The good news is that MLB is coming back. But the return may yield the worst team in MLB history.
Over a century ago (in 1916, specifically), the-then Philadelphia Athletics finished the season 36-117. That paltry win percentage–.235–has held up over the decades as MLB’s all-time worst record.
1916 A’s carried the derogatory nickname, ‘Pathetics’ (photo, DugoutDispatches.com)
But don’t think it’s a forever mark. Modern teams are nipping at the A’s heels.
In 2018, the Orioles won only 47 games, and the Tigers followed suit last year. That makes this year a good time to bet that the A’s will lose the record they’ve held since Babe Ruth pitched for the Red Sox.
One reason is MLB’s game-shortened, 60-game season. In percentage terms, it means it will be easier to become MLB’s worst team.
A record of 14-46 translates to a .233 win percentage–just a bit below the critical threshold to become the worst of the worst. It also means the magic number of 15 is needed to avoid that fate.
While it seems reasonable–in theory–to get 15 wins, the 2020 MLB schedule doesn’t help. Teams will play ten games against each divisional opponent and 20 games against teams in the same division in the other league. That means the Orioles (AL East) and the Marlins (NL East)–two likely candidates to notch a new ‘low’ record–will play against the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Nationals, Phillies, Braves, Mets, and each other. Finding 15 wins for either team won’t be easy.
Is it possible for a team to lose 46 out of 60 games? Yes. Why? The record proves it. Two clubs did it just last year–the Orioles and the Tigers. The Orioles had a 14-46 stretch, and the Tigers were even worse–going 12-48 at one point in the 2019 campaign.
The better news for the Tigers is that they play in the easier AL Central. The Orioles aren’t as lucky. Baltimore has lost 100 games in consecutive seasons, and the O’s have finished last in the AL East for three years in a row. And making things even more formidable is that the AL East is exceptional right now. The Yanks are very strong. Tampa Bay has stingy pitchers and a feisty lineup. Boston lost Mookie but has enough to compete. The Jays are young and coming.
Miami occupies the same leaky boat as the O’s. The Fish have finished under .500 for a decade now, and this year they’ll play the majority of their games against four stout teams–the defending champ Nationals, the pitching-strong Mets, the rejuvenated Phillies, and the defending division champ Braves.
When you put it all together, there’s a good chance history will be made this year–the worst team ever will play.
WOOF, you are good!