What happened: Drew Rasmussen claims the fifth spot on MLB Network analyst Greg Amsinger's nine-player World Series MVP ranking, followed by Jake Bauers at No. 6 and Yandy Diaz at No. 7. Brice Turang lands at No. 8, while Aaron Ashby, who threw 1.2 hitless innings in postseason relief, rounds out the list at No. 9.

Why it matters: The board places hitters Jackson Chourio, Junior Caminero, and William Contreras in the top three spots ahead of Game 1 starter Jacob Misiorowski and Drew Rasmussen, who returned from multiple arm surgeries. That order contrasts with ESPN's overall World Series player ranking, which slotted Misiorowski first, Caminero second, Rasmussen third, Brice Turang fourth, and Chourio fifth.

What to watch: World Series Game 1 begins Friday night with fourth-ranked MVP candidate Jacob Misiorowski starting on the mound.