MLBSep 26
Brewers and Rays Lead MLB’s Surprise-Filled Stretch Run
Milwaukee’s record-setting season and Tampa Bay’s division title headline a campaign that has reshaped expectations across the majors.
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Milwaukee raises the bar
The Brewers have delivered more than another playoff berth in 2026. Milwaukee has surpassed its franchise record of 97 wins, established last season, and is on course to finish with baseball’s best record again. Young talent has been central to that success. Rookie pitchers have accounted for 77 starts, the most in the majors, while shortstop Cooper Pratt and right fielder Luis Lara are positioned to start in October. Jacob Misiorowski has headlined the pitching story, but Milwaukee’s strength extends throughout the roster. Brice Turang’s 6.9 bWAR ranks second among major league position players, and the bullpen sits among the leaders in win probability added.
Tampa Bay finishes the job
The Rays secured their division and the American League’s best record by beating the Yankees on Tuesday. An 18-10 August and 14-6 September helped Tampa Bay turn its staying power into a postseason advantage. Junior Caminero has stood out offensively, with Jonathan Aranda approaching 100 RBIs. The rotation has received major contributions from Drew Rasmussen, who owns 16 wins and a 2.67 ERA, and Nick Martinez, who has 15 wins with a 2.94 ERA. Their success in tight games has also mattered: Tampa Bay is 25-14 in contests decided by a run.
October contenders take different paths
The White Sox remain among the season’s biggest surprises, with Miguel Vargas, Munetaka Murakami and Colson Montgomery each exceeding 30 home runs. A division title is still possible as Chicago pushes toward the postseason. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are nearing 100 wins despite rotation disruptions. Their current 15-3 surge offers encouragement, though an 18-18 record against the other National League playoff teams leaves questions about how that form will translate. Atlanta has leaned on Chris Sale and a bullpen leading the majors in win probability added, while Boston’s dramatic recovery from 32-46 has carried the Red Sox into the playoffs.
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