Collectors Face a Strategic Choice in the 2026 Fall Classic
The 2026 World Series features a matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers, setting up a distinct debate for sports card collectors regarding which team’s victory might offer greater financial returns. With the Brewers holding the best record in baseball and the Rays making their first World Series appearance since 2020, two Sports Illustrated Collectibles writers, Danny Shapiro and Jonathan Klinger, have outlined opposing arguments on who collectors should root for to benefit their hobby.
Klinger advocates for the Tampa Bay Rays, arguing that a victory for the team would provide collectors with more opportunities to make profitable plays on players who typically receive less attention from the broader hobby market. Conversely, Shapiro argues for the Milwaukee Brewers, citing their star-studded roster and established market presence as key factors.
The Case for Tampa Bay’s Under-the-Radar Talent
Jonathan Klinger’s argument centers on the Rays’ potential to generate value through lesser-known assets. He points to Junior Caminero, the team’s biggest star and power-hitting third baseman, as a primary beneficiary of a World Series run.
Caminero has already demonstrated significant market interest in his rookie season. His Debut Patch sold for $66,000 on December 19, 2024. Since then, Caminero has recorded three sales exceeding $30,000, with only one of those transactions occurring in 2026.
Klinger also highlights the Rays’ playoff performance as a driver for increased visibility. Richie Palacios currently leads the Rays in the playoffs with a .364 batting average and eight hits. Additionally, Drew Rasmussen’s cards have seen notable sales activity; his 2021 rookie card superfractor sold for $799 on August 1, 2026, and for $1,699 on October 17, 2026. His 2026 superfractor sold for $1,025 on September 29, 2026.
According to Klinger, players like Chandler Simpson and Palacios offer potential profits for collectors who identify value in the Rays’ roster before a championship run drives up prices.
The Brewers’ Star Power and Market Dominance
Danny Shapiro’s counter-argument emphasizes the established star power of the Milwaukee Brewers, who face the Rays with the best record in baseball. The Brewers’ roster includes captain Christian Yelich, Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio, and Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski.
Shapiro points to the high-end market activity surrounding these stars as evidence of their collectible strength. Jackson Chourio’s 2024 Topps Chrome refractor rookie autograph sold in February 2025 for $78,000. Chourio has had nine sales over $30,000 total, with three of those occurring in 2026.
The Brewers' managerial presence also adds to the narrative surrounding the team's championship run. Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy was pictured on October 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, as the team prepared for the Fall Classic.
Comparing Market Trajectories
The debate ultimately hinges on whether collectors prefer the explosive growth potential of Tampa Bay's emerging stars or the proven high-value ceiling of Milwaukee's established talent. While Caminero has had three sales over $30,000, with only one occurring in 2026, Chourio’s nine sales over that threshold demonstrate a more consistent high-end market presence.
For collectors looking at the Rays, the argument rests on the visibility provided by Caminero’s international success. Caminero batted .350 for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic with three home runs and seven total RBI, further solidifying his profile as a premier young talent.
As the 2026 World Series approaches, the choice between backing the Rays' under-the-radar power or the Brewers' star-studded lineup remains a central topic for hobbyists evaluating where to place their bets on collectible value.