Kansas City Royals
The Royals continue a disturbing trend for defending World Series champions
Kansas City Royals

The Royals continue a disturbing trend for defending World Series champions

Published Sep. 29, 2016 10:00 a.m. ET

For the 16th consecutive year, Major League Baseball won't have a repeat World Series winner. But a surprising new trend further demonstrates just how tough it is to go back to back.

The defending champion Royals were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday night, but they aren't alone in their misery. Check out how the past four World Series champions have fared the following season:

WORLD SERIES HANGOVER

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TEAM WORLD SERIES WIN THE NEXT SEASON
Giants 2012 76-86 (3rd place in NL West, no playoffs)
Red Sox 2013 71-91 (Last place in AL East, no playoffs)
Giants 2014 84-78 (2nd place in NL West, no playoffs)
Royals 2015 81-77 (3rd place in AL Central, no playoffs)

That's right: No playoffs!

It's definitely not ideal, but we're guessing those franchises and their fan bases are willing to make this tradeoff. Right, Cubs fans?

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