Two of MLB’s smallest spenders will meet in the World Series for first time since 1991

NEW YORK (AP) — When the Milwaukee defeated the mighty, monied Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night, they set up the first World Series between two of baseball’s smallest spenders in 35 years — just as team owners are arguing that clubs like the Brewers need a salary cap to compete consistently. Milwaukee will face Cleveland or Tampa Bay in a best-of-seven series for the title beginning Oct. 23, ensuring two clubs in the bottom half of big league payrolls will play in the World Series for the first time since 1991. The Dodgers, New York Mets and New York Yankees will watch from home with payrolls this season that each cost more than the Brewers , Guardians and Rays rosters combined. The low-budget World Series showdown will start six weeks before a likely management lockout, a work stoppage that threatens the 2027 season as owners and players battle over the sport s lack of a salary cap. Speaking at the All-Star Game in July, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made his case for a cap