With the Texas Rangers finally breaking their decades-long drought in 2023, only five MLB franchises now remain without a World Series title: the Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and Tampa Bay Rays. Each team carries a unique history of near misses and fervent fan hopes as they continue their quest for baseball’s ultimate prize, the Commissioner’s Trophy.
In the illustrious history of Major League Baseball, 25 of its 30 active franchises have celebrated at least one World Series championship. The pursuit of the Commissioner’s Trophy is the ultimate goal, a feat that defines legacies and electrifies fanbases. Until recently, a handful of teams endured long, agonizing waits. The Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and most famously, the Chicago Cubs, all snapped monumental droughts, proving that patience—and a little luck—can pay off.
A significant milestone was reached in 2023 when the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games to secure their first-ever World Series title. This victory removed one of the long-standing contenders from the list of teams without a championship, shifting the focus to the five remaining franchises still dreaming of their inaugural hoisting of the trophy.
The Exclusive Club of Five Without a Title
As of the 2023 season, five franchises have yet to claim a World Series victory. These teams represent diverse histories, from expansion teams finding their footing to long-established clubs with multiple playoff appearances but no ultimate triumph.
The current list of MLB teams never to win a World Series includes:
- Colorado Rockies
- Milwaukee Brewers
- San Diego Padres
- Seattle Mariners
- Tampa Bay Rays
A Deeper Dive Into Each Franchise’s Quest
Each of these teams has had its moments of glory and heartbreak, bringing them tantalizingly close to a championship. Understanding their journeys provides crucial context for their ongoing quests.
Colorado Rockies
Founded in 1993, the Colorado Rockies are one of the younger franchises on this list. Their sole World Series appearance came in 2007, a memorable “Rocktober” run that saw them sweep their way to the Fall Classic. However, their dream ended abruptly as they were swept in four games by the formidable Boston Red Sox. The Rockies have never won their division title and have made just five wild-card berths in their franchise history, according to official team records. For more on the Rockies’ history, fans can check the official MLB.com team history.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers, established in 1970 (originally as the Seattle Pilots before relocating), have reached the World Series once. In 1982, in what remains a classic Fall Classic, they fell in a dramatic seven-game series to the St. Louis Cardinals. While they haven’t returned to the World Series since, the Brewers have remained competitive, notably advancing to the NLCS in 2018 before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a tight seven-game battle.
San Diego Padres
The oldest franchise on this list without a title, the San Diego Padres were founded in 1969. They have made two trips to the World Series. In 1984, they lost to the Detroit Tigers in five games. Their second opportunity came in 1998, where they faced the dominant New York Yankees dynasty and were swept. Despite strong showings, the Padres have yet to overcome the final hurdle.
Seattle Mariners
Perhaps the most poignant story among the five, the Seattle Mariners, founded in 1977, hold the unique distinction of being the only active MLB franchise never to have reached the World Series. Despite having some incredibly talented teams, including the 2001 squad that won an American League record 116 games, their postseason runs have always fallen short in the ALCS, including losses in 1995, 2000, and 2001. Fans are hoping that their recent success, as highlighted by their current ALCS appearance, could mark a turning point, as noted by USA Today Sports in a recent article.
Tampa Bay Rays
One of the newer franchises, founded in 1998, the Tampa Bay Rays have surprisingly made two World Series appearances in their relatively short history. In 2008, they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games. They returned to the Fall Classic in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, where they were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. The Rays consistently defy expectations with innovative strategies, always keeping their fanbase hopeful for that first championship.
The Rangers’ Journey to the Top
The Texas Rangers‘ 2023 victory serves as an inspiration for the teams still striving for their first title. Before their triumph, the Rangers had come agonizingly close, particularly in the 2010 and 2011 World Series. In 2011, they were famously one strike away from winning the championship in Game 6 against the St. Louis Cardinals, on two separate occasions, before ultimately losing the game and then Game 7. Their persistence finally paid off, proving that long droughts can indeed be broken. The definitive win in 2023 against the Arizona Diamondbacks marked a historic moment for the franchise, officially confirmed by MLB.com, and leaving just five teams in pursuit of their inaugural title.
The Road Ahead: Hopes and Dreams
As these five franchises continue to build their teams and compete, the dream of winning a World Series remains a powerful motivator for both players and fans. The narrative of a team finally breaking its drought is one of baseball’s most cherished storylines, and every season brings renewed hope that one of these clubs will be the next to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy for the very first time. The journey is long and arduous, but for the Rockies, Brewers, Padres, Mariners, and Rays, the pursuit of that elusive crown continues.
