Unraveling MLB’s Longest Postseason Dry Spells: Which Teams Are Doomed to Wait Forever?

T-1. Miami Marlins, 33 Seasons (1993-Present)

Fun fact No. 2: In their history, the Marlins have never won the NL East. Miami has clinched a wild-card berth in three seasons: 1997, 2003 and 2020. But the key difference between the Marlins and Rockies is that Miami, known at the time as the Florida Marlins, won the World Series in 1997 and 2003. Prior to the 2020 season, the Marlins were the only franchise in MLB history to win the championship each year they had reached the postseason.

T-1. Pittsburgh Pirates, 33 Seasons (1993-Present)

Longest Active Playoff Series Win Drought

1. Cincinnati Reds, 30 Seasons (1996-Present)

It’s been a brutal two and a half decades for Reds fans. After their 1995 NLCS exit against the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati didn’t see a playoff game until 2010, when they were swept by the Phillies, a series that included Roy Halladay throwing the second no-hitter in playoff history. In 2012, the Reds took a 2-0 NLDS lead against the San Francisco Giants before losing three straight games and the series. Next year was the infamous “Cueto” game at PNC Park, when Pirates fans rattled Reds starter Johnny Cueto so much that at one point, he dropped the ball while on the mound. In 2020, the Reds lost in the NLWC series to the Braves 2-0.