Top 5 MLB Single Seasons by a Team

Some teams that have done more than just win—they’ve made their way into our Top 10 lists!

We’re talking those squads that made the rest of the league look like a bunch of little leaguers for one single season at least.

Whether they racked up 116 wins or simply crushed everyone in their path, these teams didn’t just play baseball; they practically rewrote the rules for a season.

So, let’s take a look at the top 5 MLB seasons, where some teams had win percentages so high that they might as well have been playing on rookie mode.

Best Single Seasons By An MLB Team

Here are our top 5 MLB single seasons by a team, taking into account their regular-season, win percentage, and postseason success.

1. 1906 Chicago Cubs

• Record: 116-36
• Win %: .763
• World Series Winners?: No

Notable Players:

• Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown (Pitcher), Frank Chance (First Baseman/Manager), Johnny Evers (Second Baseman) and Joe Tinker (Shortstop).

The 1906 Cubs set a record for the highest single-season win percentage (.763) with an incredible 116-36 record.

Their brilliance in the regular season, powered by their strong pitching and solid defense, seemed destined for a World Series title.

However, they lost to their crosstown rivals, the Chicago White Sox, in the World Series, making this one of the greatest teams to fall short of a championship.

2. 2001 Seattle Mariners

• Record: 116-46
• Win %: .716
• World Series Winners?: No

Notable Players:

• Ichiro Suzuki (Right Fielder), Edgar Martinez (Designated Hitter), Bret Boone (Second Baseman) and Freddy Garcia (Pitcher).

The 2001 Mariners tied the 1906 Cubs’ record with 116 wins but had to settle for second place due to a lower win percentage (.716).

Led by stars like Ichiro Suzuki and Edgar Martinez, the Mariners smashed the regular season.

Despite their impressive regular season, the Mariners were knocked-out by the New York Yankees in the ALCS, preventing them from capping off their historic run with a World Series title.

3. 1998 New York Yankees

• Record: 114-48
• Win %: .704
• World Series Winners?: Yes

Notable Players:

• Derek Jeter (Shortstop), Bernie Williams (Center Fielder), Mariano Rivera (Closer) and Andy Pettitte (Pitcher).

The 1998 New York Yankees are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in MLB history.

With a 114-48 regular-season record and a .704 win percentage, they barged through the playoffs, sweeping the Padres in the World Series to win the title.

Led by Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees combined strong hitting, elite pitching, and elite defense to achieve one of the best seasons in MLB history.

4. 1975 Cincinnati Reds

• Record: 108-54
• Win %: .667
• World Series Winners?: Yes

Notable Players:

• Johnny Bench (Catcher), Joe Morgan (Second Baseman), Pete Rose (Third Baseman/Outfielder) and Tony Perez (First Baseman).

The 1975 Cincinnati Reds, known as the “Big Red Machine,” had one of the most formidable lineups ever.

With a 108-54 record and a .667 win percentage, they were an offensive machine led by stars like Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Pete Rose.

The Reds won the World Series in a memorable seven-game series against the Boston Red Sox, etching their place as one of the greatest teams in MLB history.

5. 1986 New York Mets

• Record: 108-54
• Win %: .667
• World Series Winners?: Yes

Notable Players:

• Dwight Gooden (Pitcher), Darryl Strawberry (Right Fielder), Keith Hernandez (First Baseman) and Gary Carter (Catcher).

The ’86 Mets had a 108-54 record and a .667 win percentage.

Known for their mix of talent, swagger, and chaotic clubhouse, the Mets were led by stars like Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Keith Hernandez.

Their season ended in one of the most famous World Series wins in history, as they defeated the Boston Red Sox in seven games, highlighted by the iconic Game 6 comeback.

Top 10 Single Season MLB Performances

This table highlights the top 10 MLB teams with the best regular seasons in history. It includes their win-loss records, win %, and whether they capped off their season with a World Series title. These stats showcase just how powerful these teams were during their peak seasons.

These teams weren’t just good; they were damn good. Whether they brought home the bacon or stumbled at the finish line, their win-loss records and sky-high win percentages prove one thing: they didn’t come to play; they came to dominate.

Check out our list of the greatest MLB dynasties and the top 50 home run seasons by a player.