MLB: Teams with droughts seek to break records in playoffs

The World Series Fight: Teams in Pursuit of the Title

The mathematical probability suggests that each Major League team should win a World Series every 30 years. However, the reality is different, and many franchises have experienced long title droughts, some even never reaching the top. This year, the postseason presents a special appeal with teams seeking to break those long streaks without a championship. In this edition, we will analyze the teams that have gone more than three decades without tasting the glory of the World Series, exploring their challenges and the reasons why this could be their year.

Milwaukee Brewers

Last World Series Title: None (the franchise debuted in 1969, moved to Milwaukee in 1970).

Last World Series appearance: 1982 (lost to the Cardinals in seven games).

Closest moment since: They lost the 2018 National League Championship Series to the Dodgers in seven games.

• Painful moments in the postseason:

• In Game 7 of the 1982 World Series, they were leading 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, when the Cardinals loaded the bases with one out.
• In Game 3 of last year’s wild card series, Pete Alonso hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning.
• In the 2019 wild card game, Josh Hader loaded the bases and Juan Soto drove in the winning run.

Reasons for the drought: The lack of offense has been a key factor in the early eliminations.

For a long time, the Brewers were not competitive. However, since the arrival of owner Mark Attanasio in 2005 and after a standout season in 2008, the team has generally been competitive, despite the limitations of playing in the smallest market in MLB. While Christian Yelich was the Most Valuable Player in 2018, recent teams have lacked an offensive star to anchor the lineup. This has made it difficult to score runs in the postseason, leading to losses in the 2019 wild card game and in the 2020, 2023, and 2024 wild card series. In 2021, they reached the National League Division Series, but scored only six runs in four games.

Why this could be the year: Although the Brewers still lack a star hitter and are below average in home runs, they have a deep and solid offensive team. Yelich has had his best power season since 2019, Brice Turang has had a slugging percentage above .500 in the second half, Jackson Chourio has potential, and William Contreras has performed well in August.

The Brewers also achieved the best regular season record and have played well at home, which could be an advantage. In addition, despite the absence of Trevor Megill, they have a strong bullpen, with Abner Uribe capable of closing games.

Seattle Mariners

Last World Series Title: None (the franchise debuted in 1977).Last World Series appearance: None.

Closest Moment: They lost the 1995 American League Championship Series to Cleveland and the 2000 one to the Yankees, both in six games. They also lost the 2001 one in five games.

• Painful moments in the postseason:

In the 2001 American League Championship Series, Bernie Williams hit a home run in the eighth inning to tie the game, and Alfonso Soriano hit a home run to win the game in the ninth.Reasons for the drought: Poor offenses and, for a long time, bad draft choices. In addition to missing the postseason. The Mariners couldn’t win in the 90s despite having players like Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Alex Rodriguez, and Edgar Martinez. After a long playoff drought from 2002 to 2021, the teams were characterized by an inept offense. Jerry Dipoto was hired as general manager after the 2015 season and began to change things.Why this could be the year: With Raleigh’s outstanding campaign, this is the best offense the Mariners have had in 25 years. The acquisitions of Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez created one of the best batting groups in the league. The Mariners’ bullpen isn’t very deep, but the quartet of relievers has been reliable. The starting rotation could live up to expectations.

Toronto Blue Jays

Last World Series title: 1993

Last World Series appearance: 1993 (they won against the Phillies in six games).

Closest Moment: They lost the 2015 American League Championship Series to Kansas City.

• Painful moments in the postseason:

• In Game 6 of the 2015 American League Championship Series, Lorenzo Cain scored the winning run for Kansas City.
• In Game 2 of that series, David Price allowed five runs.
• The Blue Jays squandered an 8-2 home lead in Game 2 of the 2022 Wild Card series against Seattle.

Reasons for the drought: A difficult division and low offensive performance in October. After winning the World Series in 1992 and 1993, the Blue Jays went 20 years without reaching the postseason. In recent years, the Blue Jays have struggled in the wild card series.Why this could be the year: This is a better Blue Jays team than the ones from the last three postseasons. They have home-field advantage in the American League and have good defense. Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber give them a strong 1-2 in the rotation.