1906 Atlanta Braves (19)
Before becoming the Atlanta Braves, the 1906 Boston Beaneaters endured a 19-game losing streak in a disastrous 49-102 season. The team, a powerhouse in the 1890s, struggled in the early 20th century due to aging stars and financial troubles.
The Beaneaters’ losing streak was is blamed on roster turnover and weak pitching. Despite these challenges, the team would eventually rebuild, becoming one of baseball’s most enduring franchises with a proud history spanning three cities and multiple championships.
1914 Cincinnati Reds (19)
The 1914 Cincinnati Reds endured a 19-game losing streak during a challenging 60-94 season. This period of mediocrity came before the team’s resurgence in the late 1910s, culminating in their controversial World Series victory in 1919.
The Reds struggled with a lack of depth and inconsistent pitching, typical of teams in the Deadball Era. Despite the struggles, this era laid the groundwork for the team’s future successes, proving that even storied franchises must endure growing pains to achieve greatness.
1975 Detroit Tigers (19)
The 1975 Detroit Tigers suffered a 19-game losing streak during a difficult 57-102 season. A once-proud franchise with a strong history, including a World Series win in 1968, the Tigers faced a period of decline in the mid-1970s. Key players had aged, and the team struggled with pitching inconsistencies and offensive stagnation.
The losing streak highlighted the challenges of rebuilding, but the Tigers would eventually regain their competitive edge, becoming contenders again in the 1980s with another World Series title in 1984.
2021 Baltimore Orioles (19)
The 2021 Baltimore Orioles endured a 19-game losing streak during a rebuilding phase, finishing the season 52-110. Despite the presence of young stars like Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle, the Orioles faced a lack of depth and an underwhelming pitching staff.
The losing streak underscored the growing pains of a franchise working to build a competitive core. While this chapter was tough for fans, it was a reminder of the cyclical nature of baseball and the patience required to rebuild a team from the ground up.
2005 Kansas City Royals (19)
The 2005 Kansas City Royals hit rock bottom with a 19-game losing streak amid a 56-106 season. The team struggled with roster instability and poor pitching, a common theme in the Royals’ difficult early 2000s.
Despite a storied history that includes a 1985 World Series title, this period marked one of the franchise’s darkest times. However, the Royals’ resilience paid off, as they eventually emerged from years of rebuilding to win another championship in 2015, proving that even the worst slumps can lead to redemption.
1906 Boston Red Sox [then, the “Americans”] (20)
Before becoming the Boston Red Sox, the 1906 Boston Americans suffered a 20-game losing streak in a 49-105 season. The Americans struggled with injuries and lacked a strong pitching rotation, despite their status as early champions of the fledgling American League.
The team’s offensive woes compounded their problems, leading to one of the worst seasons in franchise history. This rough patch didn’t define the team’s legacy, however, as they rebranded as the Red Sox and dominated the sport in the early 20th century, including winning the inaugural World Series in 1903.
1916 Philadelphia Athletics (20)
The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics were a shadow of the dynasty that had dominated the early 1910s, as owner and manager Connie Mack dismantled the roster due to financial constraints. The team’s 20-game losing streak came during a disastrous 36-117 season, one of the worst in MLB history. With an inexperienced roster and subpar pitching, the Athletics struggled to compete.
This period marked a significant downturn for the franchise, but their resilience and Mack’s leadership would eventually lead to a resurgence in the late 1920s and early 1930s, solidifying their place in baseball history.
1943 Philadelphia Athletics (20)
During World War II, the 1943 Philadelphia Athletics faced depleted rosters due to players leaving for military service. This led to a 20-game losing streak during a difficult 49-105 season. Under legendary manager Connie Mack, the Athletics struggled to remain competitive, with young and inexperienced players unable to fill the void left by departing stars.
The team was plagued by poor pitching and a lack of offensive depth. Despite the wartime challenges, the Athletics' legacy as a historic franchise remained intact, although it would take years to regain their competitive edge.
1969 Montreal Expos (20)
As an expansion team, the 1969 Montreal Expos were still finding their footing in Major League Baseball. A lack of talent and experience, coupled with a tough schedule, contributed to their 20-game losing streak. The Expos were assembling a roster from scratch, relying on unproven players and cast-offs from other teams.
Lacking both offensive firepower and pitching depth, the franchise endured a 52-110 season. Despite the rough start, the Expos gradually developed into a competitive team, producing stars like Gary Carter and Andre Dawson. This streak, while embarrassing, was a natural part of the team’s evolution and a stepping stone toward their eventual legacy in Montreal.
1988 Baltimore Orioles (21)
The 1988 Orioles’ 21-game losing streak marked one of the worst starts in MLB history. A young, inexperienced roster and a lack of cohesion on the field left the team floundering in the American League East.
Despite boasting stars like Cal Ripken Jr., the Orioles' weak pitching and hitting led to a 54-107 season. This streak underscored the need for better roster construction and coaching, lessons that would guide the franchise's eventual resurgence.
2024 Chicago White Sox (21)
The 2024 White Sox matched the Orioles’ streak of 21 consecutive losses, reflecting a historically bad season. Struggles on the mound and at the plate defined a team that underperformed despite high expectations.
For a franchise with a storied history, including a World Series title in 2005, this streak highlighted deeper organizational issues that require a significant overhaul to restore competitiveness.
1961 Philadelphia Phillies (23)
The 1961 Phillies endured an MLB-record 23-game losing streak, a reflection of a franchise in turmoil. Plagued by poor pitching, inconsistent hitting, and defensive lapses, the Phillies managed only a 47-107 record for the season.
This streak became a low point in the team's history, highlighting their need for a long-term rebuild. Over time, the Phillies overcame these struggles, eventually achieving success with their first World Series win in 1980.