This season’s World Series will witness a historic moment as the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays compete for their first championship title. The Brewers, who last appeared in the 1982 World Series, face the Rays, making their third appearance after previous runs in 2008 and 2020.

Kevin Cash, manager of the Rays, expressed excitement about playing in front of a full crowd, highlighting the difference between their 2020 season and this year’s atmosphere. As the top teams from each league, both clubs look to leverage every possible advantage in this unpredictable postseason.

X-Factors That Could Shape the Series

1. Infield Defense
   The matchup favors teams adept in small ball tactics. The Rays led the league with 49 bunt hits and the Brewers followed with 32. Notably, Chandler Simpson topped the charts with 42 infield hits. Strong infield defense will be crucial as both teams aim to convert potential plays into outs.

   • Brewers: +36 Defensive Runs Saved (6th in MLB)
   • Rays: +58 Defensive Runs Saved (2nd in MLB)

2. Stolen Base Strategy
   Both teams excel in stealing bases, with the Rays at 164 steals and the Brewers close behind with 162. However, the Brewers boast a strong defense against stolen bases, allowing only 71. The effectiveness of Liam Hicks and Nick Fortes for the Rays will be tested against the Brewers’ running game.

   • Brewers caught-stealing rate: 30%
   • Rays caught-stealing rate: 21%

3. Bryan Baker's Fastball
   The Rays face challenges in their bullpen, particularly with Bryan Baker's declining velocity. His average fastball has dipped to 92 mph in recent outings, which could impact his effectiveness. Despite a successful postseason, this drop raises concerns about his ability to perform under pressure.

   • Regular season average: 96.3 mph

As the 2026 World Series unfolds, the team that can capitalize on these X-factors will likely emerge as the champion.