The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are on the verge of the first World Series win in the history of either franchise, and some former Boston Red Sox players will appear on baseball's biggest stage. But as recently as three years ago, one Rays reliever never imagined he'd be there.
Red Sox fans remember well the story of Cam Booser. In 2024, the then-32-year-old pitcher returned to the major leagues after a half decade in retirement. Booser stepped away from baseball in 2017 following Tommy John and labrum surgeries, a bike accident that broke his back and a suspension for marijuana use.
Booser had jobs in construction and as a pitching coach before realizing he could still throw well enough to give his big league dreams another go. He played two stints in independent baseball leagues before the Red Sox signed him to a minor league deal ahead of the 2023 season. He logged a 5.91 ERA and 1.59 WHIP over 10.2 innings with the WooSox before the Red Sox called him for his major league debut.
After his one-inning, one-run debut on April 19, Booser retreated to the dugout and let the emotions wash over him. Finally, after years of work and a turbulent path, Booser reached his dream. Then he made 42 more appearances in the majors that year. With Boston, Booser posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 43 strikeouts over 42.2 innings pitched.
Cam Booser, a former Red Sox reliever with the most incredible comeback story, has made it to the World Series with the Rays
"Not all of us get a straight line," Booser said to Audacy's Rob Bradford on October 22. "When you have people that believe in you so much, it's almost like a delusional confidence you start to get."
The confidence isn't delusional. Booser is in his third season in MLB and he'll soon take the mound for the Rays in the World Series. The years of work and setbacks have paid off and Booser is close to his sport's biggest prize.
Booser found his way to the Rays after the 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox, when he regressed quite significantly. He clocked a 5.52 ERA and 1.52 WHIP over 31 innings with Chicago. He was non-tendered in the offseason before he signed a minor league deal with Tampa.
Now 34, Booser is fresh off the best season of his young career. He pitched to a 1.98 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, 45 strikeouts and an elite 3.9 percent walk rate over 41 frames with Boston's division rival, establishing himself as a top arm in their bullpen. His performance may earn him trust in some massive World Series moments.
Booser's winding path to success was impressive and inspiring when he was with the Red Sox, but it's even more so two years later. Most Red Sox fans probably won't be rooting for a division rival to win the World Series, but if they win, New England will be thrilled for Booser.
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