30 MLB teams entered the 2026 season hoping to make the playoffs and ultimately win the World Series. However, only 12 teams will advance to the postseason and earn the opportunity to compete for baseball’s biggest prize.
With the regular season nearing its climax and the playoffs set to commence in a few days, we take a look at the 10 teams that have made the postseason the most times in MLB history.
#1 New York Yankees – 61
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The New York Yankees are the most successful franchise in MLB history. The AL East team qualified for the postseason for a record 61st time this season. The Yankees have made the trip to the World Series for a record 41st time, winning 27 titles, the most by any MLB team.
However, the Yankees have not won the World Series since 2009. Their last trip to the Fall Classic in 2024 ended in defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers, extending their title drought.
#2 Los Angeles Dodgers – 40
The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the team to beat with their consecutive World Series titles over the last two seasons. Their aspirations of a three-peat continued after they won the NL West and qualified for the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, the joint most by an MLB team.
While the Dodgers are the most successful team over the last five years, they have been successful only nine times out of their 23 World Series trips. They are considered the favorites for the 10th title this year.
#3 St. Louis Cardinals – 32
The St. Louis Cardinals failed to qualify for the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season in 2026. Despite their recent postseason drought, the Cardinals remain one of the most successful teams in MLB history.
The Cardinals have qualified for the postseason 32 times in their franchise history. They have made it all the way through to the World Series 19 times. The Cardinals have won the World Series 11 times, the second-most behind the Yankees.
#4 Atlanta Braves – 31
The Atlanta Braves failed to make the postseason for the first time in seven seasons in 2025. However, the Braves clinched the NL East earlier this month to secure their postseason berth for the 31st time in franchise history.
The Braves pipped the Philadelphia Phillies to clinch the division and head into the postseason as a strong World Series contender. They have won four World Series titles in 10 trips, with their last win coming in 2021.
#5 The Athletics – 29
The Athletics have not posted a winning season over the last four years. The trend has continued this season as they are 62-95 after 157 games in 2026. The Athletics’ postseason drought extended to six seasons after their underwhelming performance this year.
Despite their struggles, the Athletics are one of the most successful teams in postseason history. While the Athletics are not going to the playoffs this year, they have qualified for the postseason 29 times. They have nine World Series wins, with their last coming in 1989.
#6 San Francisco Giants – 27
The San Francisco Giants’ postseason drought extended to five seasons after they were eliminated from the NL Wild Card race this year. Their recent slump notwithstanding, the Giants have made the postseason 27 times during their franchise history.
They have made it through to the World Series 20 times and have won the titles eight times. The Giants last won the World Series in 2014, their third title in five years.
#7 Boston Red Sox – 27
The Boston Red Sox are heading to the postseason for a second consecutive year. They sealed their AL Wild Card spot earlier this month despite a 32-46 start to the season.
The Red Sox, who are likely to face AL East rivals the New York Yankees in the Wild Card round, have made the postseason 27 times in their history. Despite making just 13 World Series trips, they have won nine titles, the third-most in MLB history behind the Yankees and the Cardinals.
#8 Chicago Cubs – 22
The Chicago Cubs made it to the playoffs for the first time in five years last season. They are on the verge of making the postseason for a second consecutive year, as they hold one of the NL Wild Card spots.
The Cubs have qualified for the World Series 11 times, winning the Fall Classic thrice, although their last World Series win was back in 2016. Their World Series aspirations this year largely rest on All-Star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong’s shoulders.
#9 Houston Astros, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies – 18
As many as five teams – the Houston Astros, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies – have made the postseason 18 times.
The Tigers have been the most successful among the five teams, winning four World Series titles in 11 trips to the Fall Classic. However, they have not qualified for the postseason this year.
#10 Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates – 17
The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates have each made the postseason 17 times in their franchise history.
The Reds were defeated by the Dodgers in last year’s NLWC, and have failed to make the postseason this year. The Pirates, who failed to make the postseason for the 10th consecutive time in 2025, extended their drought to 11 consecutive seasons this year.
The Pirates and Reds have won five World Series titles each.
Edited by Musab Abid
