The Tampa Bay Rays are set to play the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 World Series. Tampa Bay somewhat quietly finished the regular season with the best record in the American League. However, the Rays are now about to face a Brewers ball club that had the best record in all of baseball. It should be an intriguing series, and one specific player could make or break the Rays' chances of upsetting the Brewers.
Both the Rays and Brewers feature a number of potential X-factor players on their rosters. Since they are smaller market teams, they both have players who simply do not receive enough attention.
One player on the Rays who is capable of completely changing the dynamic of the series is Chandler Simpson. Tampa Bay stars such as Junior Caminero, Drew Rasmussen and Yandy Diaz will receive most of the attention, but Simpson's impact cannot be overlooked.
Chandler Simpson's potential World Series impact for Rays
Simpson, 25, is one of baseball's most exciting players. He is always ready to steal a base as evidenced by his league-leading mark of 46 this season. The Rays outfielder also hit .306 at the plate. He doesn't offer much power — Simpson has not hit a home run yet in his big league career — but he's a good hitter who can easily turn a single into a double or a double into a triple via the stolen base.
Article Continues BelowHe hasn't been hesitant to swipe bases in the postseason either. Simpson already has three steals through eight games played. He has not swung the bat especially well, but Simpson is getting on base enough to make an impact.
Defensively, Simpson is one of the better left fielders in the sport. He does not have a great arm, but the 25-year-old ranks in the 94th percentile in outs above average.
Chandler Simpson may not win the World Series MVP if the Rays defeat the Brewers — although it is possible — but his performance will go a long way toward determining the outcome of the series.