The 2026 World Series begins on Friday with the top seeds from each league, the American League’s Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers National League, competing for the Commissioner’s Trophy. Since the two teams are not the most needed on the national stage, there will be no shortage of star power on the field and this is sure to be a compelling series. Get ready for the World Series with Kalshi’s latest promo code CBSSPORTS55, which gives new users $55 in credit after they trade $25:
Teams are similarly constructed with young talent, power play and speed. The Brewers are -165 favorites to win the title in the latest DraftKings Sportsbook World Series odds, while the Rays are +145 dogs. Here, we’ll break down the 2016 World Series and highlight some of the best ones baseball stadium options for this year’s Fall Classic. Bet on the World Series and more at DraftKings, where new users get $200 in bonuses + 3 months of NBA passes after spending $5;
Why the Brewers Can Win the World Series
Even with Shohei Ohtani’s injury disaster, it’s no small feat to sweep the Dodgers out of the playoffs — and to do so credibly. Milwaukee took on the two-time defending champions and looked like a much better team.
Rome has won 103 games this season, most in the MLB. The Brewers led the National League in runs scored (832), strikeout rate (10.6%), batting average (.258), OBP (.341), ERA (3.23) and pitcher strikeout rate (25.8%). The favorites are very worthy, even over the 98-win Tampa Bay team.
The roster is brimming with talent. Second baseman Brice Turang is an all-around star, as are catcher William Contreras and outfielder Jackson Chourio, who is only scratching the surface of his immense talent. The team managed to manipulate first baseman Jake Bauers into a terrific middle-of-the-order bat. On the mound, Jacob Misiorowski is likely to win his first NL Cy Young Award and Logan Henderson is a more than capable second starter. A deep and vastly effective bullpen.
The Brewers are the best team in baseball and may be for years to come, especially if the Dodgers’ core starts an era of excellence. Bet on baseball and more at BetMGM and get up to $1500 in bonuses:
Why the Rays can win the World Series
Tampa Bay has the player in this series with the most star power at bat. Junior Caminero was born to offer hits at the highest levels of the sport. The third baseman hit 42 home runs in the regular season and hit some important hits in the hour as well. The franchise isn’t a game that can be dominated by one player’s excellence, but pivotal moments often define World Series games. It’s not someone Milwaukee wants to see at the plate with runners on base.
Like the Brewers, the Rays have excelled at finding castoff players to turn into big contributors. Yandy Diaz and Victor Mesa Jr. Tampa Bay’s lineup became crucial as closer Bryan Baker broke out as an All-Star after being traded by Baltimore. Former Brewer Drew Rasumussen has never had an ERA under 3 since his arrival in Tampa Bay and is worthy of a Game 1 starter.
The Rays thrive on speed and contact, a departure from Tampa’s recent methodology by the Bay. They are sound defensively and are well positioned to grind out a tough World Series. Bet on the World Series at Caesars Sportsbook to get up to $250 in Bet Resets:
Best bets for the 2016 World Series
These two teams are similar – the Brewers are better versions. There’s more consistent oomph up and down Milwaukee, and like Baker, the Brewers have a deeper and better bullpen. Over the last decade, we’ve seen just how great support bodies can be in the world series. Milwaukee is better suited to win what could be a close series — or the Brewers roll over the Rays like the Dodgers did.
Pick: Brewers -165
If you are looking for this new column, consider coming Jake Bauers lead the streak in home runs (+600) or * Yandy Diaz lead the streak in hits (+400).