The best team in the American League is facing the best team in the National League in the World Series that begins Friday night in Milwaukee.

Finally, the 2026 season is making sense. Faith is restored.

This is the eighth World Series between two franchises seeking their first championships, and only the second since 1920. The Rays lost to the Phillies in 2008 and Dodgers in 2020. The Brewers lost to the Cardinals in 1982 while still playing in the AL, and after eliminating the Orioles on the final day of the season.

The Rays rank 27th in total payroll and the Brewers are 19th, according to Spotrac. Stick that in your cap and … whatever. Having money to burn still makes life easier, but a small market Series brings a certain appeal.

Also, no rainouts with a retractable roof and dome.

Tampa Bay’s roster for the American League Championship Series included relievers Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells and Cole Sulser, infielder Jorge Mateo and outfielder Cedric Mullins. If the Orioles can’t get there as a team, break off pieces and send them instead.

Baker had a 1.44 ERA and 0.914 WHIP with 41 saves that tied for the major league lead in 65 games, earning his first All-Star selection. His last blown save was May 13. And he’s tossed seven scoreless innings with one hit allowed in the playoffs.

Wells was a surprise deadline trade, bringing back starter Michael Forret to the organization. He allowed three earned runs in 18 innings with the Rays, but four runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings in the ALCS. He had a huge strikeout of José Ramirez to strand a runner in Game 5.

The Rays signed Mullins to a $7 million contract in December and he hit .205/.284/.344 in 137 games, with 10 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, 48 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. His 12 Outs Above Average tied his career high in 2021 and were a marked improvement over his 1 with the Orioles in 2025.

Mullins also posted 6 Defensive Runs Saved, compared to minus-14 last year.

His contract includes a $10 million mutual option that could send him back into free agency. A championship ring would be a nice parting gift.

Mateo began the season with the Braves and appeared in 65 games before his Aug. 9 release. He didn’t hit much with the Rays, posting a .141 average and .386 OPS in 32 games. Mateo got into four playoff games but didn’t have a plate appearance.

Mateo will be a free agent after the World Series. He also won’t be coming back to the Orioles.

*The Orioles confirmed yesterday that pitcher Cade Povich underwent a left elbow debridement procedure last week to remove a loose body.

Dr. Keith Meister performed the surgery in Arlington, Texas.

Povich broke the news on his Instagram account a day later and an industry source confirmed it.

The most important update is that Povich should be ready for spring training. He’s got ample recovery time.

At least one starter is going to join the organization, whether through free agency or a trade. Povich will be in the mix among the returnees.

*The Orioles re-signed left-hander Jayvien Sandridge to a minor league deal.

Sandridge, 27, was the club’s 32nd-round draft pick in 2018 who was released two years later and bounced around before landing back with the Orioles in a March trade with the Angels for cash considerations. He was designated for assignment and outrighted in April, put on the seven-day injured list in May and transferred to the 60-day in July.

During his time on Triple-A Norfolk’s active roster, Sandridge allowed six runs and eight hits with eight walks and seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.