Brewers vs. Rays World Series Preview: A First-Time Champion Is Guaranteed

Milwaukee and Tampa Bay meet in the 2026 World Series, and since neither franchise has ever won a title, baseball will crown a first-time champion. The Brewers arrive as favorites after a franchise-record 103 wins and an NLCS sweep of the two-time defending champion Dodgers, powered by ace Jacob Misiorowski, Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Christian Yelich and NLCS MVP Jake Bauers. The Rays swept the Yankees and beat the Guardians in six behind Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Drew Rasmussen and former Brewer Freddy Peralta. Here's what could decide the series before Game 1 Friday night in Milwaukee.