The Worst Defensive MLB Team Ever

Pitcher: Tommy John (Last team: New York Yankees, 1989)

  • Errors: 61
  • Fielding %: .887
  • Years Played: 1963–1989
  • Summary: Despite a legendary pitching career, John was a horrendous fielder. His poor reaction time and frequent throwing errors made him a defensive liability on the mound.

Catcher: Mike Piazza (Last team: Oakland Athletics, 2007)

  • Errors: 127
  • Fielding %: .989
  • Years Played: 1992–2007
  • Summary: Piazza was an all-time great hitter but struggled defensively. He had one of the worst caught-stealing rates (23%), poor pitch framing, and below-average agility behind the plate.

First Base: Dick Stuart (Last team: California Angels, 1969)

  • Errors: 152
  • Fielding %: .984
  • Years Played: 1958–1969
  • Summary: Nicknamed Dr. Strangeglove for a reason, Stuart had almost no range, constantly misplayed routine grounders, and was a nightmare to watch on defense.

Second Base: Chuck Knoblauch (Last team: Kansas City Royals, 2002)

  • Errors: 133 (as 2B)
  • Fielding %: .976
  • Years Played: 1991–2002
  • Summary: Knoblauch developed a severe case of the "yips," leading to wild throws that often sailed into the stands. His defensive struggles forced him into the outfield late in his career.

Shortstop: Jose Offerman (Last team: New York Mets, 2005)

  • Errors: 179
  • Fielding %: .960
  • Years Played: 1990–2005
  • Summary: Offerman had no business playing shortstop. His weak range, poor throwing accuracy, and constant booting of grounders made him a disaster defensively.

Third Base: Butch Hobson (Last team: New York Yankees, 1982)

  • Errors: 77 (in 3 full seasons at 3B)
  • Fielding %: .929
  • Years Played: 1975–1982
  • Summary: Hobson was arguably the worst defensive third baseman in modern history, committing 43 errors in 1978 alone. His erratic throws and stone hands sealed his reputation.

Left Field: Greg Luzinski (Last team: Chicago White Sox, 1984)

  • Errors: 66
  • Fielding %: .964
  • Years Played: 1970–1984
  • Summary: "The Bull" was a great power hitter but a complete defensive liability. He was slow, had poor reaction time, and was frequently removed for a defensive replacement.

Center Field: Jose Canseco (Last team: Chicago White Sox, 2001)

  • Errors: 58
  • Fielding %: .981
  • Years Played: 1985–2001
  • Summary: Canseco is infamous for the ball that bounced off his head for a home run. His bad routes, misreads, and weak glove made him a terrible outfielder despite a strong arm.

Right Field: Dave Kingman (Last team: Oakland Athletics, 1986)

  • Errors: 100+ (played multiple positions)
  • Fielding %: .957
  • Years Played: 1971–1986
  • Summary: Kingman could mash home runs but was a disaster defensively. He lacked range, had an erratic arm, and often misplayed fly balls.

This team would hit plenty of home runs but would also give up tons of unearned runs. Every player on this list struggled with errors, poor throwing accuracy, or no range.

Which modern player makes this list in the future?