The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are preparing to face off in the 2026 World Series, with several compelling storylines surrounding the matchup. Both franchises are pursuing their first championship, adding extra significance to the series. Another major subplot involves Freddy Peralta, who will face the team he spent the first eight seasons of his MLB career with.
The Brewers traded Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets last offseason, but his stint in New York proved difficult as his pitching results fell short and the team struggled. The Mets later sent him to Tampa Bay, where he found his rhythm again and emerged as an important part of the Rays’ journey to the World Series.
“#Brewers fans will always love Freddy. I will always love Freddy Peralta, he’s one of my favorite human beings ever – but I want to beat him and the Brewers want to beat him bad….” – @JLevering4 on @JenGabeChewy
*chills* pic.twitter.com/T0ymRdOxai
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) October 20, 2026
Milwaukee broadcaster Jeff Levering recently shared his thoughts on the Brewers’ upcoming World Series matchup against their former teammate Freddy Peralta.
“He will get a nice ovation,” the broadcaster remarked.
“I mean, the Brewers lit him up when he was a Met this year, right before the trade deadline. It was not good, but he is a different cat now. I mean, he got into the Tampa Bay lab and he looks like Brewers Freddy Peralta. I think he’s gonna get a really good ovation… Brewers fans love Freddy, they will always love Freddy and I will always love Freddy Peralta”
Freddy Peralta’s time with the Brewers
Peralta spent eight seasons with Milwaukee from 2018 through 2025, earning two All Star nods during his tenure. He also turned in a strong campaign in 2025, finishing fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
“He’s one of my favorite human beings ever, but I want to beat him. I want to beat him and the Brewers want to beat him bad,” Levering added.
Peralta did not choose to leave Milwaukee, as the Brewers traded him to the Mets before he eventually joined Tampa Bay. Despite his departure, fans continue to value his contributions to the franchise. As Jeff Levering noted, Milwaukee will always hold a special place for Peralta, but the Brewers must now set those emotions aside and focus on beating their former teammate and the Rays in the World Series.
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