SEASON REVIEWS

2023

The 2023 World Series was a thrilling matchup between two unexpected teams: the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both teams entered the playoffs as Wild Cards, defying odds and overcoming tough competition to reach the Fall Classic.

The underdogs rise: Both the Rangers and Diamondbacks had rough seasons in 2022, finishing under .500 and missing the playoffs. However, 2023 saw a remarkable turnaround for both teams. They both surged in the regular season, clinching Wild Card berths in their respective leagues.

Final score: The Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks in five games, with a final score of 5-0 in Game 5. This marked the first World Series title in franchise history for the Rangers, a moment celebrated by fans and players alike.

2022

In 2022, the MLB season concluded with the Houston Astros capturing their second World Series title by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. The Astros' balanced team and strategic play were pivotal in their championship run, with Jeremy Peña winning World Series MVP as a rookie. Aaron Judge set a new American League record for home runs in a season, capturing the MVP award, while Paul Goldschmidt won the National League MVP. The season underscored the dynamic shifts in the game, with a focus on power hitting and pitching dominance.

2021

The Atlanta Braves won the 2021 World Series, defeating the Houston Astros in six games, securing their first championship since 1995. Jorge Soler's powerful hitting earned him the World Series MVP title. Shohei Ohtani's historic two-way season for the Los Angeles Angels, excelling as both a pitcher and hitter, led him to win the American League MVP unanimously, while Bryce Harper won his second MVP in the National League. The season was highlighted by the emergence of new stars and the return of fans to stadiums.

2020

The 2020 season was unprecedented, shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious, winning their first World Series title since 1988, by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games. Corey Seager was named World Series MVP. The season's challenges included health and safety protocols, with no fans in attendance for most games. Despite the circumstances, the season provided memorable moments and showcased the adaptability and resilience of the league and its players.

2019

The Washington Nationals won their first World Series title in franchise history in 2019, coming from a Wild Card position to defeat the Houston Astros in seven games. Stephen Strasburg's postseason heroics earned him the World Series MVP. The season was remarkable for the emergence of young talent, with Pete Alonso and Yordan Alvarez winning Rookie of the Year honors. Mike Trout and Cody Bellinger were named MVPs, further solidifying their status as generational talents.

2018

The 2018 MLB season saw the Boston Red Sox dominating the league and winning their fourth World Series title in 15 years, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. Steve Pearce was named World Series MVP. Mookie Betts (Red Sox) and Christian Yelich (Brewers) won the MVP awards in their respective leagues, showcasing exceptional performances throughout the season. The season also marked the retirement of Ichiro Suzuki, one of baseball's most iconic international stars.

2017

The Houston Astros claimed their first World Series title in franchise history in 2017, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a compelling seven-game series. The Astros' powerful lineup and strong pitching staff were key to their success, with George Springer winning the World Series MVP. The regular season featured standout performances from Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, who were named Rookies of the Year, and MVPs Jose Altuve (AL) and Giancarlo Stanton (NL). The season was also significant for the use of advanced analytics in game strategy.

2016

The 2016 season will forever be remembered for the Chicago Cubs ending their 108-year World Series drought, defeating the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven-game series. The Cubs' victory was a historic moment for the franchise and its fans, with Ben Zobrist earning World Series MVP honors. In the regular season, Mike Trout and Kris Bryant won MVP awards in their respective leagues, while Corey Seager and Michael Fulmer were named Rookies of the Year. The season also saw the farewell of several MLB legends, including David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez.

2015

The 2015 MLB season culminated in the Kansas City Royals winning their first World Series title in 30 years, defeating the New York Mets in five games. The Royals' relentless offense and dynamic bullpen were key to their postseason success. Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays won the MVP awards in the National League and American League, respectively. The season was also notable for the debut of several young stars, including Kris Bryant and Carlos Correa, who won the Rookie of the Year awards.

2014

The 2014 season ended dramatically with the San Francisco Giants winning their third World Series in five years, defeating the Kansas City Royals in seven games. Madison Bumgarner's historic performance earned him the World Series MVP, showcasing one of the greatest postseason pitching efforts in history. Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers dominated the National League, winning both the Cy Young and MVP awards. Mike Trout won his first MVP award in the American League, cementing his status as one of the game's brightest stars.

2013

The 2013 MLB season was marked by the Boston Red Sox's inspiring journey to a World Series victory, rebounding from a last-place finish in 2012. The Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in six games, with David Ortiz winning the World Series MVP for his outstanding performance. The season also saw Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers winning his second consecutive MVP award in the American League, while Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed the National League MVP. The season was notable for the rise of young talent, including the emergence of Jose Fernandez and Wil Myers as Rookies of the Year.