Which MLB teams have gone the longest since making the playoffs?

A year after ending their long-running streak of missing the playoffs, the Philadelphia Phillies are once again back in the postseason. The same can’t be said for the Los Angeles Angels or the Detroit Tigers.

Which teams have the longest playoff drought?

As is the case in any top-tier sport in the country, it’s all about making the postseason. Failure to do so more often than not results in roster and managerial changes, while failure to do so on a consistent basis can result in wholesale alterations to the club itself. With this in mind, it’s definitely something all teams want to avoid. Sadly, that’s not always up to them and as we’ve seen over the years, there are some teams who are more ‘proficient’ at losing than others. If we’re talking all-time, then the honor of the longest playoff absence in MLB history belongs to the then-named St. Louis Browns 41 seasons without making the postseason between 1903 and 1944. Needless to say, a lot has changed since those times, which brings us to the teams that have the longest active droughts in the modern era.

Los Angeles Angels: 2014 (9 years)

The Angels, who have not clinched an MLB postseason berth since 2014, have been eliminated from playoff contention for a long time now, with a 73-87 record. Additionally, they have not fielded an above .500 record since 2015. Mike Trout, who is arguably the generation’s best player, has played in only three postseason games, all losses.

Detroit Tigers: 2014 (9 years)

The Tigers are in the same boat as the Angels. They also haven’t made the playoffs for nine years, and have had one season above .500 since 2014. They are in turn followed by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals who have both registered 8-year playoff droughts. For a look at the full list, see below: