
INFIELDERS (7):Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Jorge Mateo, Richie Palacios, Taylor Walls, Ben Williamson
OUTFIELDERS (5):Jonny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr., Cedric Mullins, Chandler Simpson, Ryan Vilade
