MLB Franchise Rankings: A 25-Year Retrospective
Introduction: The New Era of Rankings
The MLB franchise rankings have been revamped to focus on the past 25 years (2000–2024), shifting away from the previous Wild-Card Era (1995–present). This new timeframe provides a fresh perspective on sustained success and prolonged struggles. The scoring system remains unchanged, rewarding teams for postseason achievements and penalizing those with consecutive 90-loss seasons. Points are awarded as follows: 9 for a World Series win, 6 for losing the World Series, 3 for losing in the Championship Series (CS), 2 for losing in the Division Series (DS), and 1 for losing in the Wild-Card Round (WC). Division titles earn a bonus point, while teams lose a point for each consecutive 90-loss season. This system emphasizes both excellence and consistency over a quarter-century.
The Strugglers: Teams in the Basement
Several franchises find themselves at the bottom of the rankings, struggling to find their footing over the past 25 years. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles have been particularly disappointing. The Pirates, despite a promising young rotation, have been plagued by underwhelming lineups and a lack of impactful offseason moves. The Orioles, while recently showing signs of life with a talented young core, have suffered through numerous losing seasons, with eight consecutive 90-loss campaigns since 2000. Similarly, the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners have failed to capitalize on their potential, with injuries and underperformance hampering their progress. The Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins round out the bottom tier, with the Marlins being the only World Series winner in this group since 2003, despite their recent struggles.
Rising Teams: Building for the Future
A few franchises have shown glimpses of hope, though they still have a long way to go. The Kansas City Royals, despite holding the dubious distinction of the most consecutive 90-loss seasons (nine), have made the most of their playoff appearances, including two World Series trips and one championship in 2015. The Toronto Blue Jays, while stuck in a tough AL East, have young talent and a history of postseason appearances, though they’ve failed to advance beyond the Wild Card round in recent years. The Texas Rangers, fresh off a World Series appearance in 2023, continue to build around a core of stars, though health issues loom large. These teams are on the upswing but need to sustain their success to climb the rankings.
Consistent Playoff Contenders
Some franchises have consistently made the playoffs but have struggled to turn those appearances into deep postseason runs. The Tampa Bay Rays have become a model of small-market success, regularly contending despite limited resources. The Guardians, operating in a similar small-market mindset, have sustained success with a strong farm system and clever roster moves. Both teams have deep postseason experience, though they often fall short of the ultimate prize. The Detroit Tigers, after a surprising playoff run in 2024, are looking to build on that success with a mix of veteran additions and top prospects. These teams are perennial contenders but need to break through in October to move up the rankings.
World Series Contenders: The Elite of the League
The top tier of teams has separated itself through consistent excellence and multiple World Series appearances. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers lead the pack, with the Yankees boasting five World Series titles since 2000 and the Dodgers adding a championship in 2024. The Houston Astros, despite a roster overhaul, remain a formidable force, while the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies continue to contend with deep lineups and strong rotations. These teams have the talent, resources, and pedigree to dominate the postseason year after year.
The Powerhouses: A Legacy of Success
The Dodgers and Yankees have been the gold standard over the past 25 years, with the Dodgers currently holding the top spot in the rankings. Their ability to spend and build elite rosters has allowed them to maintain a high level of success, with the Dodgers retooling for another championship run in 2025. The Yankees, though slightly behind, remain a force to be reckoned with, consistently making the playoffs and adding key pieces to stay competitive. These two franchises continue to set the bar for excellence in MLB, leaving the rest of the league chasing their legacy.
This ranking system paints a comprehensive picture of MLB franchises over the past quarter-century, highlighting both the triumphs of the elite and the struggles of the rebuilding. As the 2025 season approaches, teams across the league will aim to climb these rankings, with the Dodgers and Yankees setting the standard for success.
