Ahead of Game 4, three of baseball’s biggest names converged on one name – William Contreras – as the likely World Series MVP.
Key points
- All three former MLB stars—Jeter, Rodriguez and Ortiz—identified William Contreras as their top MVP candidate.
- Their praise focused on Contreras’ offensive production, defensive work, and game‑calling responsibilities.
- The endorsements came ahead of Game 4, with the Brewers poised to potentially sweep the Rays.
- Ortiz’s final pick followed a brief mention of other contributors, illustrating the depth of the Brewers’ roster.
In a pre‑game interview with Kevin Burkhardt, former New York Yankees greats Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz were asked to name the player most likely to earn World Series MVP honors if the Milwaukee Brewers complete a sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Jeter, who praised the Brewers’ collective effort, ultimately singled out catcher William Contreras, noting his impact on both offense and defense, as well as his game‑calling duties. “He’s done all you could ask of a catcher so far,” Jeter said.
Legends weigh in on the MVP race
Rodriguez echoed the sentiment, highlighting Contreras’ two‑way contributions and even joking that the catcher’s recent 4‑for‑4 night made him “the best umpire in the league.” He added that Contreras’ influence extends to strategic decisions, such as advising manager Pat Murphy on pitcher Aaron Ashby’s usage.
Ortiz initially hedged, mentioning several Brewers who have stepped up, but after hearing his peers, he settled on Contreras, calling him “the Bazooka” and emphasizing the catcher’s role in the bullpen and the lineup alongside players like Chourio.
Why Contreras stands out
The three former champions’ consensus underscores Contreras’ breakout performance in the series, where his offensive surge, defensive reliability and leadership behind the plate have been pivotal for Milwaukee’s push toward its first World Series title.
Reader questions
Which former players were asked about the World Series MVP?
Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz were each asked by Kevin Burkhardt to name the player most likely to win MVP.
Who did the three legends ultimately select as MVP?
All three ultimately chose Milwaukee catcher William Contreras.
What reasons did they give for picking Contreras?
They cited his offensive output, defensive skill, game‑calling ability, and a recent 4‑for‑4 performance that highlighted his all‑around impact.
Source: foxsports.com
