From superstar signings to under-the-radar finds: How each of MLB’s four remaining teams were built

The 2026 MLB final four features distinct roster-building strategies between the high-spending Los Angeles Dodgers and three low-payroll contenders: the Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cleveland Guardians. While the Dodgers leveraged vast financial resources and star signings like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts to pursue a third consecutive title, their small-market peers relied on elite pitching development, opportunistic trades, and efficient contact-oriented offensive profiles to advance.

Cleveland built its contender through internal scouting, featuring an MLB-high 16 homegrown players on its division series roster alongside franchise cornerstone Jose Ramirez. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay utilized trade acquisitions and analytics-driven optimization, such as maximizing Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz, while Milwaukee blended contact hitting, homegrown pitchers like Jacob Misiorowski, and a breakout 26-homer campaign from first baseman Jake Bauers.