As the 2026 World Series between the Brewers and Rays is about to start, we were curious which former Atlanta Braves were going to battle it for a potential ring. Without a rival in the Fall Classic, this could sway how you choose your rooting interests.
While there are only two former Braves likely to appear in a World Series game, there are several other players who once donned the A, but may receive a ring for their regular season contributions.
Former Braves players playing in the 2026 World Series
William Contreras - Milwaukee Brewers
The most obvious former Brave playing in this year's World Series might be one of the best players in the championship. William Contreras has turned himself into a star since being traded to Milwaukee, much to the dismay of Braves fans, and likely to the disbelief of one former coach.
This postseason, Contreras has been excellent, slashing .367/.457/.700 while leading the Brewers offense in home runs. The catcher has also had some impressive defensive moments behind the plate, specifically with his ABS challenges. Despite winning a World Series with the Braves in 2021, and being on the postseason roster, this will actually be Contreras's first World Series game that he's appeared in.
Jorge Mateo - Tampa Bay Rays
Mateo started the 2026 season with the Braves, and had some highs and lows before being released and finding himself a job with the Tampa Bay Rays. The infielder has appeared in four postseason games this year, but has yet to receive an at bat. The Rays seem satisfied using him as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement.
Former Braves who aren't playing in the World Series, but who may get a ring anyway
Bryse Wilson - Milwaukee Brewers
Wilson will be going for his second World Series ring on a team he did not pitch for during the playoffs. In 2021, Wilson made eight starts on the Braves before being traded to the Pirates. This year, Wilson is at least eligible for the Brewers postseason roster, as he signed in August and made 13 appearances, but has been left off of the roster each round so far.
Jonathan Ornelas - Milwaukee Brewers
Brewers fans likely remember Ornelas on the Brewers as much as Braves fans remember him playing on the Braves. The infielder played three games for the Brewers this year, totalling nine plate appearances. This is one more game, and five more plate appearances than he had for the 2025 Braves.
Braden Shewmake - Milwaukee Brewers
The former Braves top draft pick played double the number of games this year for the Brewers than he did for the Braves. In four games, he had eight plate appearances with two hits. He was released in July.
Jake Fraley- Tampa Bay Rays
Fraley signed with the Rays this offseason after being non-tendered by the Braves. Fraley struggled in his 31 games this year with the Rays, and was released in September.
Craig Kimbrel- Tampa Bay Rays
The former Braves closer has turned into a journeyman as of late. His second-most recent stop was with the Rays this summer. He appeared in 19 games before being released in August and heading to Kansas City.
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