MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reports on Rays' World Series rotation and small-market spending
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The gist
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the Rays are still debating their World Series Game 1 starter.
His reporting on big spenders and small markets frames the Rays-Brewers series.
Background
Ken Rosenthal is a writer for The Athletic, cited in the material as an MLB insider. His reporting surfaced during the 2026 postseason, with the World Series between the Rays and Brewers set to begin Friday at American Family Field. His Dodgers commentary followed Milwaukee sweeping Los Angeles in the 2026 NLCS (National League Championship Series).
How it unfolded
- Oct 17, 2026Rosenthal wrote at The Athletic that MLB's portrayal of the Dodgers as baseball's bogeymen never made sense, and that the NLCS outcome laid the flaws in the league's argument bare.
- Oct 20, 2026Rosenthal reported Milwaukee is concerned it may not be able to replace Brandon Woodruff if he suffers a setback, and that the front office reached out to MLB for clarification.
- Oct 21, 2026Rosenthal published an opinion piece saying small market teams are officially out of excuses, arguing only big spenders make the postseason and the World Series. He also added Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler as a name in the Mariners' managerial search.
- Oct 22, 2026Rosenthal reported the Rays continue to debate their Game 1 starter, theorizing they could hold Drew Rasmussen until Game 2 for extra rest, with Nick Martinez in Game 1 and Freddy Peralta in Game 3. He also commented on the uncertain reality facing the big-spending Dodgers.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Rosenthal argued small market teams are officially out of excuses, saying only big spenders make the postseason and the World Series.
- Caution
- Commenters on MLB Trade Rumors said "I think Rosenthal is making up news here; he's kind of notorious for it" and "All he knows is what he's told."
Still unverified
Rosenthal's scenario of Nick Martinez starting Game 1 with Rasmussen held to Game 2 is presented as a possibility; Tampa Bay has yet to officially announce its starting pitcher.