MLB Playoff Droughts: Cubs Lead Hopefuls Among Teams Seeking October Baseball
September 4, 2024 – As the final month of the Major League Baseball season unfolds, a select group of franchises find themselves battling not only for a postseason berth but also against decades of futility. Several teams are enduring extended playoff droughts, with the Seattle Mariners previously holding the longest active streak before their 2022 appearance. While some organizations remain firmly entrenched in rebuilding phases, others are on the cusp of perhaps ending their postseason absences.
These prolonged absences impact fan bases, franchise valuations, and player recruitment. The pressure to perform intensifies with each passing season, creating a cycle of scrutiny and demand for change.The quest to break these droughts fuels trade deadline activity, offseason spending, and the progress of young talent, all in pursuit of October baseball. This year, the Chicago Cubs lead a contingent of teams striving to rewrite their postseason narratives.
all-Time Longest Playoff Droughts in MLB
The longest postseason drought in MLB history belongs to the San Diego Padres, who last reached the playoffs in 2006, enduring a 17-year absence before their 2023 Wild Card Series appearance. The Kansas City Royals previously held the longest drought, spanning 29 years between 1985 and 2014.Other notable extended droughts include:
Pittsburgh Pirates: 21 years (1992-2013)
New York Mets: 17 years (1988-2005)
Los Angeles Dodgers: 16 years (1988-2004)
St. Louis Cardinals: 15 years (1987-2002)
Active Longest Playoff Droughts (as of September 4,2024)
Several teams are currently navigating significant postseason droughts:
Detroit Tigers: Last appeared in 2014 (10 years)
Miami Marlins: Last appeared in 2003 (21 years)
Colorado Rockies: Last appeared in 2018 (6 years)
Baltimore Orioles: Last appeared in 2016 (8 years)
Cincinnati Reds: Last appeared in 2020 (4 years)
Oakland Athletics: Last appeared in 2020 (4 years)
* Chicago Cubs: Last appeared in 2020 (4 years)
As of September 4,2024,the Chicago Cubs are the only team from this group currently projected to reach the postseason. The Cincinnati Reds remain in contention for a Wild Card spot, but face an uphill battle during the final weeks of the season. The Oakland Athletics are not expected to contend for a playoff berth in 2024.
