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MLB.com predicts a 2008 World Series rematch in 2027

ByMason Stacy|
Oct 27, 2008; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton (left) slides wafely past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) with the game tying run during the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2008; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton (left) slides wafely past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) with the game tying run during the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-Imagn Images | Howard Smith-Imagn Images

A World Series championship is a treasured prize for any MLB club, but for an organization that has only appeared in the Fall Classic twice and has never won a ring, it means so much more. However, MLB.com is predicting that the Rays deep farm system will eventually lead them to a World Series in 2027 against none other than the Philadelphia Phillies.

Every veteran Rays fan recalls the magical 2008 season when Joe Maddon, Carlos Pena, and rookie sensation, Evan Longoria took the newly revamped "Rays" all the way to the World Series. Tampa Bay was only a 10-year old organization experiencing their first World Series in franchise history. The odds were heavily stacked against them, especially because they were facing a juggernaut Phillies club with MVP runner-up Ryan Howard and Hall of Fame candidate, Chase Utley.

The Phillies pitching staff was equally as impressive with Cole Hamels and dominant closer, Brad Lidge at the helm. Hamels finished the World Series as the team's MVP, recording a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings of work. The all-around firepower from the Phillies roster was unfortunately no match for the Rays in 2008 as they lost the series in five games.

However, that Rays season was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering their last-place finish the year prior. Outfielders B.J Upton and Carl Crawford played above expectations as they both produced a .273 AVG. Also, underrated middle infielders, Akinori Iwamura and Ben Zobrist were essential contact hitters. Zobrist began his improbable road to his present-day Hall of Fame ballot appearance, as he would play in two more World Series with the Cubs and Royals later on in his great career.

All-in-all, it was an incredible year for the Rays organization and the success would continue as they have made the postseason eight more times since 2008. After an unlikely 80-82 campaign in 2024, Tampa Bay is hoping to put that season behind them and return to their streak of October baseball.

With the promise of their incredible young prospects, MLB.com projected that the Rays will return to the World Series in 2027 and seek revenge against a deep Phillies lineup. Let's glance at the probable starting lineups for both clubs in 2027.

Rays potential 2027 lineup

Phillies potential 2027 lineup

LF Chandler Simpson

SS Trea Turner

1B Tre' Morgan

RF Max Kepler

RF Josh Lowe

1B Bryce Harper

3B Junior Caminero

DH Nick Castellanos

DH Christopher Morel

C J.T Realmuto

C Dominic Keegan

2B Aidan Miller

SS Carson Williams

3B Carson DeMartini

2B Brayden Taylor

LF Gabriel Rincones Jr.

CF Jonny DeLuca

CF Justin Crawford

The depth of both of these clubs' farm systems will have come to fruition in 2027 if they are able to arrive to the World Series. The Phillies will still likely have All-Star sluggers Bryce Harper and Trea Turner at the top of their dangerous lineup, while the Rays will probably be a very youthful group with Junior Caminero and Josh Lowe leading the charge.

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