MLB salary cap dispute raises lockout risk as Rays and Brewers meet in World Series

As the Rays and Brewers meet in the 2026 World Series, USA TODAY reports that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred argues their small-market status bolsters the case for a salary cap. Players’ union executive director Bruce Meyer rejects that case, saying a cap would suppress salaries. The collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, and USA TODAY describes a lockout as expected, though Manfred says he remains hopeful a deal can avert a disruption.