In the most binary sense, only one team is truly satisfied at the conclusion of a major-league season: the one hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy. Ask most players, and they’ll tell you any season that doesn’t end with a parade is a failure. However, it’s disingenuous to apply a World Series-or-bust standard to every single team every single season. The reality is that success — and satisfaction — vary based on several contextual factors. Offseason moves, injuries to key players and recent postseason experience/history (or lack thereof) can all alter or influence fans’ (and analysts’) assessment of a season at its conclusion.
MLB power rankings: What does success for each team look like the rest of the way?
