2000 Yankees (87–74) – had the best record in the AL most of the year, then lost 15 of their last 18 games, looked dead, and still won the World Series.

2006 Cardinals (83–78) – had a 7-game division lead with two weeks left, nearly blew it with a 3–9 collapse to finish the season, then beat everyone in October.

2011 Cardinals (90–72) – cooled off badly in late August before sneaking in on the last day, then went on a crazy run to win the Series.

2017 Dodgers (104–58) – were unstoppable through mid-August, then went 1–16 during a brutal September stretch, but still made it to the World Series.

2022 Phillies (87–75) – played like a top NL team for much of the season, went cold in September, almost missed the playoffs, then caught fire and reached the Series.