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Two small-market clubs meeting in the Fall Classic has captivated fans. The 2026 World Series pits a crafty Tampa Bay lineup against a power-armed Milwaukee staff. Both teams reached October through different blueprints, and the player matchups now carry the narrative. Below are the dozen most impactful figures shaping this World Series battle.
Players 12–10: Supporting sluggers and bullpen sparks to watch in the 2026 World Series
12. Jake Bauers — 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
- Age: 31
- 2026 regular-season line: 144 G, .266 AVG, 26 HR, 86 RBI, .874 OPS
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Bauers reinvented himself after years of inconsistency. A new approach produced an outstanding walk rate and 26 homers. In October he swung momentum with key at-bats against elite starters, forcing pitchers to respect him in all counts. Opponents cannot underestimate his power and patience.
11. Jonathan Aranda — 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
- Age: 28
- 2026 regular-season line: 155 G, .274 AVG, 22 HR, 92 RBI, .792 OPS
Aranda returned from injury with a mix of power and discipline. Though his contact totals dipped from a breakout year, his OPS+ stayed strong. Late ALCS multi-hit efforts suggest he could heat up in the World Series and swing the Rays’ lineup toward consistent run production.
10. Abner Uribe — Relief Ace, Milwaukee Brewers
- Age: 26
- 2026 regular-season line: 59.1 IP, 1.97 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 62 K
Milwaukee’s bullpen contains multiple weapons, but Uribe’s heater and high strikeout rate make him the most electric arm. He has tightened command and now couples velocity with effective control. Expect him in high-leverage spots late in games.
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9. Freddy Peralta — Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
- Age: 30
- 2026 regular-season line: 169.0 IP, 4.42 ERA, 156 K, 1.33 WHIP
Peralta’s season numbers belie his October dominance. After a rough start following a trade, the right-hander rediscovered swing-and-miss form. He closed September strong and has carried that momentum into the playoffs. When Peralta is firing, he alters lineup plans across both dugouts.
8. Bryan Baker — Closer, Tampa Bay Rays
- Age: 31
- 2026 regular-season line: 62.1 IP, 1.44 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 41 SV
Once a middle reliever, Baker evolved into Tampa Bay’s shutdown finisher. From mid-May onward he allowed only a handful of earned runs and converted save after save. He’s continued that dominance in October, giving the Rays a reliable backstop for tight late innings.
7. William Contreras — Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers
- Age: 28
- 2026 regular-season line: 147 G, .270 AVG, 18 HR, 94 RBI
Contreras’ overall OPS dipped this year, but he remains a steady everyday catcher and a veteran presence behind the plate. His postseason performance has been electric, and his .1.157 OPS in October shows he can be a big swing in Milwaukee’s lineup.
Ranks 6–4: Veterans and rotation anchors setting the tone
6. Yandy Díaz — Designated Hitter, Tampa Bay Rays
- Age: 35
- 2026 regular-season line: 154 G, .293 AVG, 22 HR, 85 RBI, .805 OPS
Díaz has become a Rays mainstay and a quiet engine in the middle of the order. He blends contact skill with surprising pop over recent seasons. His veteran savvy and consistent bat make him a tough matchup in crucial innings.
5. Drew Rasmussen — Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
- Age: 31
- 2026 regular-season line: 172.0 IP, 2.67 ERA, 174 K, 0.91 WHIP
Developed by Tampa as a frontline starter, Rasmussen posted perhaps his best season. He converted from swingman to ace, delivering strikeout ability and control. His presence in the rotation gives the Rays a true top-of-rotation competitor.
4. Brice Turang — Second Base, Milwaukee Brewers
- Age: 26
- 2026 regular-season line: 151 G, .268 AVG, 21 HR, 100 RBI, .816 OPS
Turang pairs Gold Glove defense with breakout offense. He jumped to 21 homers and posted a career-best OPS. A 7-WAR campaign shows he is both a run producer and defensive catalyst for Milwaukee.
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3. Jackson Chourio — Outfield, Milwaukee Brewers
- Age: 22
- 2026 regular-season line: 127 G, .291 AVG, 25 HR, 75 RBI, .837 OPS
Chourio continues to ascend despite missing time early in the year. He’s a polished contact hitter with pop and flair, and he still plays below his age curve. Defenses and pitching staffs must account for his ability to change a game in an instant.
2. Junior Caminero — Third Base, Tampa Bay Rays
- Age: 23
- 2026 regular-season line: 162 G, .276 AVG, 42 HR, 101 RBI, .885 OPS
Caminero confirmed that his rookie power was no fluke. Back-to-back 40+ homer campaigns and a high OPS at 23 put him among baseball’s elite young hitters. When he finds a groove, he becomes the focal point of Tampa Bay’s offense.
1. Jacob Misiorowski — Ace Starter, Milwaukee Brewers
- Age: 24
- 2026 regular-season line: 174.2 IP, 1.80 ERA, 252 K, 0.80 WHIP
Misiorowski is the must-see arm of the Series. He led qualified starters in ERA, strikeouts and several other metrics this season. His elite velocity and swing-and-miss repertoire vaulted him to ace status. Expect him to carry the ball in Game 1 and shift the series narrative with every start.
