Ranking the Top 10 World Series Runners-Up Since 2000

The history of Major League Baseball (MLB) is dotted with teams that have come agonizingly close to the ultimate prize only to fall short in the World Series. This article ranks the ten best teams that were runners-up since the year 2000, highlighting their achievements and the circumstances that led to their disappointing finishes.

2019 Houston Astros: A Dominant Force

The 2019 Houston Astros posted a remarkable regular season record of 107–55, outscoring their opponents by 280 runs. This impressive performance was unmatched by any World Series champion from 2000 to 2024, with only the 2016 Chicago Cubs surpassing a 250-run differential. Despite their formidable lineup, featuring stars like Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, the Astros fell to the wild-card Washington Nationals in a tightly contested seven-game series, losing 4–3.

2004 St. Louis Cardinals: A Historic Sweep

The 2004 St. Louis Cardinals are remembered for their stellar regular season, finishing 105–57. With a roster that included peak Albert Pujols and future Hall of Famers like Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds, they entered the World Series as heavy favorites. Unfortunately, the Cardinals faced the Boston Red Sox, who swept them 4–0 in a series that marked the end of the “Curse of the Bambino.”

2017 and 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers: Close Yet So Far

The 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers won 104 games and outscored their regular season opponents by 190 runs. They dominated the postseason until they met the Astros in the World Series, ultimately losing 4–3. The following year, the 2018 Dodgers had a less impressive regular season with a 92–71 record but still reached the World Series. They faced the Red Sox again, who proved too strong, winning the series 4–1.

2021 Houston Astros: A Repeat Performance

In 2021, the Astros returned to the World Series, finishing the regular season at 95–67. They showcased their talent by defeating the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs. However, they fell to the Atlanta Braves in another six-game series, losing 4–2, despite having one of the best run differentials among World Series losers in this century.

2013 St. Louis Cardinals: A Second Heartbreak

The 2013 St. Louis Cardinals made a strong playoff run, ending the regular season with a record of 97–65. They featured standout players like Yadier Molina and Carlos Beltran. In the World Series, they faced the Red Sox yet again but were unable to clinch the title, losing 4–2.

2011 Texas Rangers: Close Calls

The 2011 Texas Rangers experienced heartbreak after previously losing in the 2010 World Series. With a regular season record of 96–66, they entered the playoffs confident. However, they fell to the Cardinals in a dramatic seven-game series, losing 4–3, with David Freese becoming a postseason hero.

2002 San Francisco Giants: Bonds’ Near Triumph

The 2002 San Francisco Giants, led by Barry Bonds in the twilight of his career, had a stellar season with a record of 95–66. They faced the Anaheim Angels in the World Series. Despite Bonds’ incredible performance, including a league-leading 46 home runs, the Giants lost 4–3 in a thrilling series.

2003 New York Yankees: A Legacy of Misfortune

The 2003 New York Yankees boasted a regular season record of 101–61 and defeated their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in an exhilarating ALCS. However, they faced the Florida Marlins in the World Series and suffered a surprising loss, going down 4–2 despite their storied history of success.

2006 Detroit Tigers: A Missed Opportunity

The 2006 Detroit Tigers finished their regular season with a record of 95–67 and made a strong playoff run. They secured a spot in the World Series but fell to the Cardinals, losing 4–1. This team represented the Tigers’ best chance at a championship since 1984.

These ten teams exemplify the competitive nature of the MLB, showcasing that even the most talented squads can fall short of their ultimate goal. Their remarkable seasons and individual performances remain a testament to their skill and determination, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.