It’s been another incredible season of Major League Baseball. From 30 teams gunning for a title in March, we now find two clubs left standing: the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Here’s the schedule for this year’s World Series, and what to expect as the Fall Classic gets underway.
Sep 24, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz (11) throws pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
2026 World Series Schedule
All start times listed are in Eastern Time.
Game One (American Family Field, Milwaukee): Friday, October 23 (8 PM, Fox/Fox Deportes)
For the opening game of the series, the Brewers will place starting pitching duties in the hands of Jacob Misiorowski. Tampa is expected to counter the NL Cy Young Award candidate with right-hander Drew Rasmussen.
Game Two: Saturday, October 24 (8 PM, Fox/Fox Deportes)
Game Three (Tropicana Field, Tampa): Monday, October 26 (8 PM, Fox/Fox Deportes)
Game Four: Tuesday, October 27 (8 PM, Fox/Fox Deportes)
Game Five (if necessary): Wednesday, October 28 (8 PM, Fox/Fox Deportes)
Game Six (American Family Field, Milwaukee) (if necessary): Friday, October 30 (8 PM, Fox/Fox Deportes)
Game Seven (if necessary): Saturday, October 31 (8 PM, Fox/Fox Deportes)
How They Got Here: A Look At The Two Teams
The Tampa Bay Rays played their way into the World Series primarily through the use of solid defense, as well as excellent pitching. MVP Freddy Peralta exemplified this in the ALCS against Cleveland. “Fastball Freddy” proved to be almost unhittable in the series, baffling Guardian batters to the tune of a 0.75 ERA.
And, of course, it didn’t hurt that third baseman Junior Caminero had a career year, delivering many big hits in clutch moments.
Rays’ Postseason Recap
Regular Season: Won the AL East division title over the New York Yankees.
ALDS: Swept the Yankees in three games.
ALCS: Defeated the Cleveland Guardians in six games (four to two).
What Worked For The Brewers?
It wasn’t the long ball, but the “small ball” game that helped Milwaukee win the National League pennant.
The Brewers did the little things well all season long, and stuck to their game plan as the calendar turned to October. In particular, NLCS MVP Jake Bauers showed exceptional patience at the plate, helping the Brew Crew to an impressive four-game victory over the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Oct 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio (11) hits the game-winning two RBI hit during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Brewers’ Postseason Recap
Regular Season: Won the NL Central division title over the Chicago Cubs.
NLDS: Defeated the San Diego Padres in four games (three to one).
NLCS: Swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games.
Historical Standpoint
No matter which team ends up as the victors, this year’s Fall Classic looks to be one for the ages. Here are some historical facts about the matchup to consider.
This season will see a first-time champion, as neither club has ever won a World Series. Three other MLB teams have never won “the big one”; the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Seattle Mariners.
The three-time AL champion Rays are making their first Series appearance since 2020. That season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Milwaukee has made the World Series only one other time in franchise history. This took place in 1982; at the time, the Brewers were members of the American League (they joined the National League in 1997). Milwaukee lost the 1982 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals, in seven games.
Technically speaking, the city of Milwaukee can claim to have been the home to at least one world championship team in baseball. In 1957, the Milwaukee Braves, led by Hank Aaron, captured the title by defeating the New York Yankees in seven games. The Braves would move to Atlanta in 1966.
End Of My World Series Rant
At the start of this season, 30 teams all dreamt of raising the Commissioner’s Trophy. Now, only two of them remain standing.
With similar strategies, but contrasting paths, the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers are about to do battle.
The wait is officially over; it’s time to crown a champion.
Apr 28, 2024; Mexico City, Mexico; The Commissioner’s World Series champion trophy at the MLB World Tour Mexico City Series game at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
