On July 1, this World Series matchup would have seemed more plausible. The Arizona Diamondbacks were leading the National League West by three games and the Texas Rangers were leading the American League West by five. Both teams were displaying the qualities that have now brought them to the Fall Classic.

However, the second half of the regular season changed the narrative. Arizona struggled in July and ultimately lost the division title to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Texas had a long battle with the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners, ultimately losing the division title to the Astros on the last day of the regular season, but the Rangers got their revenge in a fierce seven-game American League Championship Series.

Both teams have standout performers. Texas has outfielder Adolis García and shortstop Corey Seager, while Arizona has rookie Corbin Carroll and second baseman Ketel Marte. Both teams have shown resilience in their playoff runs, with Arizona coming back from a two-game deficit against the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas defeating their in-state rivals, the Astros, in a thrilling series.

Despite the unlikely nature of this matchup, it was not impossible to imagine back in July. The Diamondbacks won 84 games and had shown their ability to compete, while the Rangers have been a formidable team all season.

Now, it all comes down to the World Series. The Diamondbacks and Rangers will face off at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Game times and pitching matchups have been set, and it promises to be an exciting series.

In the end, it may come down to the bats rather than the arms. Both teams have solid pitching staffs, but their offenses have been the driving force behind their success. The outcome of the series is uncertain, but both teams have shown they have what it takes to win.