World Series Preview: Brewers-Rays Both Seek Franchise First Title

For the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays, this World Series looks to be a long time coming for both franchises as they both seek their first-ever win.

The organizations will look to make history as they seek to be the victors in the best-of-seven series.

The Rays head back for the third time and the first since 2020 in a truncated season, looking to face off against the surging Brewers who had the most wins in baseball with 103 on the year and a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the World Series.

Milwaukee is certainly favored, and they have been waiting a lot longer for this one with their last appearance coming in 1982.

It’s an exciting World Series when either outcome results in first-time champions.

To get an in-depth look at the World Series as it kicks off Friday evening, we reached out to Brewers Roundtable publisher Brad Call and Rays writer Christian Rauh for their expert analysis.

Brewers RTB: The biggest storyline is whether the Brewers’ pitching depth can carry them to the first World Series title in franchise history.

Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson have not been at their best in the postseason, but Milwaukee’s bullpen has been almost untouchable. Against a patient Rays lineup, the starters must provide more length and prevent the relievers from becoming overworked.

Rays RTB: Just like the Milwaukee Brewers, this will be a battle for Tampa Bay, looking for their first-ever World Series title. They do it with an elite pitching staff and young superstars like Junior Caminero leading the squad.

Brewers RTB: The projected rotation mirrors the order Milwaukee used against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Misiorowski and Henderson, followed by Robert Gasser in Game 3 and then a bullpen game with Shane Drohan or Dustin May.

Rays RTB: Nick Martinez is slated for Game 1, and the rest is yet to be determined. However, Game 2 is projected to be Drew Rasmussen, and Game 3, Freddy Peralta. Griffin Jax is the only other pitcher to make a postseason start this season, but it's yet to be decided if he will be a starter or in the bullpen for the World Series.

Brewers RTB: Christian Yelich is not receiving enough attention.

Rays RTB: Chandler Simpson isn't a player that many people discuss, but he has become a glue guy for the Rays this season. He doesn't have a lot of power, but he certainly makes up for that with his speed. He is a small-ball hitter and is not afraid to go for steals, and is also an excellent defender. He has become one of the X factors for Kevin Cash in this Tampa Bay roster.

Brewers RTB: Milwaukee’s biggest Achilles heel is rust. The Brewers have not played since completing their sweep of the Dodgers on Oct. 15.

That extended break gave the pitching staff valuable rest, but it may also affect the hitters’ timing and the team’s sharpness early in the World Series. Their lack of World Series experience matters, but the immediate concern is how quickly they rediscover their rhythm.

Rays RTB: During the major slumps of the season, especially in the summer, Tampa Bay struggled offensively even when the pitching was elite. There have been moments where the team struggles with strikeouts as well as capitalizing with runners in scoring position. This has yet to show up in the playoffs, but they have yet to face a rotation and pitching staff as good as Milwaukee's.

Brewers RTB: The Brewers will win the World Series. Their pitching depth, dominant bullpen, balanced lineup and ability to win close games give them more ways to control the series than the Tampa Bay Rays. And on top of that they will have home-field advantage.

Rays RTB: I have the Tampa Bay Rays winning in 6 games. I believe they have the better rotation, and their star players have really started to wake up over the last few games in the championship series. If the Rays' depth can continue to push through and not waste at-bats in the lineup, they should find themselves winning their first-ever World Series title.