Brewers and Rays set to clash in 2026 World Series, the highest-win total matchup since 2017

The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1982 after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. The club finished the regular season with a league-leading 103 victories and is seeking its inaugural World Series title.

The Tampa Bay Rays, a 1998 expansion team that previously appeared in the 2008 and 2020 World Series, posted 98 wins and will also be looking for its first championship. The Rays' lineup features power hitter Junior Caminero, who recorded a second 40-home-run season before age 22, and staff ace Drew Rasmussen.

Both clubs entered the postseason as the winningest teams in their respective leagues, creating a combined win total of 201 – the highest for a World Series since the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros each won 107 games in 2017. Analysts note the matchup’s appeal stems from the small-market status of both teams and the prospect of a first-time champion regardless of the outcome.

"We’re excited to finally have a chance to bring a championship to Milwaukee after a decade of success," Brewers spokesperson said.

"The Rays have built a consistent playoff presence, and this series gives us the chance to turn that into a title," a Rays representative added.

The series will also feature emerging stars such as Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski and outfielder Jackson Chourio, alongside Rays prospect Junior Caminero. The contest is expected to generate significant interest as baseball fans anticipate a high-quality showdown between two of the sport’s most successful teams of the season.