MLB Champion 2021: Who won the MLB World Series last year?

The MLB playoffs are here and in a few weeks' time, two teams will compete for top honors in the World Series.

Every year, fans of sports begin to pay serious attention to baseball once the leaves start to fall. It is then that the true excitement begins.

There have been a few major dynasties in baseball. The New York Yankees in the 1940s, the 1970s Cincinnati Reds, and the San Francisco Giants in the early 2010s were sure-fire bets to make the World Series.

"The Braves are facing an elimination game, something they didn’t encounter on the way to a World Series title last year. But they now turn to Charlie Morton, one of the best elimination game pitchers in baseball history" - @ Mark Bowman

The 2021 World Series winners were none other than the Atlanta Braves. After beating the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, the Braves continued on to face Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

After a seasaw six-game showdown, the Braves advanced to face the Houston Astros, a team fast becoming a powerhouse and the presumptive AL West kings. However, after six games, the Braves emerged as world champions for the first time since 1995.

"Let’s be honest. Baseball deserves a Dodgers/Padres 2020 NLDS rematch, Dodgers/Braves NLCS Trilogy Finale, and Dodgers/Astros Rematch World Series with the Dodgers winning it all after an 111-win season. That’s your storybook scripted ending right there." - @ Dodgers Jdub

The series was evenly contested. In the end, the Braves outscored the Astros 25-20, and out-hit their opponents by a margin of 48-45. Despite making 7 fielding errors, compared to only one committed by the Astros, the Braves held on for the victory.

Jorge Soler was named the MVP of the series for the Atlanta Braves. He hit 3 home runs to match his 6 RBIs on 6 hits throughout the series. Brian Snitker was the manager of record for the Braves as they captured the coveted trophy in 2021.

Who are the favorites for the World Series this year?

With the Braves already down 2-1 in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, a team with a far worse regular season record, they are unlikely to defend their World Series crown.

The Dodgers look to be the team to beat after finishing the regular season with the best record in the MLB.