Fox Sports Ranks 25 World Series Champions

Fox Sports compiled and ranked the 25 World Series champions of the 21st century, using statistical analysis, roster debates and interviews, covering teams from the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks through the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers. The list highlights singular performances and defining narratives, from the Diamondbacks’ Randy Johnson–Curt Schilling rotation to the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals’ postseason heroics from a young Adam Wainwright alongside Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter. Breakthrough and redemption stories feature the 2016 Chicago Cubs ending a 108‑year drought behind NL MVP Kris Bryant and a deep rotation, and the 2022 Houston Astros pairing stars like Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker and Jeremy Peña with Justin Verlander’s AL Cy Young season after the sign‑stealing scandal. The ranking also emphasizes dynastic and veteran-led teams such as the 2009 Yankees with Mariano Rivera and the 2013 Red Sox rebuilt under Ben Cherington, as well as pitching- or defense-first champions like the 2019 Nationals (Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer). Recent champions show modern variations: the 2023 Rangers combined top offense with deadline pitching upgrades to win their first title, while the 2024 Dodgers relied on an unrivaled offense led by Shohei Ohtani and a deep bullpen.