From Mlb · · 1m 30s
Three teams could win first World Series in 2026
Brewers, Padres, Rays all within reach of first championship after decades of playoff runs
In brief
Brewers, Padres, Rays all within reach of first championship after decades of playoff runs Three MLB teams with strong playoff chances have never won a World Series but could break their drought in 2026 Originally reported by Mlb.
Brewers' 57-year wait
Milwaukee reached the World Series in 1982 and 2018 but lost both times. They have a dominant starting rotation led by Jacob Misiorowski.
“The Brewers have the most dominant pitcher in the league atop their starting rotation, a luxury they have not had in postseasons past.”
Padres' 57-year wait
San Diego has played in the World Series twice but lost both times. They have a strong bullpen and a hot September lineup with Fernando Tatis Jr. on a home run binge.
“Fernando Tatis Jr. is on a tear, after inexplicably going without a homer through his first 55 games in 2026, Tatis has been on a home run binge with eight so far this month.”
Rays' 28-year wait
Tampa Bay has played in the World Series twice but lost both times. They have a strong starting rotation and a charismatic Junior Caminero delivering walk-off hits.
“Junior Caminero has been delivering walk-off hits like it's all in a day's work and has shown the ability to spark his ballclub with his contagious energy.”
Why Brewers could win
Jacob Misiorowski leads MLB with a 1.86 ERA and 247 strikeouts. Logan Henderson has pitched to a 2.47 ERA in his age-24 campaign.
“Flamethrowing right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, the NL Cy Young Award frontrunner, leads MLB with a 1.86 ERA.159 opponents’ batting average and 247 strikeouts this season.”
Why Padres could win
Mason Miller is an overpowering closer with a triple-digit fastball. Fernando Tatis Jr. has eight home runs in September after going without any for 55 games.
“Fernando Tatis Jr. is on a tear, after inexplicably going without a homer through his first 55 games in 2026, Tatis has been on a home run binge with eight so far this month.”
Why Rays could win
Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Shane McClanahan and Freddy Peralta form a top starting rotation. Junior Caminero delivers walk-off hits with contagious energy.
“Junior Caminero has been delivering walk-off hits like it's all in a day's work and has shown the ability to spark his ballclub with his contagious energy.”
2026 playoff outlook
All three teams have strong playoff chances but have never won a World Series. They could break their championship drought in 2026.
What to remember
Three MLB teams with strong playoff chances have never won a World Series but could break their drought in 2026
