The anticipation for the upcoming 2026 playoffs is palpable, but for those yearning for the thrill of suspense and surprise, history serves as a fascinating guide. Particularly, examining past upsets in the Division Series (DS) showcases the unpredictability of baseball, where underdogs triumph against larger odds. This article dives into the ten most significant upsets of the American League Division Series (ALDS) and National League Division Series (NLDS), focusing on the losing teams that shocked the world.
Honorable Mentions Before the Countdown
Before we launch into the list, it's worth noting a few notable contests that didn't quite make the cut: the 2004 Red Sox over the Yankees, and the iconic 1981 Dodgers over the Yankees. These matches are renowned, but our focus remains on the less-celebrated instances where perceived 'favorites' faltered. Now, let's delve into the countdown.
1996 ALDS: Baltimore Orioles over Cleveland Indians
Regular-Season Win Gap: 11, Series Result: 4 games, +5 run differential. This matchup showcased the seemingly invincible 99-win Indians, featuring stars like Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez. Despite boasting one of the most potent offenses in the league, the Orioles shocked them by scoring a phenomenal 25 runs across four games, including nine home runs. The 1996 season became an unforgettable chapter in the Orioles’ storied rivalry with the Indians.
1997 ALDS: Cleveland Indians over New York Yankees
Regular-Season Win Gap: 10, Series Result: 5 games, -3 run differential. After their disheartening loss to the Orioles the year before, the Indians exacted revenge on the Yankees, who were defending their 1996 championship. Despite featuring several MVP candidates, the Yankees fell short in a tightly contested series, losing two decisive games by just a single run.
2012 NLDS: St. Louis Cardinals over Washington Nationals
Regular-Season Win Gap: 10, Series Result: 5 games, +16 run differential. Despite being the defending champions, the Cardinals faced a tough challenge against the 98-win Nationals, who had home-field advantage. In a dramatic Game 5, with the Cardinals down late, they staged a rally, capitalizing on the Nationals' closer struggles, ultimately taking the series with a four-run ninth inning.
2023 ALDS: Texas Rangers over Baltimore Orioles
Regular-Season Win Gap: 11, Series Result: 5 games, +3 run differential. The Orioles, fresh off a 101-win season, seemed set to represent the American League dominantly. However, the Rangers capitalized on their late-season shakeup, winning the first two games of the series and decisively taking Game 3 with ace Nathan Eovaldi's stellar performance that pushed the Orioles out of contention.
2017 ALDS: New York Yankees over Cleveland Indians
Regular-Season Win Gap: 11, Series Result: 5 games, -2 run differential. The Indians, boasting an AL-record 22 consecutive wins, seemed untouchable. Yet, despite taking a 2-0 lead in the series, they faltered against the Yankees, who countered with a dominant bullpen performance in the final games, exemplified by Chapman and Robertson’s efforts.
2011 NLDS: St. Louis Cardinals over Philadelphia Phillies
Regular-Season Win Gap: 12, Series Result: 5 games, +14 run differential. The star-studded Phillies, led by Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, entered the playoffs with immense expectations. However, the underdog Cardinals surprised many, clinching the series in Game 5 behind an outstanding performance from Chris Carpenter, who outshined Halladay in a duel.
2008 NLDS: Los Angeles Dodgers over Chicago Cubs
Regular-Season Win Gap: 13, Series Result: 5 games, +4 run differential. The 2008 Cubs boasted a stronger regular-season record but could not handle the late-season surge of the Dodgers, who benefited from Manny Ramirez’s explosive performance, ultimately showcasing baseball's unpredictable nature. Despite mild expectations, Ramirez's arrival proved crucial.
2003 NLDS: Florida Marlins over Atlanta Braves
Regular-Season Win Gap: 13, Series Result: 5 games, -1 run differential. In a season defined by excellent pitching and offensive prowess, the Braves were widely viewed as favorites. Yet, the Marlins, propelled by a dynamic roster, emerged victorious, with their pitching staff remarkable successful against a powerhouse lineup.
2019 NLDS: Washington Nationals over Los Angeles Dodgers
Regular-Season Win Gap: 14, Series Result: 4 games, +11 run differential. The 106-win Dodgers were heavily favored against the Nationals. Everything seemed to be going well until a historic Game 5 comeback led by Kendrick, who hit a pivotal home run to cap off a remarkable upset over the heavily favored Dodgers.
2022 NLDS: Philadelphia Phillies over Atlanta Braves
Regular-Season Win Gap: 14, Series Result: 4 games, +12 run differential. The Phillies performed astoundingly against the defending champions Braves, whose offensive struggles allowed an unexpected rise from the Phillies, led by an impressive performance from Bryce Harper. This upset highlighted the true unpredictability of MLB playoffs.
2023 NLDS: Arizona Diamondbacks over Los Angeles Dodgers
Regular-Season Win Gap: 22, Series Result: 4 games, +3 run differential. The Dodgers, holding the best record in the National League, faced a stunning early exit at the hands of the Diamondbacks. Their bullpen maintained an impressive control that thwarted the potent Dodgers lineup, reminding fans once again that playoff baseball is anything but predictable.
Reflections on Upsets in Baseball History
The essence of sports lies in the unpredictability of its outcomes. The ten greatest upsets in ALDS and NLDS history reflect moments where the underdog triumphed against all odds. Although the upcoming 2026 playoffs may offer fewer opportunities for surprises, these historical moments remind fans of the excitement and twists that baseball brings. Whether examining the powerhouse teams or remembering the disappointing exits, these matchups form the foundation of unforgettable baseball lore.
