Who is the Worst Team in the MLB in 2023?

Despite the grim stats and woeful performances, the 1962 Mets were endeared by fans for their fighting spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. Their inaugural season remains a compelling narrative of struggle, perseverance, and the sheer unpredictability of baseball. As we reflect on the current worst teams in the MLB, remember that every team has the potential for redemption. The New York Mets themselves went on to win the World Series just seven years later, in 1969.

In the vibrant world of Major League Baseball (MLB), the battle at the top is mirrored by an equally fierce contest at the bottom. While less celebrated, this struggle is an integral part of the beautiful game. So, which team is at the nadir in 2023? Let’s delve deep into the stats to determine the worst team in the MLB in 2023.

What Makes an MLB Team the Worst?

A multitude of factors contribute to a team’s struggle. Be it an injury-plagued season, underperformance by key players, or a streak of bad luck, the “worst” tag is often a culmination of several negatives. When exploring the bottom-dwelling teams, it’s essential to look at their win-loss ratio and delve into specific stats and the story behind their performances.

Here are some of the crucial team statistics in baseball:

1. Team Batting Average: This statistic shows the overall hitting performance of the team. It’s calculated by dividing the total number of hits by the total number of at-bats. Teams with a higher batting average are generally more successful in scoring runs.
2. Runs Scored: This is the total number of runs a team has scored over the course of a season. High-scoring teams often have powerful offenses that can generate runs in a variety of ways, such as through home runs or stringing together multiple hits in a row.
3. Home Runs: This indicates the power-hitting capability of a team. Teams with a high number of home runs typically have several strong, power hitters in their lineup.
4. On-Base Percentage (OBP): This statistic shows how often a team’s players get on base through hits, walks, or being hit by a pitch. A high OBP often leads to more scoring opportunities and, therefore, more runs.
5. Fielding Percentage: This defensive metric evaluates how well a team handles its fielding opportunities (putouts and assists) compared to errors made. Higher fielding percentages indicate fewer defensive mistakes, which can play a significant role in preventing runs.
6. Earned Run Average (ERA): This crucial pitching statistic calculates the average number of earned runs a team’s pitcher allows per nine innings. Teams with lower ERAs have stronger pitching staffs that are more effective at preventing opposing teams from scoring.

The Bottom Five MLB Teams – A Descent into Misery

After a careful analysis of performance metrics, team composition, injuries, and more, here are the top five worst teams in the MLB 2023 season:

1. The Worst Team in the MLB – The Athletics (25-67): The Oakland Athletics are struggling immensely this season, with the team’s performance painting a grim picture. Their offensive production is disappointing, hitting a league-low .221 batting average and scoring just 329 runs, the fewest in the MLB. Their power-hitting abilities also lag behind, ranking 24th with a mere 85 home runs. Their on-base and slugging percentages further attest to these difficulties, ranking 28th and 30th, respectively. On the defensive end, their woes continue unabated. With an ERA of 6.04, they hold the unfortunate distinction of being the worst pitching team in the league. Their WHIP is similarly disheartening, standing at 1.56, once again the worst in the MLB. Opponents have found it easy to hit against them, with a batting average of .273. The only slight relief comes in their rank of 29th for home runs allowed. In summary, the Athletics’ season is mired in both offensive and defensive struggles, and it is clear why they are the worst team in the MLB right now.

2. The Royals (25-65): The Kansas City Royals are grappling with a tough season, led by a faltering offense with a low batting average of .232 and a paltry 78 home runs. Their pitching staff, burdened with the highest WHIP in the MLB at 1.446 and an ERA of 5.27, has been unable to hold the line. Despite the promise shown with 76 stolen bases, the struggles in scoring runs have resulted in the worst run differential in the American League. The team’s disappointing performance at home further underscores their challenges this season. Collectively, these factors have given the Royals one of the worst records in the MLB.

3. The Rockies (34-57): The Colorado Rockies are mired in a dismal season, marred by an underwhelming offense and a struggling pitching staff. Their team batting average of .255 ranks 12th in the league, but they’ve struggled to convert those hits into runs, placing 20th in run production with a total of 393. Their power has also been noticeably absent, ranking 26th in home runs with just 81. The pitching hasn’t been able to compensate for the lackluster offense, suffering with an ERA of 5.72 and a WHIP of 1.55, both near the bottom of the league. A league-high 135 home runs allowed, and an opponent batting average of .285 further exacerbate their woes. All of these factors together have left the Rockies languishing in the standings.

4. The Nationals (36-54): The Washington Nationals are having a challenging season, with a noticeable disparity between their hitting and run production. Despite boasting a solid team batting average of .261, ranking 5th in the league, they’ve struggled to capitalize on those hits, with a run tally of just 373, placing them 26th in run production. Power-hitting has been a significant issue, with the team ranking 28th in home runs, clearing the fence a mere 78 times. The pitching staff has not been able to shore up the team’s fortunes either, with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.48, both well below the league average. The team’s pitching problems have been further highlighted by allowing 124 home runs and an opponent batting average of .270. This combination of factors has left the Nationals struggling to compete this season.

5. The Cardinals (37-52): The St. Louis Cardinals’ season reflects a sharp divide between their offensive and defensive prowess. The team’s batting performance has been relatively respectable, with an average of .254, placing them 13th in the league. They’ve effectively translated these hits into runs, ranking 12th in the MLB with 415 runs. Their strength in power-hitting is notable, standing 7th in home runs with 121. Their combined on-base and slugging percentages also fare well, ranking 8th in both categories. However, their pitching stats tell a different story. A team ERA of 4.55 and WHIP of 1.47 place them near the bottom of the rankings, sitting at 25th and 27th, respectively. The struggle of the pitching staff is further underscored by an opponent batting average of .273.

Worst MLB Team of All Time: A Walk Down the Memory Lane

Indeed, a review of the worst teams in MLB history would be incomplete without delving into the infamous 1962 New York Mets, who have cemented their place in baseball lore with their abysmal 40-120 record. But there’s more to this story than just the numbers. Here’s a detailed walk down memory lane that shows how the 1962 Mets became the worst MLB team of all time:

1. Formation: The 1962 Mets were an expansion team, marking the return of the National League to New York after the departure of the Giants and Dodgers to California. Managed by Casey Stengel, the team comprised primarily aging veterans and unproven young players.
2. Starting On the Wrong Foot: The Mets lost their first nine games of the season, providing an early indication of the struggles to come.
3. Long Losing Streaks: The Mets had multiple prolonged losing streaks throughout the season, including a 17-game skid from May 21 to June 6.
4. Home Woes: Their struggles were quite evident at the Polo Grounds, their home field, where they posted a 22-58 record.
5. Pitching Troubles: The Mets’ pitching staff had the highest ERA in the league at 5.04 and allowed the most runs at 948.
6. Defensive Inadequacies: The Mets committed a staggering 210 errors, leading to a .969 fielding percentage, the worst in the MLB.
7. Inability to Close Games: They lost 45 games by one run, highlighting their inability to close out tight contests.
8. Marv Throneberry Moments: First baseman Marv Throneberry symbolized the Mets’ struggles. He once hit a would-be triple but was called out for failing to touch first base. When Stengel went to argue, the second baseman informed him that Throneberry missed second base too.

Can the Worst MLB Record Be Broken?

As we consider whether the Royals or any other team could surpass the notorious record of the worst MLB team of all time, the 1962 Mets, it’s essential to delve into the factors at play. Here’s an expansion of this intriguing prospect:

1. The Current Pace:  Based on their current record of 25-65, the Royals are winning about 27.8% of their games. If this pace continues over the entire 162-game season, they would end up with around 45 wins and 117 losses. While this is a difficult season, it’s still not as bad as the 1962 Mets.
2. Historical Context: Since the 1962 Mets’ disastrous season, no team has come close to matching their futility. The closest was the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who ended their season with a 43-119 record. The Tigers’ struggles serve as a reminder of the difficulty in matching the Mets’ historic low.
3. Factors for Improvement: Several factors could potentially contribute to a turnaround for the Royals. The return of key injured players, the emergence of rookies, or underperforming players stepping up could all improve their win-loss record.
4. The Impact of Trades: The MLB trade deadline is also an opportunity for the Royals to improve their roster. If they can trade for some quality players, it could potentially boost their performance in the latter half of the season.
5. Strength of Remaining Schedule: The teams that the Royals are yet to face this season could significantly impact their final record. If their remaining schedule is filled with strong teams, it may be difficult for them to improve their win-loss ratio significantly.

Although the Royals are not on pace to “beat” the 1962 Met’s record and become the worst MLB team, they are also not far off, and things can certainly change.

The Silver Lining: From Worst to First

The “Curse of the Bambino” is one of the most famous anecdotes in the history of Major League Baseball. It revolves around the Boston Red Sox and their 86-year-long championship drought, a period of hardship that was often attributed to the alleged curse. Here’s an in-depth exploration of this legendary baseball story:

1. Origins of the Curse: The curse supposedly began in 1919 when the Red Sox sold their star player, Babe Ruth, affectionately known as “The Bambino,” to the New York Yankees. Before this trade, the Red Sox were one of the most successful teams in baseball, having won five World Series titles. Babe Ruth was instrumental in their success, helping them secure three championships.
2. The Drought: After the sale of Babe Ruth, the Red Sox entered a lengthy spell of misfortune. They would not win another World Series until 2004, a championship drought lasting 86 years. Meanwhile, with Ruth on their roster, the Yankees became one of the most successful franchises in baseball history.
3. Famous Near-Misses: During this drought, the Red Sox came tantalizingly close to winning on multiple occasions, only for victory to slip through their fingers, seemingly reinforcing the belief in the curse. Memorable moments include the 1946 World Series loss to the Cardinals, the 1975 loss to the Reds, and Bill Buckner’s fielding error in the 1986 World Series against the Mets.
4. Breaking the Curse: The Red Sox finally broke the alleged curse in 2004, when they won the World Series after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals. The team’s successful run included a historic comeback from a 3-0 deficit against their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees, in the American League Championship Series (ALCS).
5. Key Figures: The 2004 Red Sox team that broke the curse was filled with memorable characters. From the clutch hitting of David Ortiz to the pitching prowess of Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling to the managerial savvy of Terry Francona, the team was a mixture of talent, character, and resilience.

The story of the “Curse of the Bambino” serves as a reminder of the highs and lows of professional sports. It’s a tale filled with hope, despair, and, ultimately, redemption. For teams like the Royals, it is a powerful example of how fortunes can change and how even the longest droughts can eventually be broken.

Want To Help Turn Things Around?

As we reflect on the stories of the worst teams in the MLB who turned their fortunes around, it’s evident that the tides of sports can change rapidly and that the worst MLB team today could be the best tomorrow. Are you intrigued by these narratives? Do you have a burning passion for sports and feel an irresistible urge to contribute?

There are various roles, from analysts to coaches to administrative positions, where you can make a significant difference. A first step could be checking out the opportunities listed on Jobs in Sports. With a variety of roles across numerous sports franchises, including MLB jobs, it’s the perfect place for any sports enthusiast to find a sports job they love.

Don’t just be a spectator. Be a game-changer. Take the first step towards potentially transforming a team’s trajectory and catapulting them towards success.

Sign up for a Jobs in Sports membership today and start exploring the endless opportunities in the world of sports.