MLB: Ten Worst Position Players in Baseball

Aug 22, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) reacts after making an error against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) reacts after making an error against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
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7. Ryan Goins

Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

2016: 85 PA, .160/.200/.235, 13 wRC+, -0.6 fWAR

It’s surprising to see a Blue Jay player on this list after the team led the major leagues in scoring last year, especially one known mostly for his defense. Goins broke into the league in late 2013, providing highlight reel plays seemingly every night on defense.  His twelve defensive runs saved (DRS) that year ranked him only behind Dustin Pedroia at second base – in just 262 innings.

Though the Blue Jays brought in rookie Devon Travis to replace Goins before last season, a shoulder injury took him out for most of the year and has kept him from the field so far this year.  He’s working his way back to the majors now, and will certainly take the job back from Goins when he returns.

Goins’ defense actually provided some value last season, when a late season hot streak brought his wRC+ up to a respectable 84. But this year everything has disappeared including his defense.  Without it, Goins is one of the worst regulars in the league and part of the reason Toronto is off to a slow start. Luckily he won’t be a starter (or perhaps even a big leaguer, due to the presence of Darwin Barney on the roster) for the entire year.

Next: Number 6