Here's what this is - I took Simple Rating System from Baseball Reference; ELO from FiveThirtyEight and smashed them together, with a bent toward valuing contemporary teams given a constant improvement of baseball as a system. Only including teams from the World Series era, 1903-
It ain't bad. Here are the top 128 teams in MLB History. Why 128? Brackets, makes it easy to do a tournament.
Here we go:
128. 1979 Baltimore Orioles (AL Champions, Pythagorean Record: 98-61)
Mgr: Earl Weaver
WAR (B-Ref only) Leaders: RF Ken Singleton, P Mike Flanagan
127. 1967 St Louis Cardinals (World Series Champions, Pythagorean Record 97-64)
Mgr. Red Schoendienst
WAR (B-Ref only) 1B Orlando Cepeda P Dick Hughes
126. 2011 Philadelphia Phillies (NL East Champions, Pythag 103-59)
Mgr. Charlie Manuel
WAR CF Shane Victorino P Cliff Lee (MVP Level Season) P Roy Halladay (MVP Level Season)
125. 1909 Philadelphia A's (2nd in American League, Pythag 102-51)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR: 2B Eddie Collins (MVP Level Season) P Eddie Plank
124. 2002 San Francisco Giants (NL Champions, Pythag 98-63)
Mgr. Dusty Baker
WAR: LF Barry Bonds (MVP Level Season) P Russ Ortiz
123. 1955 New York Yankees (AL Champions, Pythag 97-57)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR: CF Mickey Mantle (MVP Level Season) P Whitey Ford
122. 1999 Atlanta Braves (NL Champions, Pythag 98-64)
Mgr. Bobby Cox
WAR CF Andruw Jones, P Kevin Millwood
121. 2004 St Louis Cardinals (NL Champions, Pythag 100-62)
Mgr. Tony LaRussa
WAR 3B Scott Rolen (MVP Level) 1B Albert Pujols (MVP Level) P Jason Marquis
120. 2019 New York Yankees (AL East Champions, Pythag 99-63)
Mgr Aaron Boone
WAR 2B DJ LeMahieu, P Zack Britton
119. 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers (NL Champions, Pythag 102-61)
Mgr. Dave Roberts
WAR 3B Justin Turner, P Clayton Kershaw
118. 1917 New York Giants (NL Champions, Pythag 98-56)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR SS Art Fletcher, P Ferdie Schupp
117. 1934 St Louis Cardinals (World Series Champions, Pythag 90-63)
Mgr. Frankie Frisch
WAR P Dizzie Dean (MVP Level) 1B Ripper Collins
116. 1958 New York Yankees (World Series Champions Pythag 96-58)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR CF Mickey Mantle (MVP Level) P Whitey Ford
115. 2004 Boston Red Sox (World Series Champions, Pythag 96-66)
Mgr. Terry Francona
WAR P Curt Schilling, CF Johnny Damon
114. 1928 Philadelphia A's (2nd in American League, Pythag 97-56)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR P Lefty Grove, 2B Max Bishop
113. 1972 Oakland A's (World Series Champions, Pythag 97-58)
Mgr. Dick Williams
WAR LF Joe Rudi, P Catfish Hunter
112. 1997 Atlanta Braves (NL East Champions, Pythag 103-59)
Mgr. Bobby Cox
WAR P Greg Maddux, CF Kenny Lofton
111. 1995 Atlanta Braves (World Series Champions, Pythag 84-60)
Mgr. Bobby Cox
WAR P Greg Maddux (MVP Level) RF David Justice
110. 1998 Houston Astros (NL Central Champions, Pythag 106-56)
Mgr. Larry Dierker
WAR 2B Craig Biggio, P Mike Hampton
109. 1934 Detroit Tigers (American League Champions, Pythag 98-56)
Mgr. Mickey Cochrane
WAR 2B Charlie Gehringer (MVP Level) P Schoolboy Rowe
108. 1909 Detroit Tigers (American League Champions, Pythag 96-56)
Mgr. Hughie Jennings
WAR RF Ty Cobb (MVP Level) P George Mullin
107. 1906 Chicago White Sox (World Series Champions, Pythag 90-61)
Mgr. Fielder Jones
WAR P Doc White, SS George Davis
106. 1914 Boston Braves (World Series Champions, Pythag 89-64)
Mgr. George Stallings
WAR P Bill James (MVP Level) SS Rabbit Maranville
105. 1957 Milwaukee Braves (World Series Champions, Pythag 93-61)
Mgr. Fred Haney
WAR RF Hank Aaron (MVP Level) P Warren Spahn
104. 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers (World Series Champions, Pythag 95-58)
Mgr. Walter Alston
WAR CF Duke Snider (MVP Level) C Roy Campanella
103. 1948 New York Yankees (3rd in American League, Pythag 98-56)
Mgr. Bucky Harris
WAR CF Joe DiMaggio, P Vic Raschi
102. 1945 Chicago Cubs (NL Champions, Pythag 99-55)
Mgr. Charlie Grimm
WAR 1B Phil Cavaretta, P Claude Passeau
101. 1949 Brooklyn Dodgers (NL Champions, Pythag 98-56)
Mgr. Burt Shotton
WAR 2B Jackie Robinson (MVP Level) P Don Newcombe
100. 1922 New York Giants (World Series Champions, Pythag 95-59)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR SS Dave Bancroft P Art Nehf
99. 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates (World Series Champions, Pythag 93-60)
Mgr. Bill McKechnie
WAR RF Kiki Cuyler, P Vic Aldridge
98. 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers (NL Champions, Pythag 102-60)
Mgr. Dave Roberts
WAR 3B Justin Turner, P Clayton Kershaw
97. 1977 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, Pythag 99-63)
Mgr. Billy Martin
WAR 3B Graig Nettles, P Ron Guidry
96. 1949 Boston Red Sox (2nd in American League)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR LF Ted Williams (MVP Level) P Mel Parnell (MVP Level)
95. 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates (World Series Champions, Pythag 101-61)
Mgr Danny Murtaugh
WAR LF Willie Stargell, P Bob Robertson
94. 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates (World Series Champions, Pythag 95-67)
Mgr. Chuck Tanner
WAR RF Dave Parker, P John Candelaria
93. 1921 New York Yankees (AL Champions, Pythag 96-57)
Mgr. Miller Huggins
WAR RF Babe Ruth (MVP Level) P Carl Mays
92. 1908 New York Giants (2nd in National League, Pythag 101-53)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR P Christy Mathewson (MVP Level) C Roger Bresnahan
91. 1957 New York Yankees (AL Champions, Pythag 98-56)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR CF Mickey Mantle (MVP Level) P Tom Sturdivant
90. 2017 Houston Astros (World Series Champions, 99-63)
Mgr AJ Hinch
WAR 2B Jose Altuve (MVP Level) P Dallas Keuchel
89. 1913 Philadelphia A's (World Series Champions, 97-56)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR 2B Eddie Collins (MVP Level) P Chief Bender
88. 1943 New York Yankees (World Series Champions 92-62)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR P Spud Chandler, 2B Joe Gordon
87. 1983 Baltimore Orioles (World Series Champions 96-66)
Mgr. Joe Altobelli
WAR SS Cal Ripken (MVP Level) P Scott McGregor
86. 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers (NL Champions 106-56)
Mgr. Walter Alston
WAR CF Jim Wynn P Andy Messersmith
85. 1942 Brooklyn Dodgers (2nd in National League, 102-52)
Mgr. Leo Durocher
WAR SS Pee Wee Reese P Larry French
84. 1989 Oakland A's (World Series Champions, 97-65)
Mgr. Tony LaRussa
WAR P Mike Moore LF Rickey Henderson
83. 1940 Cincinnati Reds (World Series Champions, 96-57)
Mgr. Bill McKechnie
WAR P Bucky Walters 2B Lonny Frey
82. 2019 Washington Nationals (World Series Champions 95-67)
Mgr. Dave Martinez
WAR P Stephen Strasburg 3B Anthony Rendon
81. 1903 Boston Red Sox (World Series Champions 90-48)
Mgr. Jimmy Collins
WAR P Cy Young (MVP Level) SS Freddy Parent
80. 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers (NL Champions 99-55)
Mgr. Leo Durocher
WAR P Whit Wyatt CF Pete Reiser
79. 1993 Atlanta Braves (NL West Champions, 104-58)
Mgr. Bobby Cox
WAR LF Ron Gant, P Greg Maddux
78. 1978 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 99-64)
Mgr. Bob Lemon
WAR P Ron Guidry (MVP Level) 2B Willie Randolph
77. 1911 New York Giants (NL Champions, 99-54)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR P Christy Mathewson 2B Larry Doyle
76. 1946 St Louis Cardinals (World Series Champions, 97-59)
Mgr. Eddie Dyer
WAR 1B Stan Musial (MVP Level) P Howie Pollett
75. 1949 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 95-59)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR CF Joe DiMaggio P Joe Page
74. 1923 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 95-57)
Mgr. Miller Huggins
WAR RF Babe Ruth (MVP Level) P Herb Pennock
73. 1913 Philadelphia A's (World Series Champions, 97-56)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR 2B Eddie Collins (MVP Level) P Chief Bender
72. 1951 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 94-60)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR C Yogi Berra P Allie Reynolds
71. 1984 Detroit Tigers (World Series Champions 99-63)
Mgr. Sparky Anderson
WAR SS Alan Trammell P Willie Hernandez
70. 1998 Atlanta Braves (NL East Champions, 106-56)
Mgr. Bobby Cox
WAR CF Andruw Jones, P Greg Maddux
69. 1930 Philadelphia A's (World Series Champions, 93-61)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR P Lefty Grove (MVP Level) LF Al Simmons
68. 1931 New York Yankees (2nd in American League, 100-53)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR RF Babe Ruth (MVP Level) 1B Lou Gehrig (MVP Level) P Lefty Gomez
67. 2001 Oakland A's (2nd in AL West, 104-58)
Mgr. Art Howe
WAR 1B Jason Giambi (MVP Level) P Mark Mulder
66. 1954 New York Giants (World Series Champions, 97-57)
Mgr. Leo Durocher
WAR CF Willie Mays (MVP Level) P Johnny Antonelli
65. 1999 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 96-66)
Mgr. Joe Torre
WAR SS Derek Jeter (MVP Level) P David Cone
64. 1931 Philadelphia A's (AL Champions, 97-55)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR P Lefty Grove (MVP Level) LF Al Simmons
63. 1952 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 95-59)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR CF Mickey Mantle P Allie Reynolds
62. 1910 Chicago Cubs (NL Champions, 101-53)
Mgr. Frank Chance
WAR CF Solly Hoffman, P King Cole
61. 1921 New York Giants (World Series Champions, 95-58)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR SS Dave Bancroft P Jesse Barnes
60. 2009 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 95-67)
Mgr. Joe Girardi
WAR SS Derek Jeter, P CC Sabathia
59. 1905 Chicago Cubs (3rd in National League, 104-49)
Mgr. Frank Selee
WAR P Ed Reulbach, 1B Frank Chance
58. 1968 Detroit Tigers (World Series Champions, 103-59)
Mgr. Mayo Smith
WAR P Denny McLain, C Bill Freehan
57. 1931 St Louis Cardinals (World Series Champions, 97-57)
Mgr. Gabby Street
WAR LF Chick Hafey, P Bill Hallahan
56. 2001 Seattle Mariners (AL West Champions, 109-53)
Mgr. Lou Piniella
WAR 2B Bret Boone (MVP Level) P Freddy Garcia
55. 1954 New York Yankees (2nd in American League, 101-53)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR CF Mickey Mantle, P White Ford
54. 1969 Baltimore Orioles (AL Champions, 110-52)
Mgr. Earl Weaver
WAR RF Frank Robinson, P Jim Palmer
53.1928 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 95-59)
Mgr. Miller Huggins
WAR RF Babe Ruth (MVP Level) 1B Lou Gehrig (MVP Level) P Herb Pennock
52. 2013 Red Sox (World Series Champions, 100-62)
Mgr. John Farrell
WAR 2B Dustin Pedroia, P Clay Buchholz
51. 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers (NL Champions, 99-55)
Mgr. Chuck Dressen
WAR CF Duke Snider (MVP Level) P Carl Erskine
50. 1912 New York Giants (NL Champions, 100-51)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR P Christy Mathewson (MVP Level) 2B Larry Doyle
49. 1941 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 96-58)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR CF Joe DiMaggio (MVP Level) P Marius Russo
48. 2019 Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions, 107-55)
Mgr. Dave Roberts
WAR RF Cody Bellinger (MVP Level) P Hyun-Jin Ryu
47. 1956 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 98-56)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR CF Mickey Mantle (MVP Level), P Whitey Ford
46. 1971 Baltimore Orioles (AL Champions, 103-55)
Mgr. Earl Weaver
WAR 3B Brooks Robinson, P Jim Palmer
45. 1947 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 100-54)
Mgr. Bucky Harris
WAR CF Joe DiMaggio, Joe Page
44. 1986 New York Mets (World Series Champions, 103-59)
Mgr. Davey Johnson
WAR 1B Keith Hernandez, P Ron Darling
43. 1915 Boston Red Sox (World Series Champions, 95-56)
Mgr. Bill Carrigan
WAR CF Tris Speaker, P Smoky Joe Wood
42. 1935 Chicago Cubs (NL Champions, 101-53)
Mgr. Charlie Grimm
WAR 2B Billy Herman, Lon Warneke
41. 1935 Detroit Tigers (World Series Champions, 97-54)
Mgr. Mickey Cochrane
WAR 2B Charlie Gehringer, P Schoolboy Rowe
40. 1995 Cleveland Indians (AL Central Champions, 93-51)
Mgr. Mike Hargrove
WAR LF Albert Belle, P Dennis Martinez
39. 1917 Chicago White Sox (World Series Champions, 101-53)
Mgr. Pants Rowland
WAR P Eddie Cicotte (MVP Level) LF Joe Jackson
38. 2017 Cleveland Indians (AL Central Champions, 108-54)
Mgr. Terry Francona
WAR P Corey Kluber (MVP Level) 3B Jose Ramirez
37. 2002 Anaheim Angels (World Series Champions, 101-61)
Mgr. Mike Scioscia
WAR CF Darin Erstad, P Jarrod Washburn
36. 2018 Houston Astros (AL West Champions, 109-53)
Mgr. AJ Hinch
WAR 3B Alex Bregman, P Justin Verlander
35. 1950 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 96-58)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR SS Phil Rizzuto P Eddie Lopat
34. 1948 Cleveland Indians (World Series Champions, 104-51)
Mgr. Lou Boudreau
WAR SS Lou Boudreau (MVP Level) P Bob Lemon
33. 1943 St Louis Cardinals (NL Champions, 101-53)
Mgr. Billy Southworth
WAR RF Stan Musial (MVP Level) P Mort Cooper
32. 2007 Boston Red Sox (World Series Champions, 101-61)
Mgr. Terry Francona
WAR P Josh Beckett, DH David Ortiz
31. 1912 Boston Red Sox (World Series Champions 102-50)
Mgr. Jake Stahl
WAR P Smoky Joe Wood (MVP Level) CF Tris Speaker (MVP Level)
30. 1904 New York Giants (NL Champions 106-47)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR P Joe McGinnity (MVP Level) SS Bill Dahlen
29. 1954 Cleveland Indians (AL Champions, 104-50)
Mgr. Al Lopez
WAR 2B Bobby Avila, P Early Wynn
28. 1961 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 103-59)
Mgr. Ralph Houk
WAR CF Mickey Mantle (MVP Level) P Whitey Ford
27. 1919 Cincinnati Reds (World Series Champions, 92-48)
Mgr. Pat Moran
WAR 3B Heinie Groh, P Dutch Ruether
26. 2019 Houston Astros (AL Champions, 107-55)
Mgr. AJ Hinch
WAR 3B Alex Bregman (MVP Level) P Justin Verlander
25. 1908 Chicago Cubs (World Series Champions, 98-56)
Mgr. Frank Chance
WAR P Three Finger Brown (MVP Level) SS Joe Tinker
24. 1938 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 97-55)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR P Red Ruffing C Bill Dickey
23. 1953 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 101-50)
Mgr. Casey Stengel
WAR CF Mickey Mantle P Johnny Sain
22. 1976 Cincinnati Reds (World Series Champions, 103-59)
Mgr. Sparky Anderson
WAR 2B Joe Morgan (MVP Level) P Pat Zachry
21. 1944 St Louis Cardinals (World Series Champions, 107-47)
Mgr. Billy Southworth
WAR RF Stan Musial (MVP Level) P Mort Cooper
20. 2018 Boston Red Sox (World Series Champions, 103-59)
Mgr. Alex Cora
WAR RF Mookie Betts (MVP Level) P Chris Sale
19. 1936 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 102-51)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR 1B Lou Gehrig (MVP Level) P Red Ruffing
18. 1932 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 99-55)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR RF Babe Ruth (MVP Level) P Red Ruffing
17. 1929 Philadelphia A's (World Series Champions, 100-50)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR 1B Jimmie Foxx P Lefty Grove
16. 1975 Cincinnati Reds (World Series Champions, 107-55)
Mgr. Sparky Anderson
WAR 2B Joe Morgan P Don Gullett
15. 1937 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 103-51)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR P Lefty Gomez (MVP Level) CF Joe DiMaggio (MVP Level)
14. 1909 Chicago Cubs (2nd in National League, 109-44)
Mgr. Frank Chance
WAR P Three Finger Brown (MVP Level) P Orval Overall (MVP Level) SS Joe Tinker
13. 1970 Baltimore Orioles (World Series Champions, 104-58)
Mgr. Earl Weaver
WAR P Jim Palmer CF Paul Blair
12. 1942 New York Yankees (AL Champions, 107-47)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR 2B Joe Gordon (MVP Level) P Tiny Bonham
11. 1911 Philadelphia A's (World Series Champions, 99-52)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR 2B Eddie Collins 3B Home Run Baker
10. 1907 Chicago Cubs (World Series Champions, 102-50)
Mgr. Frank Chance
WAR P Orval Overall 2B Johnny Evers
9. 1905 New York Giants (World Series Champions, 105-48)
Mgr. John McGraw
WAR P Christy Mathewson (MVP Level) CF Mike Donlin
8. 1910 Philadelphia A's (World Series Champions, 103-47)
Mgr. Connie Mack
WAR 2B Eddie Collins (MVP Level) P Jack Coombs (MVP Level)
7. 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates (World Series Champions, 105-47)
Mgr. Fred Clarke
WAR SS Honus Wagner (MVP Level) P Howie Camnitz
6. 2016 Chicago Cubs (World Series Champions, 107-54)
Mgr. Joe Maddon
WAR 3B Kris Bryant, P Jon Lester
5. 1998 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 108-54)
Mgr. Joe Torre
WAR SS Derek Jeter P David Wells
4. 1942 St Louis Cardinals (World Series Champions, 107-47)
Mgr. Billy Southworth
WAR P Mort Cooper (MVP Level) RF Enos Slaughter
3. 1906 Chicago Cubs (NL Champions, 115-37)
Mgr. Frank Chance
WAR 1B Frank Chance, P Three Finger Brown
2. 1927 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 109-45)
Mgr. Miller Huggins
WAR RF Babe Ruth (MVP Level) 1B Lou Gehrig (MVP Level) P Waite Hoyt
1.
1939 New York Yankees (World Series Champions, 111-40)
Mgr. Joe McCarthy
WAR CF Joe DiMaggio (MVP Level) P Red Ruffing