Does Baseball Need a Seattle–Milwaukee World Series?

A Seattle–Milwaukee World Series?

No offense to the Brewers or Mariners — both are having amazing seasons — but come on. This is hardly the dream matchup.

It’s baseball’s “please don’t turn off the TV” scenario.

And before you start, I’m not a Dodger fan.

But this ESPN piece set me off. It claims the winner of Dodgers–Brewers could determine whether Major League Baseball is even played in 2027.

Seriously?

So the logic is this:

If LA wins — as expected — owners will cry that the Dodgers and their massive payroll are destroying the sport. It’s not fair! We need a salary cap!

Cue the 2026 lockout music — 2027 season in jeopardy.

If Seattle or Milwaukee win, the narrative flips — proof that small-market teams with smart scouting and strong organizations can beat the big spenders.

So it really comes down to… Pat Murphy’s bullpen decisions?

Look — we all know the Dodgers have more resources and spend more.

But if you don’t like it? Maybe don’t allow a $300 billion ownership group into the party and act shocked when they buy the best wine.

And while we’re at it — if spending were everything, where are the Mets and their $300 million payroll?

In fact, of the top 15 spenders in 2025, seven didn’t even make the playoffs.

Teams like Cleveland (bottom-six payroll) and Milwaukee (bottom-nine payroll) have proven you can compete with the big boys on the field.

The Anaheim Angels had a $200+ million dollar payroll in 2025 and they haven’t sniffed the playoffs in a decade.

But here we are. Owners whining about payrolls. Players are bracing for another fight.

Meanwhile, the average MLB franchise value is approaching $3 billion.

Yeah, times are tough.

This idea that the 2027 season hinges on the NLCS is absurd. If your watching from home, Dodgers are up 2-0 and it could be over soon.

I thought I was just watching baseball. Turns out I’m watching a labor negotiation — with hot dogs and beer.