World Series Preview: Brewers vs. Rays — Who Has the Pitching Edge?
The 2026 WORLD SERIES is almost here! The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are ready to battle for the first championship in franchise history. But which pitching staff has the advantage? In Part 2 of our World Series Preview, Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and former MLB reliever Trevor May break down the starting rotations, bullpens, pitch arsenals and strategic matchups that could decide Brewers vs. Rays. Game 1 features a fascinating contrast between Milwaukee's flamethrowing Jacob Misiorowski and Tampa Bay's remarkably consistent Drew Rasmussen, who was expected to start at the time of recording. Eno digs into the evolution of Misiorowski's cutter and slider and explains why he might be pitching better than ever despite shorter postseason outings. The crew also examines Rasmussen's ability to remain effective deep into games, even the third time through the batting order. But the biggest differences between these teams might emerge after the starters exit. Do the Brewers have a decisive advantage in bullpen depth? How much can the Rays rely on Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour? And could Tampa Bay's unusual approach to pitching — from Seymour's elevated sweepers to Logan Henderson's deceptive fastball and changeup — create enough problems for Milwaukee's lineup? The guys also break down how the Brewers might use Robert Gasser, Aaron Ashby and their other pitching options, and whether Tampa Bay has enough left-handed and right-handed hitting depth to counter Milwaukee's pitching matchups. Finally, it's prediction time! DVR, Eno and Trevor reveal their World Series winners, how many games the series will go, and their picks for World Series MVP. Can the Brewers' bullpen depth be the deciding factor, or will Tampa Bay find a way to match Milwaukee pitch for pitch? Drop your World Series winner and MVP prediction in the comments! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more MLB analysis and World Series coverage from Rates & Barrels. We're heading to Milwaukee for Games 1 and 2! Look for additional coverage and pregame content throughout the opening weekend of the World Series. CONNECT WITH RATES & BARRELS Follow Rates & Barrels on Instagram: @rates_barrels First Pitch Arizona — Join us for baseball analysis and community Follow Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris on Bluesky Email: [email protected] Join the Rates & Barrels Discord Subscribe to The Athletic Shop Rates & Barrels merchandise Hosts: Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris & Trevor May Executive Producer & Editor: McEnroe Francis Rates & Barrels | The Athletic 00:00 Intro 01:20 Pitching Strengths, Matchups & Bullpen Advantages 11:50 Drew Rasmussen and the Game 1 Matchup 19:46 Jacob Misiorowski's Evolving Arsenal 26:00 Logan Henderson's Fastball and Changeup 32:22 Ian Seymour's Unusual Sweeper 39:01 Griffin Jax and Tampa Bay's Pitching Depth 47:34 Robert Gasser and the Rays' Lineup Decisions 55:40 World Series Winner and MVP Predictions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.