Curses broken and dynasties secured. Legendary players and surprise teams.
In the 21st century, we have seen 25 World Series-winning teams. So, we decided to rank them.
We looked at the numbers and the stats. We debated the squads. We even asked some World Series winners (MLB FOX analysts Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, A.J. Pierzynski, Alex Rodriguez, and Dontrelle Willis) about some of the teams they witnessed and played for.
A quarter-century of champions. A quarter-century of greatness. Let’s dive in.
JUMP TO: 25-20 | 20-15 | 15-10 | 10-5 | 5-1
#25 — St. Louis Cardinals (2006)
Regular Season: 83–78 (1st in NL Central)
NLDS: Defeated Padres, 3–1
NLCS: Defeated Mets, 4–3
World Series: Defeated Tigers, 4–1
No business winning it all this season? Doesn’t matter. And what better way to christen the latest version of Busch Stadium than with a pennant? After two straight 100-win seasons, it was this 83-win squad that finally got the job done. The Cards featured the previous season’s NL MVP (Albert Pujols) and NL Cy Young winner (Chris Carpenter), but it was rookie reliever Adam Wainwright who stole the postseason spotlight. Wainwright’s base-loaded strikeout of Mets slugger Carlos Beltran in the NLCS is probably the most enduring image of that postseason. At least in Queens.
#24 — San Francisco Giants (2014)
Regular Season: 88–74 (2nd in NL West)
Wild Card Game: Defeated Pirates
NLDS: Defeated Nationals, 3–1
NLCS: Defeated Cardinals, 4–1
World Series: Defeated Royals, 4–3
Remember when Giants fans would get giddy for an even-year season? This was the third and final feather in the cap of an incredible five-year span in the Bay. Arguably an average team in both lineup and pitching (88 wins), the Giants had a hot start in the first three months of the season that then followed a stretch that only their most devoted fans could enjoy. Buster Posey remained incredible, and Madison Bumgarner did all he could to carry a messy rotation. They then needed seven games to beat fellow Wild Card team in the World Series, but don’t misread here – the Giants earned this title even if they made it hard on themselves.
#23 — St. Louis Cardinals (2011)
Regular Season: 90–72 (2nd in NL Central)
NLDS: Defeated Phillies, 3–2
NLCS: Defeated Brewers, 4–2
World Series: Defeated Rangers, 4–3
Here’s the thing about Albert Pujols. You’d take him at the onset of his decline over most other players at their very best. Nonetheless, this Cardinals team had plenty of strengths and weaknesses. They had the second-best offense in MLB, even though their rotation was the opposite of that. Yadier Molina was once again a revelation behind the plate, but Adam Wainwright’s offseason Tommy John surgery was a big blow. But it worked out during a postseason run that had a seven-game World Series, highlighted by being down to their final strike twice in that iconic Game 6 win over the Rangers.
#22 — San Francisco Giants (2012)
Regular Season: 94–68 (1st in NL West)
NLDS: Defeated Reds, 3–2
NLCS: Defeated Cardinals, 4–3
World Series: Defeated Tigers, 4–0
This was the season that solidified the even-year magic in San Francisco. Buster Posey was at his peak as he won NL MVP honors, while sluggers like Pablo Sandoval and Melky Cabrera boosted a formidable lineup. This squad’s rotation may have been a level below their 2010 championship counterparts, but co-aces Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner still proved worthy on the mound. The magic was tested – Cabrera was suspended in August, Tim Lincecum couldn’t control his pitches, and both the NLCS and NLDS were pushed to their limits – but the Giants proved worthy as they bested the Tigers in a World Series sweep. And two seasons later, the magic returned for yet another pennant.
2005 World Series champ A.J. Pierzynski: “They swept the World Series, they dominated in the postseason, and it just seems like it’s the best of those [three Giants championship] groups.”
#21 — Florida Marlins (2003)
Common Season: 91–71 (2nd in NL East)
NLDS: Defeated Giants, 3–1
NLCS: Defeated Cubs, 4–3
World Collection: Defeated Yankees, 4–2
In case you’re requested which group would personify an unlikely World Collection winner, here is an excellent place to start out. And will you argue that this Marlins title wasn’t spurred by among the finest one-year acquisitions ever in Ivan “Pudge” Rodríguez? But, the true engine of this Marlins squad was a powerful rotation led by rookie Dontrelle Willis and veteran Josh Beckett. It was a postseason to recollect, too: knocking out the defending NL champion Giants, having a little bit of assist from Steve Bartman to oust the Cubs, after which lifting their second World Collection over the vaunted 101-win Yankees.
2003 World Collection champ Dontrelle Willis: “We shocked the world.”
#20 — New York Yankees (2000)
Common Season: 87–74 (1st in AL East)
ALDS: Defeated Athletics, 3–2
ALCS: Defeated Mariners, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Mets, 4–1
One more three-peat for MLB’s flagship franchise, this one sealed with a Subway Collection victory over the Mets. And this was the fourth title of the Core-4 period that featured Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte. However was this group extra gifted than the Yankees squads that received within the late ’90s? Higher than these Yanks groups that misplaced within the Fall Traditional after this one? Chalk it as much as being a sufferer of their success and setting the bar so excessive. Generally you simply gotta rely da rings, and this one counts simply as a lot as any others.
5-time World Collection champ Derek Jeter: “We beat the Mets — that is all you have to say. Subway Collection, an entire metropolis’s bragging rights on the road. We got here out on prime.”
Willis: “They had been completely a juggernaut.”
#19 — Philadelphia Phillies (2008)
Common Season: 92–70 (1st in NL East)
NLDS: Defeated Brewers, 3–1
NLCS: Defeated Dodgers, 4–1
World Collection: Defeated Rays, 4–1
It wasn’t essentially the most well-known sports activities curse (that belonged to the Bambino). It wasn’t even essentially the most well-known “Billy” curses (that resided within the Northside of Chicago). However Philadelphia’s Curse of the Billy Penn was damaged when the Phillies knocked off the Rays in a gloriously weather-interrupted Sport 5 to win the World Collection. Thanks partially to a blockbuster trio of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Cole Hamels, the Phillies helped snap a sports activities superstition that had infamously stemmed from a Metropolis Corridor statue of William Penn not being the very best level of town skyline.
#18 — San Francisco Giants
Common Season: 92–70 (1st in NL West)
NLDS: Defeated Braves, 3–1
NLCS: Defeated Phillies, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Rangers, 4–1
The beginning of a singular baseball dynasty – and arguably the strongest of the bunch, too. Even-year magic was typically the chorus for this period’s Giants’ groups, and it started with the likes of Rookie of the Yr Buster Posey and a deep employees headlined by Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum – the latter trying each bit the a part of a “Dazed and Confused” additional. The group leaned into their very own id of being a “Band of MiSFits” which mirrored the attention-grabbing personalities and quirks of the squad’s gamers.
#17 — Kansas Metropolis Royals (2015)
Common Season: 95–67 (1st in AL Central)
ALDS: Defeated Astros, 3–2
ALCS: Defeated Blue Jays, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Mets, 4–1
Blink and you might miss these guys hustling down the first-base line. Unfinished enterprise and seeing-eye singles had been the dominant themes for the Okay.C. group that had fallen quick within the World Collection the 12 months prior. Eight of their 11 postseason wins had been come-from-behind victories, which provides this group a legit declare to the customarily used “never-say-die” mantra. An elite bullpen, placing the ball in play, and a standout protection – you could not have a extra essentially sound ballclub.
#16 — Atlanta Braves (2021)
Common Season: 88–73 (1st in NL East)
NLDS: Defeated Brewers, 3–1
NLCS: Defeated Dodgers, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Astros, 4–2
Did baseball really feel again throughout this season? Possibly it was as a result of the crowds returned in full drive after the earlier COVID-19 impacted marketing campaign. However it was additionally as a result of we noticed an unlikely underdog run by a group that did not also have a successful file till August. Ronald Acuña Jr. went down with an ACL damage, but the Braves overcame that resulting from midseason acquisition Jorge Soler filling in that void. Freddie Freeman made certain his last season in Atlanta was a hit, which included knocking off his future Dodgers teammates within the NCLS earlier than taking out the mighty Astros within the World Collection.
#15 — Chicago White Sox (2005)
Common Season: 99–63 (1st in AL Central)
ALDS: Defeated Red Sox, 3–0
ALCS: Defeated Angels, 4–1
World Collection: Defeated Astros, 4–0
The divine intervention of the long run Pope Leo XIV nervously watching from the stands? Frustration over an 88-year World Collection drought, which was solely overshadowed by their Northside neighbors’ personal futility? Led by skipper Ozzie Guillén’s “grinder” mentality, this group could not be stopped as soon as they reached the postseason. They went 11-1 within the playoffs (together with a World Collection sweep over the Astros) to shine a highlight on the Southside and totally transfer on from the long-lingering Black Sox scandal.
Pierzynski: “We went write-to-wire. We received 99 video games. We by no means trailed — not at some point — your complete season. Individuals on the market want to acknowledge how good that 2005 White Sox group was. Clearly, not solely do I’ve a hoop, however we’re the perfect World Collection group champion of the final 25 years.”
#14 — Texas Rangers (2023)
Common Season: 90–72 (2nd in AL West)
Wild Card Collection: Defeated Rays, 2–0
ALDS: Defeated Orioles, 3–0
ALCS: Defeated Astros, 4–3
World Collection: Defeated Diamondbacks, 4–1
Three years prior, the Rangers noticed two groups taking part in for the World Collection at their brand-new stadium in distinctive circumstances. Two years prior, the Rangers splashed some critical money ($500 million whole) for 2 All-Stars, Marcus Siemen and Corey Seager. One 12 months prior, they missed out on the playoffs altogether. However after hiring ex-Giants skipper Bruce Bochy (who had crushed the Rangers within the 2010 World Collection), it got here collectively for a group that had the pitchers – together with midseason pickup Max Scherzer – to enhance the bats.
#13 — Arizona Diamondbacks (2001)
Common Season: 92–70 (1st in NL West)
NLDS: Defeated Cardinals, 3–2
NLCS: Defeated Braves, 4–1
World Collection: Defeated Yankees, 4–3
What if Mariano Rivera, the sport’s most dominant nearer, hadn’t had a uncommon slip-up in Sport 7? The Yankees are possibly boasting a few four-peat. As a substitute, the Diamondbacks had been champions in a season that noticed Barry Bonds hit an MLB single-season file 73 homers – 9 in opposition to them, thoughts you. However these D-Backs had been legit. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling had been each mainly inconceivable to hit off and completed as the 2 prime NL Cy Younger contenders. Amid the backdrop of the Sept. 11 assaults, this collection carried extra which means. It proved to be an emotional one, with Luis Gonzalez, the hero of Sport 7 along with his game-winning single off Rivera, offering one of many best World Collection endings ever.
#12 — Los Angeles Dodgers (2024)
Common Season: 98–64 (1st in NL West)
NLDS: Defeated Padres, 3–2
NLCS: Defeated Mets, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Yankees, 4–1
A lineup that has few friends, maybe none, on this listing. It begins with what could possibly be probably the most consequential free agent signings ever in Shohei Ohtani, who turned the primary participant to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases on his technique to one other MVP. Chills down the backbone can nonetheless be felt if you recall Freddie Freeman’s Sport 1 grand slam which echoed Kurt Gibson’s heroics from 36 years prior. All season, this offense was a endless spotlight reel that helped cowl the cracks of some wobbly pitching.
Pierzynski: “They’ve 4 potential Corridor of Famers on this group. They received the primary full-season title in L.A. since 1988. Any time you have got Shohei, Mookie, Freddie, Kershaw and the remainder of that group, that may be a nice, nice group and one which’s powerful to beat.”
Willis: “They had been completely loaded. You speak about Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, you title it. I believe our [2003] Marlins would have given them a run — may need went to seven — however I believe in the long run the Dodgers win all of it.”
#11 — 2019 Washington Nationals
Common Season: 93–69 (2nd in NL East)
Wild Card Sport: Defeated Brewers
NLDS: Defeated Dodgers, 3–2
NLCS: Defeated Cardinals, 4–0
World Collection: Defeated Astros, 4–3
“Child Shark” by no means sounded so higher, nor will it ever. And the oddest walk-up track to ever hit the majors was the soundtrack to among the finest turnaround groups on this listing. It helped the Nats had one of many league’s finest beginning rotations, that includes Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer. It nearly did not go this away after a sluggish begin to the season for the Nats. The large bats awakened although, and Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto etched their names in a metropolis filled with monuments by bringing the primary ever World Collection title to Washington, D.C.
#10 — Boston Purple Sox (2004)
Common Season: 98–64 (2nd in AL East)
ALDS: Defeated Angels, 3–0
ALCS: Defeated Yankees, 4–3
World Collection: Defeated Cardinals, 4–0
Organizations have existed as lengthy, if not longer, than MLB itself, and gone with out championships for nearly the whole lot of their existence. However typically you simply these some self-described “idiots” to return alongside. The Purple Sox got here near successful the World Collection after having final lifted it in 1918, first in (1967) and once more (1975) and once more (1986) – which solely added to the heartbreak. However this run nearly felt mythological. They vanquished the hated Yankees in inconceivable style, adopted by sweeping a star-studded Cardinals group that might simply have been close to the highest this listing. What a technique to break a Bambino-sized curse.
Three-time World Collection champ David Ortiz: “The town waited for thus lengthy — 86 years — to win that championship.”
Pierzynski: “It was simply such a enjoyable group to observe. They got here again from down 3-0, they did plenty of particular issues, they usually have plenty of names that you just bear in mind: David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez and the remainder of the ‘bunch of idiots,’ as they known as themselves.”
#9 — Houston Astros (2017)
Common Season: 101–61 (1st in AL West)
ALDS: Defeated Purple Sox, 3–1
ALCS: Defeated Yankees, 4–3
World Collection: Defeated Dodgers, 4–3
You possibly can’t speak about this group with out mentioning the sign-stealing scandal that noticed them punished with fines and misplaced draft picks — in addition to managers and executives suspended by MLB — nevertheless it’s troublesome to disclaim how absurdly good this group and its home-grown stars had been. Jose Altuve was a marvel; George Springer’s World Collection efficiency was one for the ages; a wholesome Carlos Correa was superb. Seeing Justin Verlander lastly win a hoop was its personal form of particular, and Houston’s followers actually suffered sufficient over time ready for a championship.
#8 — Boston Purple Sox (2013)
Common Season: 97–65 (1st in AL East)
ALDS: Defeated Rays, 3–1
ALCS: Defeated Tigers, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Cardinals, 4–2
If the 2004 championship (and the next 2007 title) outlined an period of the trendy Purple Sox franchise, then this one ushered in a brand new chapter with much more which means. The Boston Marathon bombing on April 15 and the “Boston Robust” rallying cry served as a supply of unity of delight for each town and its sports activities groups. On the diamond, this season served as a worst-to-first turnaround after a 2012 marketing campaign marked by bloated payroll and a last-place AL East end. Beneath first-year supervisor John Farrell, the Purple Sox clinched a 3rd title in 10 years with David Ortiz successful World Collection MVP honors – this time, in entrance of the Fenway Park trustworthy.
Ortiz: “What went by way of town on the time, all of the wrestle, the marathon bombing — it was essential for town, this championship.”
#7 — Anaheim Angels (2002)
Common Season: 99–63 (2nd in AL West)
ALDS: Defeated Yankees, 3–1
ALCS: Defeated Twins, 4–1
World Collection: Defeated Giants, 4–3
What do you bear in mind most concerning the fourth version of the World Collection that featured two California groups? Barry Bonds lastly taking part in in a World Collection? The lovable Rally Monkey? It was actually about an Angels group that was simply constructed otherwise. Troy Glaus, Darin Erstad and David Eckstein (all 5-foot-6 of him) would simply discover methods to get on base. The Angels didn’t cease Bonds — nobody may — however their pitching slowed the remainder of the Giants sufficient to win the franchise’s first and solely championship.
#6 — 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers
Common Season: 43–17 (1st in NL West)
Wild Card Collection: Defeated Brewers, 2–0
NLDS: Defeated Padres, 3–0
NLCS: Defeated Braves, 4–3
World Collection: Defeated Rays, 4–2
The COVID-19 impacted season noticed a shortened season (60 video games) performed at impartial websites, however do not low cost this title run by what was nonetheless a deep, gifted roster. There was additionally a way of redemption for the Dodgers group that hadn’t received the World Collection in 32 years, even when it was in entrance of a restricted crowd in opposition to the Rays on the newly opened dwelling of the Rangers. Lengthy criticized for his October shortcomings, Clayton Kershaw delivered two sturdy World Collection begins solely miles from the place he grew up. Mookie Betts additionally earned his second World Collection in three seasons.
#5 — Boston Purple Sox (2007)
Common Season: 96–66 (1st in AL East)
ALDS: Defeated Angels, 3–0
ALCS: Defeated Cleveland, 4–3
World Collection: Defeated Rockies, 4–0
There could be no new curse in Beantown, and there could be no speak about 2004 being a fluke. The Purple Sox had been over the hump and downright dominated a Rockies group that had received 21 of their earlier 22 video games. The rotation had misplaced Pedro Martinez however nonetheless featured Curt Schilling, and the acquisitions of pitchers Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell had lastly paid off. Dustin Pedroia’s highway to turning into a Purple Sox legend started in a breakout rookie season, whereas David Ortiz additional grew into his Huge Papi aura.
#4 — New York Yankees (2009)
Common Season: 103–59 (1st in AL East)
ALDS: Defeated Twins, 3–0
ALCS: Defeated Angels, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Phillies, 4–2
For many groups, a nine-year wait between titles isn’t important. However most groups aren’t the Yankees, and most groups aren’t replete with Corridor of Famers and a few of the recreation’s prime stars. This was a franchise that was consistently within the thick of issues within the intervening seasons. From the viewpoint of the Yankees, 2009 was a very long time coming. New York had final received a World Collection in 2000, and had misplaced in each 2001 and 2003 — there was additionally that complete Purple-Sox-winning-two-titles factor. This was the season that put a cease to the ready, and with authority in opposition to a Phillies group who had been aiming to repeat. Regardless of the likes of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez and free agent acquisition Mark Teixeira, it was DH Hideki Matsui who slugged his technique to the World Collection MVP.
2009 World Collection champ Alex Rodriguez: “I believe our 2009 championship, when the Yankees beat the Phillies, is No. 1 of the century. After all, I am biased — I used to be on that group, nevertheless it was a reasonably darn good group.”
Jeter: “Individuals speak about Yankees followers and Purple Sox followers, however Philly followers are passionate, so it felt good to beat the Phillies in ’09.”
#3 — 2022 Houston Astros
Common Season: 106–56 (1st in AL West)
ALDS: Defeated Mariners, 3–0
ALCS: Defeated Yankees, 4–0
World Collection: Defeated Phillies, 4–2
The repute of that group was marred considerably by the sign-stealing scandal that rocked MLB in 2020 — the Astros’ group was punished, and a number of executives misplaced their jobs. The 2022 season, then, was one thing of a redemption story for the membership: some acquainted faces from 2017 had been nonetheless on the roster, sure, like Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander, however the core of the subsequent Astros membership was additionally in place, and the beloved Dusty Baker was now the supervisor. Forgetting anybody? Properly, there was Jeremy Pena successful ALCS MVP and World Collection MVP — the primary rookie place participant ever to do each. This was a machine of a group, practically unstoppable for prolonged stretches.
#2 — Chicago Cubs (2016)
Common Season: 103–58-1 (1st in NL Central)
NLDS: Defeated Giants, 3–1
NLCS: Defeated Dodgers, 4–2
World Collection: Defeated Cleveland, 4–3
Properly, what do you say about this group? A lot, and it now not has to do with the Billy Goat. However it does contain bringing the Northside its first championship in over a century. The 2016 Cubs don’t get extra brownie factors in these rankings for snapping a 108-year championship drought, however take a look at that roster and that season: they don’t want any additional credit score, anyway. Kris Bryant was a deserving Nationwide League MVP. Anthony Rizzo may have been the star participant on various different golf equipment, however he was “merely” the second-best participant within the Cubs lineup. The rotation featured simply as a lot depth because the lineup, with Jon Lester producing arguably the best season of his 16-year profession.
Ortiz: “They hadn’t received in so lengthy and I believe they very effectively deserved it. Plus, a few my boys had been taking part in there on that group.”
#1 — Boston Purple Sox (2018)
Common Season: 108–54 (1st in AL East)
ALDS: Defeated Yankees, 3–1
ALCS: Defeated Astros, 4–1
World Collection: Defeated Dodgers, 4–1
Greatest World Collection winners of the twenty first century? Loads of groups have a case. However the newest squad of the 4 Purple Sox champions on this listing has the strongest case of all of them. They had been dominant as a result of they had been top-to-bottom succesful. Their 21-year-old rookie, Rafael Devers, was one of many “weak spots” within the lineup: he hit 21 dwelling runs and 55 extra-base hits total in 121 video games. Xander Bogaerts and Andrew Benintendi had been on the peak of their respective powers, Jackie Bradley Jr. managed to each hit and play his ordinary world-class protection. J.D. Martinez proved a greater than enough substitute for the same old banner David Ortiz 12 months, and 25-year-old Mookie Betts was a relevation. And if you oust the 100-win Yankees within the ALDS in 4 video games, take down the 103-win Astros within the ALCS in 5 video games, then topple the 92-win Dodgers within the World Collection? Yeah, that is undoubtedly a powerful case.
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