Baseball in the 21st century has been nothing short of exhilarating, characterized by revolutionary analytics, scandals involving various substances, and unforgettable moments both on and off the field. Over this span, fans have witnessed legendary players’ careers begin and end, an All-Star Game that famously ended in a tie, and remarkable parity across the league, with 25 teams capturing the Commissioner’s Trophy across 16 franchises. Notably, the year 2000 marked the last time a team successfully repeated as champions, making the era synonymous with competitive balance and underdog success.
To honor this dynamic quarter-century of baseball, Sports Illustrated has published a ranking of the 25 best teams in the last 25 years, focusing on World Series winners and relying on statistical measures such as run differential and wRC+. The rankings also weave in subjective assessments from a panel of experts, ensuring a comprehensive representation of each team’s journey to the championship.
Among the teams highlighted, the story of each champion unfolds uniquely, showcasing everything from dominant juggernauts to underdog squads that seized victory at pivotal moments. As fans look forward to the remainder of the century, hopes are high for more dramatic storylines and thrilling games.
The list begins with the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals, who emerged from a lackluster regular season to capture the championship, continuing to be debated as one of the least dominant teams to win the World Series. Surprisingly, they prevailed despite struggling with consistency and entering the playoffs limping after a series of losses, ultimately defeating the Detroit Tigers, who made several critical errors.
Next, the 2014 San Francisco Giants claimed their third championship in five years, emerging as wild-card entrants and relying heavily on pitching heroics from Madison Bumgarner throughout the postseason. The 2003 Florida Marlins and 2011 St. Louis Cardinals are seminal examples of underdog triumph, revitalizing hope for teams that find themselves in challenging situations during the regular season.
The rankings also emphasize the significance of the historic 2016 Chicago Cubs, who ended a 108-year title drought, and the recent 2023 Texas Rangers, marking their inaugural World Series win. Both teams not only showcased remarkable talent but also wrote their own narratives, cementing their legacy in baseball history. The Cubs, with their dominant rotation and ability to overcome a 3–1 deficit, and the Rangers, with their historic postseason run, are reminders that in baseball, extraordinary turnarounds and new beginnings are always possible.
Ultimately, this ranking not only honors championship-winning teams but also serves to celebrate the enduring nature of baseball itself, illustrating that no challenge is too great and no team is without the potential for greatness. As baseball continues to evolve, fans can look forward to yet more captivating chapters in this timeless sport.