Rob Manfred Believes Rays-Brewers World Series Was ‘Good’ For Baseball

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred defended the 2026 World Series matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, calling their small-ball style a refreshing positive for the sport. Manfred highlighted strong television viewership numbers from Fox following Game 1, dismissing concerns that two low-payroll, analytically driven small-market organizations would reduce overall fan engagement and excitement.

The Brewers defeated the Rays to secure their first World Series championship, concluding a 103-win season after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. Following their elimination, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Milwaukee's determination, describing the championship team as playing with exceptional hunger throughout their postseason run.