What happened: Right-hander Freddy Peralta enters the 2026 World Series with the Rays after capturing ALCS MVP honors. The Fall Classic pits him against the Brewers, the organization that traded him in January.

Why it matters: Peralta completed a rapid turnaround after holding the worst qualified ERA in baseball on August 22, becoming the centerpiece of the rotation less than two months later. The matchup marks the first World Series since 1980 in which both competing franchises are seeking their first championship.

What to watch: World Series Game 1 opens the championship series as Peralta lines up to pitch against his former team.