The MLB playoffs are the ultimate pressure cooker, where a team’s entire season is distilled into a few tense weeks of must-win baseball.
Yet, not all teams face the same level of heat. For some franchises, the postseason isn’t just about trying to win a championship—it’s about relieving the heavy burden of expectations built up over years or even decades. History, free agency, and the clock of aging rosters conspire to crank the intensity.
The 2024 postseason will be no different, and while every team wants to hoist the World Series trophy, a handful of them need it more than others. Whether to end a title drought, retain key players, or justify bold front-office moves, these five teams feel the world's weight as they take the field. Here’s a look at the franchises under the most pressure to deliver this October.
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee’s narrative has been building for decades, with no World Series titles and no pennant since 1982. Eight straight winning seasons have given fans hope year after year, but the Brewers haven’t been able to convert regular-season success into a championship run.
The drought has become a defining part of their identity, and this postseason feels pivotal. Fans have come to expect more, and the weight of never having won it all amplifies every pitch and at-bat.
The Brewers also face the pressure of potential roster changes. Shortstop Willy Adames, a key player and beloved clubhouse leader, is heading toward free agency. His departure would leave a significant gap in the team’s chemistry and on-field performance. His future in Milwaukee is uncertain, adding urgency to the Brewers’ need to capitalize on their playoff appearance while they still have him.
Though Milwaukee has one of the youngest teams in the playoffs this year, youth doesn’t necessarily equate to future success. The window of opportunity is open, but there’s no guarantee it will stay that way. As their streak of winning seasons grows, so does the expectation that they will finally break through and claim that elusive World Series title. Given these factors, Brewers odds to succeed in the playoffs have been closely scrutinized, with many wondering if this will be the year they defy history.
New York Yankees
No team in baseball carries the same level of scrutiny and expectation as the New York Yankees. While their last World Series win came in 2009, fans and media treat every season like another title should be a given. The Yankees are synonymous with greatness; the pressure builds every year they fall short. That’s the curse of being a franchise with a history of success—anything less than a championship feels like failure.
The Yankees face additional pressure this postseason due to the potential departure of key players like Juan Soto and Gerrit Cole. Both players’ futures are uncertain; losing either could change the team's trajectory for years. The weight of these possible exits adds to an already intense atmosphere, as the Yankees must try to win now before facing the prospect of significant roster changes.
Then there’s the media spotlight. Playing in New York means every move is scrutinized, every loss feels more significant, and every mistake is magnified. The Yankees have always dealt with this pressure, but the longer the title drought extends, the more suffocating it becomes. Yet, for Yankees fans, nothing less than a championship is acceptable.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have long faced pressure, but their situation is unique. Since joining the league in 1969, they’ve never won a World Series, and last made the finals in 1998. Unlike many teams, the Padres have aggressively pursued success, making big moves in the market. However, postseason success has remained out of reach despite their efforts, and expectations grow heavier each year.
Key free agents like Jurickson Profar, whose future with the team is uncertain, add to the tension. The Padres must win now before significant roster changes occur.
San Diego’s front office has taken significant risks, and this postseason could be when those pay off—or fall apart. Their window to win isn’t vast, and the pressure to justify their bold moves looms over every playoff game.
New York Mets
The New York Mets haven’t won a World Series since 1986, and the years since have been marked by frustration and rebuilding. Under new leadership from David Stearns, the team has found a balance between competing now and planning for the future. However, this approach has led to a roster with several older players on short-term contracts.
Key players like Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez, and Sean Manaea are crucial this postseason, but their potential departures loom large, increasing the pressure to win before the team changes. Playing in New York adds even more pressure. Fans and media expect success and a playoff loss could hurt even more, knowing the Mets might not be as competitive next season.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2020 World Series, but the shortened season has made some question how much that title means. Now, the team feels extra pressure to prove their success wasn’t just due to an unusual year. Despite 12 straight playoff appearances, early exits have left fans wanting more.
The pressure is even greater this year due to the Dodgers’ aging roster. Many key players are nearing the end of their prime, and the team’s window to win another championship is closing fast.
Adding to the tension is Shohei Ohtani, whose impact on the team is still unfolding. Anything less than a full-length, traditional championship for the Dodgers will feel incomplete, making this postseason crucial.
Conclusion
Playoff baseball is inherently dramatic, but the stakes feel even higher for these five teams. Each team on this list faces a unique set of challenges, and how they manage that pressure could be the difference between success and failure. As the postseason unfolds, these storylines add extra intensity to each game.
