First pitch in the 2026 World Series is set for Friday night, and the Fall Classic features the No. 1 seed from each side, with the Tampa Bay Rays representing the American League against the National League's Milwaukee Brewers. While the teams might not have huge followings nationally, there will be plenty of star power on the field and it's sure to be a fascinating series. The roof is closed for Game 1.
Make trades on the World Series with the best Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55, which gives new users a $55 bonus after they trade $25: Both teams feature young talent, power pitching and speed. The latest DraftKings Sportsbook World Series odds list the Brewers as -180 favorites to win the title, with the Rays set as +160 underdogs. The Brewers are -187 favorites (wager $187 to win $100) to win Game 1 at home while the Rays are +154 underdogs (wager $100 to win $154).
We are breaking down everything you need to know about the 2026 World Series and looking at baseball betting options for this year's Fall Classic. Bet on the World Series and more at DraftKings, where new users get $200 in bonuses + 3 free months of NBA League Pass after spending $5: Even with four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani's injury woes, it's no small feat for Milwaukee to sweep the Dodgers out of the playoffs -- especially in such convincing fashion. Milwaukee faced down the reigning two-time defending champions and looked like the much better team.
Milwaukee won 103 games in the regular season to lead MLB. The Brewers also led the National League in runs (832), batter walk rate (10.6%), batting average (.258), OBP (.341), ERA (3.23) and pitcher strikeout rate (25.8%). They are deserving favorites, even over a 98-win Tampa Bay team.
The roster is overflowing with talent. Second baseman Brice Turang is an all-around star, as are catcher William Contreras and outfielder Jackson Chourio, who is just scratching the surface of his immense talent. The team has turned journeyman first baseman Jake Bauers into a terrifying middle-of-the-order bat.
On the mound, Jacob Misiorowski is expected to win his first NL Cy Young Award and Logan Henderson is a more than able second starter. The bullpen is deep and devastatingly effective. The Brewers are the best team in baseball and may be for years to come, especially if the Dodgers' core begins to age out of excellence.
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