Ranking Every Player in the 2026 World Series — SkimNews
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Jacob Misiorowski ranks as the top player in the World Series due to his record-breaking velocity and elite pitch metrics, with an average fastball of 100.6 mph and the best run value in baseball.
- Junior Caminero is second in home runs over the past two seasons with 87, trailing only Kyle Schwarber, and is recognized for his explosive bat speed and game-changing power.
- Drew Rasmussen emerges as Tampa Bay’s ace with four above-average pitches and strong command, positioned to start three times or contribute in relief during the Series.
- Jackson Chourio signed an $82 million extension at age 20 and has delivered consistent, durable performance across all five tools, with potential to become a top-tier player if he improves pitch selection.
- Brice Turang posted a 5.9 WAR this season, showcasing well-rounded skills with above-average power, speed, defense, and plate discipline despite lacking the flash of other stars.
- Freddy Peralta altered his pitch mix after a midseason trade to the Rays, increasing changeup usage and decreasing slider use, which dropped his ERA by nearly two runs and boosted playoff readiness.
- William Contreras has maintained a .350+ on-base percentage and hit 20 or more home runs each season, making him one of the most offensively productive everyday catchers in baseball.
Why it matters: The Brewers and Rays built contending rosters through player development and strategic acquisitions, with both teams relying on high-upside young talent and undervalued pitchers. Misiorowski and Caminero represent the new face of impact players—extreme velocity and raw power—while under-the-radar performers like Turang and Peralta provide critical depth, shifting value perception in modern roster construction.
Ask SkimNews
