Two franchises. Three previous World Series appearances. No championships.
When the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays meet Friday night, one of them will begin the final chapter of a championship drought that has lasted decades. Neither franchise has ever won the World Series, but that will change before November arrives.
Milwaukee enters the Fall Classic with a franchise-record 103 victories, the best regular-season record in baseball. Tampa Bay finished 98-64, leading the American League. Both teams have succeeded without the enormous payrolls associated with baseball’s biggest spenders, and both have overcome formidable postseason opponents.
Game 1 begins Friday, October 23, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
Milwaukee’s 44-Year Wait
The Brewers haven’t reached the World Series since 1982, when Robin Yount and Paul Molitor helped lead Milwaukee to the American League pennant. The Brewers lost that World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
This year’s team has made a convincing case that its championship drought could finally end.
Milwaukee defeated the San Diego Padres in four games in the National League Division Series before sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. The victory over Los Angeles was particularly satisfying after the Dodgers swept Milwaukee in last year’s championship series.
Manager Pat Murphy’s club has succeeded through strong pitching, aggressive baserunning, and an offense that has delivered timely hits throughout October.
Jake Bauers has been particularly impressive. The first baseman earned NLCS MVP honors after driving in six runs against Los Angeles, including a crucial performance in the decisive Game 4.
Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras give Milwaukee additional offensive threats, while Christian Yelich provides experience and power in the middle of the lineup.
Tampa Bay’s Third Chance at a Championship
The Rays have reached the World Series twice before, losing to Philadelphia in 2008 and Los Angeles in 2020.
Their third appearance follows an impressive postseason comeback.
Tampa Bay swept the New York Yankees in the Division Series before falling behind Cleveland 2-1 in the ALCS. Manager Kevin Cash’s team responded with three consecutive victories to claim the American League pennant.
The Rays’ offense revolves around Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz, with Jonathan Aranda providing another dangerous bat. Chandler Simpson adds speed that could become especially important in close games.
Tampa Bay has also benefited from outstanding pitching, particularly from Freddy Peralta, who earned ALCS MVP honors after allowing just one earned run over 12 innings against Cleveland.
Peralta spent eight major league seasons with Milwaukee before being traded to the Mets and subsequently joining Tampa Bay this season. Facing his former organization in the World Series adds another intriguing element to the matchup.
Pitching Could Decide the World Series
Milwaukee will send Jacob Misiorowski to the mound for Friday’s opener.
The 24-year-old right-hander led the majors with a 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts, and a 0.80 WHIP during the regular season. His extraordinary velocity was evident during the NLDS when he threw a 104.8 mph pitch against San Diego, the fastest recorded in postseason play during the pitch-tracking era.
Misiorowski hasn’t been quite as dominant in October, with opposing hitters extending at-bats and forcing him to throw more pitches. He’ll have 11 days of rest before facing Tampa Bay.
The Rays are expected to counter with Drew Rasmussen, although their Game 1 starter had not been officially announced as of Thursday morning.
Rasmussen has been outstanding since the All-Star break, going 11-0 with a 1.73 ERA across 15 starts. His familiarity with Milwaukee adds another storyline: he began his major league career with the Brewers before being traded to Tampa Bay in 2021.
The bullpens could be just as important as the starters.
Milwaukee’s relievers have posted a remarkable 1.33 ERA through 40 2/3 postseason innings, allowing only six earned runs. Aaron Ashby, Trevor Megill, and DL Hall have been especially effective.
Tampa Bay counters with closer Bryan Baker, who has five postseason saves and has allowed just one hit in seven scoreless innings.
With both teams capable of protecting narrow leads, scoring opportunities could be scarce.
A Familiar Face for Astros Fans
Houston fans have another reason to follow Milwaukee’s championship pursuit.
Former Astros outfielder Jason Lane, who helped Houston reach its first World Series in 2005, serves as the Brewers’ offense and strategy coordinator.
Lane has spent 11 seasons on Milwaukee’s coaching staff and is making another trip to the Fall Classic, 21 years after the Astros lost to the Chicago White Sox.
His return offers a reminder of Houston’s own long journey toward its first championship.
What Will Decide the Series?
Milwaukee has home-field advantage, a formidable bullpen, and an offense that has demonstrated an ability to manufacture runs without depending entirely on home runs.
Tampa Bay counters with strong starting pitching, power in the middle of its lineup, and a team that has already demonstrated its ability to recover from postseason adversity.
The Brewers won two of three meetings against the Rays during the regular season, but those games took place in late March and early April.
The more revealing matchup may be Milwaukee’s patient offensive approach against Tampa Bay’s ability to limit walks and prevent unnecessary baserunners.
If the Brewers can extend at-bats and force Tampa Bay into its bullpen early, they’ll have opportunities to control games. If the Rays can keep Milwaukee off the bases and capitalize on their own power, the series could quickly shift in Tampa Bay’s favor.
How to Watch the 2026 World Series
The World Series begins Friday, October 23, with Game 2 following Saturday, October 24, in Milwaukee.
Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for October 26–27 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, with Game 5 on October 28 if necessary. The series would return to Milwaukee for Games 6 and 7 on October 30–31 if needed.
All games are scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX One; MLB.TV with authentication through a participating pay-TV provider.
Radio: ESPN Radio
Game 1 starting pitchers: Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers); Drew Rasmussen (Rays, expected).
Milwaukee has waited 44 years for another World Series appearance. Tampa Bay is making its third attempt to capture the championship.
One of them is about to make franchise history.
