MLB pitchers who have lost 20 games in a season since 1970
Tough seasons
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
There was a time when wins and losses measured pitchers’ greatness. Of course, that was when they could go more than 5 or 6 innings. Twenty-game winners were elite, and on the other side, 20-game losers were also somewhat prevalent.
Not anymore—though Patrick Corbin of the Washington Nationals is on track to become the first 20-game loser since 2003.
Which pitchers have been 20-game losers since 1970? Let’s take a look …
Denny McLain, Washington Senators
Eric Seals/Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK
In 1971, Denny McLain went 10-22 for the Washington Senators. What makes this remarkable is in 1968 McLain went 31-6. Yes, he won 31 games in a single season.
Steve Arlin, San Diego Padres
Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
1972: 10-21
Wilbur Wood, Chicago White Sox
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
How about a pitcher who won 20 and lost 20 in the same season? White Sox knuckleballer Wilbur Wood went 24-20 in 1973.
Steve Carlton, Philadelphia Phillies
AP Photo/Bill Ingraham
1973: 13-20
Stan Bahnsen, Chicago White Sox
Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
The White Sox had two 20-game losers in 1973. Joining Wilbur Wood was Stan Bahnsen, who went 18-21.
Clyde Wright, Milwaukee Brewers
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
1974: 9-20
Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
Another of the Tigers’ aces from the 1968 World Series winners, Mickey Lolich went 16-21 in 1974.
Randy Jones, San Diego Padres
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
In 1974, Padres lefthander went 8-22. In 1976, he won the Cy Young Award after his second straight 20-win season.
Bill Bonham, Chicago Cubs
Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
1974: 11-22
Wilbur Wood
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
1975: 16-20
Phil Niekro, Atlanta Braves
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Niekro’s knuckleball led him to more than 300 career victories. In 1977, the Braves’ righthander won 16 and lost 20.
Jerry Koosman, New York Mets
Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports
1977: 8-20
Phil Niekro, Atlanta Braves
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Tow years later, in 1979, Niekro hit the infamous mark again: 21-20
Brian Kingman, Oakland Athletics
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
1980: 8-20
Mike Maroth, Detroit Tigers
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
2003: 8-20
