Top 10 World Series Runners-Up Since 2000: A Closer Look

Several talented teams have experienced the heartbreak of falling short in the World Series since the turn of the century. This article examines the ten best runners-up from 2000 onwards, highlighting their achievements and the circumstances surrounding their near victories.

2019 Houston Astros: A Dominant Force

The 2019 Houston Astros finished the regular season with an impressive record of 107–55, outscoring their opponents by 280 runs. Their postseason journey included victories over the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees, but they ultimately lost to the Washington Nationals in a thrilling seven-game World Series. Despite their defeat, the Astros showcased a formidable lineup featuring stars like Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Greinke. This team is often regarded as the best of the Astros’ dynasty, which includes two World Series championships.

2004 St. Louis Cardinals: Swept by Destiny

The 2004 St. Louis Cardinals dominated the regular season with a record of 105–57. They featured an impressive roster that included peak performances from Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, and Jim Edmonds, along with a deep pitching rotation. However, the Cardinals were swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, who were riding the momentum of a historic comeback against the New York Yankees in the ALCS.

2017 and 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers: Close Yet So Far

The 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers achieved a regular season record of 104–58 and outscored their opponents by 190 runs. They reached the World Series but fell to the Houston Astros in seven games. The following year, the 2018 Dodgers managed a record of 92–71 and outperformed expectations with a strong postseason run. Despite their efforts, they lost the World Series to the Red Sox, who proved to be a formidable opponent.

2021 Houston Astros: A Repeat of Heartbreak

Returning to the Astros, the 2021 team finished the regular season at 95–67 and maintained a strong run differential. They advanced through the playoffs by defeating the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox, only to lose to the Atlanta Braves in six games in the World Series. This team demonstrated consistent excellence, although they fell short of their ultimate goal.

2013 and 2011 St. Louis Cardinals: Two Sides of the Coin

The 2013 St. Louis Cardinals recorded a regular season record of 97–65 before facing the Red Sox in the World Series. Despite their strong lineup, which included Yadier Molina and Carlos Beltran, they lost in six games. Similarly, the 2011 Texas Rangers, with a record of 96–66, faced heartbreak in the World Series against the Cardinals, with David Freese emerging as a hero for St. Louis.

2002 San Francisco Giants: A Battle of Titans

The 2002 San Francisco Giants featured a legendary performance from Barry Bonds, who won the NL MVP award while leading the league in several categories. The Giants finished the regular season with a record of 95–66 and faced the Anaheim Angels in the World Series. Despite their strong showing, they fell short, losing in seven games.

2003 New York Yankees: The Best of a Tough Era

The 2003 New York Yankees won 101 games during the regular season and defeated their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in a dramatic ALCS. Despite their dominance, they lost to the Florida Marlins in six games in the World Series, marking a continuation of disappointment for the franchise after their previous championship in 2000.

2006 Detroit Tigers: The Closest They Came

The 2006 Detroit Tigers finished the season with a record of 95–67 and made a strong playoff run, defeating both the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics. However, they were defeated by the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, which marked a missed opportunity for the franchise that had not won a championship since 1984.

These ten teams exemplify the resilience and talent present in Major League Baseball, showcasing that not all great squads are crowned champions. Their legacies endure as reminders of the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in the world of sports.