Sports seasons can bring about a wide range of emotions for teams and their fans, from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat. While in some leagues teams can achieve unblemished records or dismal campaigns, in Major League Baseball, such extremes are rarely seen due to the sheer volume of games played. Even top teams experience losses throughout the season, making every completed season a blend of highs and lows within the vast spectrum between winning and losing every game.
This article examines the various scenarios teams might experience throughout a season, ranked from the least desirable to the most exciting outcomes, without taking specific team expectations or playoff successes into account.
At the bottom of the list is the season where a team struggles from start to finish, epitomized by the 2023 Kansas City Royals among others. While such seasons offer perks like easier stadium access, they are otherwise long and discouraging.
Next, there’s the devastating experience of losing a playoff spot despite having success during the regular season, often resulting from poor performances when it mattered most. This is unforgettable and frustrating for fans who witnessed it, such as the 2014 Kansas City Chiefs and the 2023 Minnesota Twins.
Seasons in which teams are simply bad, as seen in various Royals’ seasons in the early 2000s, offer little comfort but still surpass completely inept campaigns. Better, still, are seasons with a positive record but falling just short of postseason play, seen in the likes of the 2013 Royals.
A more intriguing scenario is when a team maintains mediocrity, missing the playoffs but hinting at potential for improvement. The hope is that these teams make necessary changes rather than settle, a sentiment expressed regarding future possibilities for the Royals.
Climbing the ladder are teams that claw their way into the playoffs, maintaining interest without completely dominating, including the 2023 Blue Jays. The next tier is teams that establish playoff positioning early, offering fans consistent performance throughout, akin to the 2015 Royals.
The pinnacle of a thrilling season is a team surging into the playoffs in a dramatic fashion, riding high on momentum. Few experiences in sports match this adrenaline rush, as seen with the 2014 Royals who turned a slow start into a spirited playoff run, much to the delight of their fans.
Baseball’s unpredictable nature ensures varied experiences season to season. From cellar-dwelling struggles to unexpected postseason dashes, every campaign holds its own narrative, keeping fans engaged and hopeful.