Milwaukee's first title: William Contreras named World Series MVP

William Contreras of the Milwaukee Brewers was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 World Series on Wednesday. The award follows the Brewers' 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5, which secured the franchise's first championship in its history.

Contreras recorded eight hits in five games for a .381 batting average. He also drove in four runs and scored two. His offensive contributions included a sixth-inning double that allowed Christian Yelich to score, extending the lead to 3-0. Contreras later crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly from Cooper Pratt to add the fourth run.

Beyond hitting, the catcher managed the pitching staff and used the automated ball-strike system effectively. He also recorded several picks of base stealers behind the plate. These defensive actions helped the Brewers maintain control throughout the series.

"I told you already, I don't have words. I am grateful to my teammates, to Pat Murphy, to my pitchers. I love these guys," Contreras said after accepting the trophy. He added, "Thanks to my teammates, to the pitchers. I am very proud. Let's go, Brewers!"

Contreras becomes the third Venezuelan to win the World Series MVP. He joins Pablo Sandoval, who won in 2012, and Salvador Perez, who won in 2015. Both Perez and Contreras won the award while playing catcher. The Dominican Republic holds the most such awards with five, followed by Venezuela with three.

Contreras is one of four players to win both the World Series and the World Baseball Classic in the same season. The other players on that list are Antonio Senzatela, Angel Zerpa, and outfielder Jackson Chourio.