The Milwaukee Brewers have repeatedly been described as a small-market team.
That label may have been appropriate in comparison with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who boast the second-highest payroll among major-league teams this season at $339.3 million, according to Spotrac.
But against the Tampa Bay Rays? Not so much. The Brewers' World Series opponent has one the major-leagues' lowest payrolls, higher than only the Miami Marlins and Cleveland Guardians.
The Brewers swept the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series as the underdog. How will they fare against a lower-payroll team and as the favorite? That will start to be decided with Game 1 of the World Series, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Here's a closer look at the Brewers' payroll, using Spotrac as a guide.
More: How 2026 Milwaukee Brewers salaries compare to the 1982 World Series team
How does the Brewers' payroll compare with the Rays' payroll?
The Brewers rank 19th in total payroll allocations ($146,206,320), while the Rays rank 28th ($95,615,469).
Which Brewers players are making the most money in 2026?
- Christian Yelich, $24.0 million
- Brandon Woodruff, $22.0 million
- William Contreras, $9.5 million
- Andrew Vaughn, $7.7 million
- Jackson Chourio, $7.3 million
- Aaron Ashby, $5.7 million
- Trevor Megill, $4.7 million
- Brice Turang, $4.2 million
- Antonio Senzatela, $3.5 million
- Dustin May, $3.5 million
- Cooper Pratt, $2.9 million
- Jake Bauers, $2.7 million
Which Rays players are making the most money in 2026?
- Yandy Diaz, $12 million
- Nick Martinez, $9 million
- Steven Matz, $7.5 million
- Cedric Mullins, $6.5 million
- Drew Rasmussen, $5.8 million
- Gavin Lux, $5.5 million
- Shane McClanahan, $3.6 million
- Griffin Jax, $3.6 million
- Ryan Pepiot, $3 million
- Nick Fortes, $2.5 million
- Taylor Walls, $2.5 million
- Freddy Peralta, $2.4 million
- Garrett Cleavinger, $2.4 million
Journal Sentinel reporter JR Radcliffe contributed to this story
Order print edition celebrating Brewers' NLCS victory
Order commemorative issue of Journal Sentinel
Exclusive: Order NL Championship Book
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How does the Brewers' payroll compare with the Rays' payroll?
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.