The 2026 MLB season is coming down to an unexpected but exciting matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers. Both franchises have spent years trying to reach the top of the sport, and now they are four wins away from their first World Series championship.
The Rays are looking to finish the job after reaching the Fall Classic for the third time in franchise history, while the Brewers are back on baseball's biggest stage for the first time since 1982.
Milwaukee enters the matchup after sweeping the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, won three straight games to eliminate the Cleveland Guardians and capture the American League pennant.
This World Series could go the distance. Here are three bold predictions for the Rays and Brewers.
3. Bold Prediction: Jacob Misiorowski finally delivers a signature postseason start
The Brewers have been one of baseball's best teams throughout October, but Jacob Misiorowski has yet to deliver the dominant postseason outing many expected from a pitcher who emerged as a potential NL Cy Young contender during the regular season.
Milwaukee has managed to win despite Misiorowski's early struggles. The San Diego Padres chased him before he could complete five innings in the NLDS, and the Dodgers did the same in the NLCS. He lasted just 4.1 innings against Los Angeles, allowing five hits and issuing three walks.
The Brewers are 7-1 this postseason, proving they can overcome imperfect starts. However, they will need their young right-hander to find another gear if they want to finish the job against Tampa Bay.
Bold Prediction: Misiorowski pitches at least six innings, strikes out eight or more batters, and allows two earned runs or fewer.
The Rays have a dangerous lineup led by Junior Caminero, an MVP-caliber talent capable of punishing mistakes. That makes this a difficult matchup for Misiorowski, but it also presents an opportunity to silence the doubters.
It might not happen in Game 1, but if Misiorowski gets another chance later in the series, expect him to deliver the kind of performance Milwaukee has been waiting for.
2. Bold Prediction: The Brewers win Game 7 in thrilling fashion
This World Series deserves to go seven games.
Small-market baseball might not always generate the same national attention as the sport's biggest spenders, but the Rays and Brewers have an opportunity to deliver a memorable October.
Both teams have the pitching depth to make life difficult for opposing hitters. Tampa Bay has received outstanding performances from its rotation throughout the postseason, while Milwaukee has consistently relied on its bullpen and timely hitting to get crucial outs and produce runs.
That combination could lead to a tightly contested series where every mistake matters. A few runs could decide games, and one timely hit might determine the championship.
I expect Tampa Bay and Milwaukee to trade victories, with neither team able to build a commanding advantage. The Rays have enough offensive firepower to challenge the Brewers, but Milwaukee's postseason resilience has been difficult to ignore.
And when the series reaches its deciding game, one young star will have the opportunity to cement his place in franchise history.
1. Bold Prediction: Jackson Chourio wins World Series MVP
Jackson Chourio has already established himself as one of the Brewers' most dangerous hitters. Now, the 22-year-old outfielder has an opportunity to turn a strong October into a defining moment in his young career.
Article Continues BelowChourio played a major role in Milwaukee's NLDS victory over San Diego. He launched a two-run home run to tie Game 1 before delivering a walk-off hit against Mason Miller in Game 2. Those moments demonstrated his ability to handle pressure when the Brewers need him most.
He continued contributing during Milwaukee's four-game sweep of Los Angeles, recording three hits, a home run and an RBI. Although those numbers might not jump off the page, the Brewers received production from several players throughout the series. Chourio did not need to carry the entire offense against the Dodgers.
The World Series could be different. Tampa Bay has a talented pitching staff, and Milwaukee will need its best hitters to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Prediction: Chourio hits at least one home run, collects multiple extra-base hits, and delivers a defining moment in Milwaukee's championship run.
Whether it is a game-tying hit, a late-inning defensive play, or a clutch home run, Chourio will find a way to influence the biggest moments of the series.
With the Brewers winning Game 7, I expect Chourio to put together his best performance when the stakes are highest. He will emerge as the face of Milwaukee's championship run and take home World Series MVP honors.
The Brewers have waited decades for another opportunity like this. Chourio could be the player who finally helps them turn that opportunity into a championship.