MLB Teams Tier List: Every Franchise Ranked
Thirty teams, over a century of history, and wildly different levels of success to show for it. This list ranks every MLB franchise based on a mix of things: championship history, recent competitiveness, fanbase passion, rivalries, and that harder-to-define sense of organizational identity.
We leaned on what fans and analysts generally agree on across forums and broadcasts, then made our own calls where the debate gets heated (looking at you, Cardinals vs. Cubs arguments). Think we got a team wrong? That's half the fun of a list like this. Argue it out.
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SS Tier: The Gold Standard
New York Yankees
27 championships and a payroll that never quits. Love them or hate them, the pinstripes are the sport's most recognizable brand, and Yankee Stadium still feels like the center of the baseball universe.
About New York Yankees
Founded in 1901, the Yankees are MLB's most decorated franchise, based in the Bronx, New York. Known for icons like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter.
- Championships
- 27
- Home
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx
Los Angeles Dodgers
Deep pockets, a stacked farm system, and a roster that reads like an All-Star ballot. Dodger Stadium sells out constantly and the front office rarely makes a bad long-term bet.
About Los Angeles Dodgers
Originally from Brooklyn before moving west in 1958, the Dodgers are known for breaking baseball's color line with Jackie Robinson and for sustained modern-era success.
- Home
- Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Boston Red Sox
Fenway Park alone is worth the tier placement, but add in the Yankees rivalry and multiple championships since curse-breaking in 2004, and you've got a franchise with real weight behind it.
About Boston Red Sox
One of the American League's original eight franchises, famous for Fenway Park and the Green Monster. Broke an 86-year title drought in 2004.
- Home
- Fenway Park, Boston
AA Tier: Consistently Great
Atlanta Braves
A model of consistent contention, with a lineup that's been must-watch baseball for years. The 2021 World Series run capped off a run of division titles that's hard to match.
About Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia, playing in the National League East division. The franchise is the oldest continuously operating professional sports team in the United States, having started in Boston before moves to Milwaukee and then Atlanta. The Braves are known for an unprecedented run of division titles in the 1990s and 2000s and their 2021 World Series championship.
- League/Division
- National League East
- Home ballpark
- Truist Park
- World Series titles
- 4
- Notable streak
- 14 consecutive division titles (1991 to 2005, excluding 1994)
Houston Astros
The sign-stealing scandal left a mark, but on the field this franchise has been a juggernaut, with deep playoff runs nearly every year this decade.
About Houston Astros
The Astros are based in Houston, Texas, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1962. The franchise has won multiple World Series titles in recent years, including 2017 and 2022, and was involved in a sign stealing scandal tied to the 2017 title.
- League
- American League West
- Founded
- 1962
- World Series titles
- 2 (2017, 2022)
- Home stadium
- Minute Maid Park
San Francisco Giants
Three titles in the 2010s and a ballpark on the water that's one of the best atmospheres in the league. The orange and black faithful show up no matter the standings.
About San Francisco Giants
The Giants trace their history to 1883 in New York before relocating to San Francisco in 1958. The franchise won three World Series titles in the 2010s (2010, 2012, 2014) behind a strong pitching core.
- League
- National League West
- Moved to San Francisco
- 1958
- World Series titles
- 8 total, 3 in San Francisco
- Home stadium
- Oracle Park
St. Louis Cardinals
Best fans in baseball, by their own claim and a lot of outsiders' agreement too. The franchise history is loaded, and Busch Stadium crowds still show up even in down years.
About St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are one of the National League's oldest and most storied franchises, based in St. Louis, Missouri. They have won more World Series titles than any National League team.
- League
- National League Central
- World Series titles
- 11
- Home stadium
- Busch Stadium
Philadelphia Phillies
Loud, passionate, occasionally brutal fans who demand results, and a roster built to deliver them. The 2022 World Series run reminded everyone how electric Citizens Bank Park gets in October.
About Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and are recognized as the oldest continuous, one name, one city franchise in American professional sports. They have won two World Series titles, in 1980 and 2008.
- League
- National League East
- World Series titles
- 2 (1980, 2008)
- Home stadium
- Citizens Bank Park
Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field is a pilgrimage site regardless of the standings. The 2016 curse-breaker gave this fanbase a release valve after over a century of waiting.
About Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the National League Central division. They are one of the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchises in the United States. The Cubs ended a 108-year championship drought with their 2016 World Series win.
- League/Division
- National League Central
- Home ballpark
- Wrigley Field
- World Series titles
- 3
- Notable
- 2016 title ended 108-year drought
BB Tier: Solid and Respected
New York Mets
Big market, big spending, and a fanbase that's endured more heartbreak than it deserves. When it clicks, like in recent playoff pushes, Citi Field is one of the loudest buildings in the sport.
About New York Mets
The Mets are based in Queens, New York, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1962. The franchise has won two World Series titles, in 1969 and 1986.
- League
- National League East
- Founded
- 1962
- World Series titles
- 2 (1969, 1986)
- Home stadium
- Citi Field
Toronto Blue Jays
The only team outside the U.S., with a rabid national fanbase to match. Rogers Centre crowds have been electric again as the roster has gotten more competitive.
About Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are Major League Baseball's only Canadian franchise, based in Toronto. They joined MLB as an expansion team in 1977 and won back to back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.
- League
- American League East
- Founded
- 1977
- World Series titles
- 2 (1992, 1993)
- Home stadium
- Rogers Centre
Seattle Mariners
A pitching-rich org with one of the more scenic ballparks around. The playoff drought was brutal, but recent young talent has fans believing again.
About Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are based in Seattle, Washington, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1977. The franchise is known for star players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki, but has never appeared in a World Series.
- League
- American League West
- Founded
- 1977
- World Series titles
- 0
- Home stadium
- T-Mobile Park
San Diego Padres
Petco Park is gorgeous and the roster has been star-studded in recent years. They just haven't converted that talent into the parade this fanbase is dying for.
About San Diego Padres
The Padres are based in San Diego, California, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1969. The franchise has reached the World Series twice, in 1984 and 1998, without winning a title.
- League
- National League West
- Founded
- 1969
- World Series titles
- 0
- Home stadium
- Petco Park
Cleveland Guardians
Smart, scrappy, and usually competitive on a budget that would sink other front offices. The name change hasn't dulled a loyal, longtime fanbase.
About Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians franchise, based in Cleveland, Ohio, has played continuously since 1901 and was known as the Cleveland Indians until renaming to the Guardians in 2022. The team has won two World Series titles, with the most recent coming in 1948.
- League
- American League Central
- Renamed to Guardians
- 2022
- World Series titles
- 2
- Home stadium
- Progressive Field
Minnesota Twins
A well-run mid-market team that's been a perennial division contender, even if the postseason has been unkind for long stretches.
About Minnesota Twins
The Twins are based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and originated as the original Washington Senators before relocating in 1961. The franchise has won three World Series titles, including in 1987 and 1991.
- League
- American League Central
- Moved to Minnesota
- 1961
- World Series titles
- 3
- Home stadium
- Target Field
Milwaukee Brewers
Punches way above its market size thanks to sharp scouting and development. American Family Field crowds are some of the most underrated in the league.
About Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and joined MLB in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots before relocating a year later. The franchise reached its only World Series in 1982 and has not won a title.
- League
- National League Central
- Moved to Milwaukee
- 1970
- World Series titles
- 0
- Home stadium
- American Family Field
Baltimore Orioles
A young core that turned a rough stretch into one of the most exciting rebuilds in recent memory. Camden Yards gets credit as the stadium that started the retro-ballpark trend.
About Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland, competing in the American League East division. The franchise has a long history including a stint as the St. Louis Browns before relocating to Baltimore. They are known for their dominant teams of the late 1960s through early 1980s and for playing at the pioneering Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
- League/Division
- American League East
- Home ballpark
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- World Series titles
- 3
Texas Rangers
The 2023 World Series title finally gave this franchise its signature moment after decades of near-misses. A good young roster and a sharp new ballpark round it out.
About Texas Rangers
The Rangers are based in Arlington, Texas, and originated as the second version of the Washington Senators before relocating to Texas in 1972. The franchise won its first World Series title in 2023.
- League
- American League West
- Moved to Texas
- 1972
- World Series titles
- 1 (2023)
- Home stadium
- Globe Life Field
CC Tier: Middle of the Pack
Arizona Diamondbacks
A relatively young franchise with a surprise World Series run in 2023 that caught the league off guard. Still building a true national following, but the baseball's been fun.
About Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Phoenix, Arizona, competing in the National League West division. The team began play in 1998 as an expansion franchise. They won the World Series in 2001, becoming one of the fastest expansion teams to win a championship.
- League/Division
- National League West
- Home ballpark
- Chase Field
- World Series titles
- 1
- First season
- 1998
Detroit Tigers
A historic franchise with a passionate Midwest fanbase that's weathered some lean years. There's real pitching talent coming up that could flip this outlook fast.
About Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are a charter member of the American League, based in Detroit, Michigan, and have played continuously since 1901. The franchise has won four World Series titles, most recently in 1984.
- League
- American League Central
- Founded
- 1901
- World Series titles
- 4
- Home stadium
- Comerica Park
Cincinnati Reds
The oldest professional franchise in the sport, with history to spare. The young roster has flashes of excitement but hasn't put together a complete contending season in a while.
About Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Cincinnati, Ohio, playing in the National League Central division. They are one of the oldest professional baseball franchises in the country, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. The Reds are known for the dominant 'Big Red Machine' teams of the 1970s.
- League/Division
- National League Central
- Home ballpark
- Great American Ball Park
- World Series titles
- 5
- Notable era
- Big Red Machine (1970s)
Kansas City Royals
The 2015 championship feels like a long time ago now, but a promising young core is giving this fanbase a reason to check the standings again.
About Kansas City Royals
The Royals are based in Kansas City, Missouri, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1969. The franchise has won two World Series titles, in 1985 and 2015.
- League
- American League Central
- Founded
- 1969
- World Series titles
- 2 (1985, 2015)
- Home stadium
- Kauffman Stadium
Tampa Bay Rays
Somehow always competitive despite one of the smallest payrolls in the league, which says a lot about the front office. The attendance numbers, though, remain a real problem nobody's solved.
About Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1998. Known for an analytics driven, small market approach, they reached the World Series in 2008 and 2020.
- League
- American League East
- Founded
- 1998
- World Series titles
- 0
- Home stadium
- Tropicana Field
DD Tier: Stuck in Neutral
Los Angeles Angels
Having arguably the two best players of a generation in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani on the roster at once and still missing the playoffs for years is a special kind of frustrating. The front office has a lot to answer for here.
About Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are based in Anaheim, California, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1961. The franchise won its only World Series title in 2002.
- League
- American League West
- Founded
- 1961
- World Series titles
- 1 (2002)
- Home stadium
- Angel Stadium
Pittsburgh Pirates
A beautiful ballpark in PNC Park wrapped around a franchise that's struggled to spend and compete consistently. Fans here deserve a lot better than they've gotten lately.
About Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are one of baseball's oldest franchises, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have won five World Series titles, with their most recent coming in 1979.
- League
- National League Central
- World Series titles
- 5
- Last title
- 1979
- Home stadium
- PNC Park
Washington Nationals
The 2019 title feels increasingly like a one-off after a roster teardown that followed. A young core is forming, but patience is wearing thin in D.C.
About Washington Nationals
The Nationals are the National League franchise based in Washington, D.C. The team moved from Montreal (where it played as the Expos) to Washington in 2005. They won the franchise's first World Series title in 2019.
- League
- National League East
- Founded in Washington
- 2005
- World Series titles
- 1 (2019)
- Home stadium
- Nationals Park
Miami Marlins
Two championships exist in this franchise's history, oddly enough, but you wouldn't know it from the attendance or the constant fire sales. loanDepot park rarely feels like a home-field advantage.
About Miami Marlins
The Marlins are based in Miami, Florida, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1993. Despite a history of low attendance and payroll, the franchise has won two World Series titles, in 1997 and 2003.
- League
- National League East
- Founded
- 1993
- World Series titles
- 2 (1997, 2003)
- Home stadium
- loanDepot park
FF Tier: Rough Shape
Colorado Rockies
Coors Field is a hitter's paradise but that hasn't translated into sustained winning. Years of poor roster decisions have left this fanbase with very little to hang onto.
About Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are based in Denver, Colorado, and joined MLB as an expansion team in 1993. The high altitude of their home ballpark has made it known as a hitter friendly environment, and the team reached its only World Series in 2007.
- League
- National League West
- Founded
- 1993
- World Series titles
- 0
- Home stadium
- Coors Field
Chicago White Sox
One of the worst seasons in modern MLB history recently hit this franchise, and the frustration on the South Side is palpable. The crosstown Cubs comparisons make it sting even more.
About Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Chicago, Illinois, competing in the American League Central division. Founded in 1901 as part of the American League's original lineup, they share the city with the Chicago Cubs. The team is known for its 2005 World Series championship, ending an 88-year title drought.
- League/Division
- American League Central
- Home ballpark
- Guaranteed Rate Field
- World Series titles
- 3
- Founded
- 1901
Athletics
A franchise in limbo, playing in a minor league park while a move to Las Vegas looms. Ownership has drained whatever goodwill was left in Oakland, and it shows in the attendance figures.
About Athletics
A franchise with stops in Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Oakland, currently playing in a temporary minor league park amid a planned relocation to Las Vegas.
- Notable
- Moneyball era (early 2000s)
How we ranked them
We weighed championship pedigree and overall win history, but also current roster strength, front office competence, and how a team treats its fans and market. Tradition counts for a lot here, a 100-year-old rivalry means more than a flashy new stadium. Recent sustained success mattered more than one hot season, and we docked points for ownership that seems to actively avoid trying to win.
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Rank these yourselfFAQ
What's the best MLB team of all time based on championships?
The New York Yankees, with 27 World Series titles, far more than any other franchise.
Which MLB team has the longest championship drought?
Several teams have never won a World Series, including the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals' predecessor franchises aside, but among active long droughts the Mariners have never even reached a World Series.
Which MLB franchise is the oldest?
The Cincinnati Reds trace their roots back to 1869, often cited as the first professional baseball team.
Why are the Athletics ranked so low?
It's less about on-field history and more about the current situation: a lame-duck stadium in Oakland and an unresolved relocation to Las Vegas have gutted fan support.
Is this ranking based on all-time history or current team strength?
A blend of both. We weighted historic success and tradition heavily, but recent competitiveness and front office direction also moved teams up or down.
More rankings
Image credits
- New York YankeesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Los Angeles DodgersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Boston Red SoxLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Atlanta BravesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Houston AstrosLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- San Francisco GiantsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- St. Louis CardinalsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Philadelphia PhilliesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Chicago CubsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- New York MetsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Toronto Blue JaysLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Seattle MarinersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- San Diego PadresLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Cleveland GuardiansLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Minnesota TwinsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Milwaukee BrewersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Baltimore OriolesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Texas RangersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Arizona DiamondbacksLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Detroit TigersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Cincinnati RedsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Kansas City RoyalsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Tampa Bay RaysLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Los Angeles AngelsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Pittsburgh PiratesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Washington NationalsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Miami MarlinsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Colorado RockiesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Chicago White SoxLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- AthleticsLogo: Wikipedia · Source