“He’s the Worst Defensive Starter in Baseball” — And Fans Aren’t Even Pretending It’s Close

Across MLB debates, podcasts, and comment sections, fans keep circling the same name whenever the conversation turns to everyday players whose defense is so consistently harmful that it drags down the entire roster. He’s the guy fans look at and say — bluntly, confidently — that he’s the worst defensive starter in baseball, and nobody’s really pushing back on it anymore.

The player fans keep bringing up is Alec Bohm — the Phillies corner infielder whose bat has shown flashes, but whose glove has become one of the league’s most painful, predictable, and momentum‑killing liabilities.

Fans Think His Defense Isn’t Just Bad — It’s Actively Damaging

Bohm’s defensive issues aren’t subtle.

Fans see:

• Misplays on routine grounders
• Slow reactions on hot shots
• Awkward footwork at third
• Throws that sail or die early
• A defender who looks uncomfortable every inning

Fans think Bohm is the rare starter whose defense doesn’t merely cost runs — it creates chaos.

His Range Is One of the Worst in the League

This is the part fans bring up constantly.

They’ve seen:

• Balls rolling past him that average third basemen handle
• No lateral quickness
• No first step burst
• No ability to cut off hard contact
• A defender who plays the position like he’s stuck in cement

Fans think Bohm’s range alone makes him unplayable at third base.

His Glove Turns Routine Plays Into Adventures

Bohm’s hands are a problem.

Fans point out:

• Clanks on easy grounders
• Fumbles on transfers
• Double‑clutch throws
• Panic reactions on slow rollers
• A defender who never looks fully confident

Fans think he’s the only starter who makes routine outs feel like coin flips.

His Arm Strength Doesn’t Match the Position

Third base demands a cannon. Bohm doesn’t have one.

Fans see:

• Long, looping throws
• Balls that tail off target
• No zip across the diamond
• No ability to make off‑balance plays
• A defender who forces the first baseman into acrobatics

Fans think his arm is one of the weakest among everyday third basemen.

His Defensive Metrics Are Bottom‑Tier Every Year

This is where the frustration spikes.

Fans mention:

• Negative defensive runs saved
• Negative outs above average
• Poor range factor
• Consistent bottom‑of‑the‑league rankings
• No signs of improvement season to season

Fans think Bohm is the rare starter whose defensive metrics match the eye test — and both are brutal.

Other Bad Defenders Still Offer More Than Bohm

This is the comparison fans make constantly.

They mention:

• Jeimer Candelario
• Isaac Paredes
• Ryan McMahon (on off years)
• Ke’Bryan Hayes (when hurt)
• Rafael Devers

These players:

• Have better hands
• Have better arms
• Have better instincts
• Have better footwork
• Have at least one defensive strength

Fans think Bohm has none.

He’s the only everyday defender who grades out poorly in every category.

His Defense Actively Hurts the Pitching Staff

The same line keeps popping up:

“Every ball hit his way feels like trouble.”

Fans believe:

• Pitchers avoid throwing inside because of his reaction time
• Ground‑ball pitchers suffer the most
• Extra outs inflate pitch counts
• Defensive miscues kill momentum
• His presence forces pitchers to be perfect

Fans think Bohm’s glove doesn’t just hurt him — it hurts everyone around him.

His Team Keeps Playing Him Because of His Bat — Not His Glove

This is the part fans whisper about — but it’s getting louder.

They think:

• The Phillies have no better option
• His bat keeps him in the lineup
• His defense is tolerated, not trusted
• His role is a compromise
• His glove is the team’s biggest weakness

Fans aren’t saying he’s useless.

They’re saying he’s the worst defensive starter in baseball — and it’s not close.

He Can Still Rewrite His Story — But It Requires a Defensive Overhaul

Here’s what fans do agree on:

Bohm can flip the narrative.

If he:

• Improves footwork
• Sharpens reaction time
• Strengthens his arm
• Cleans up transfers
• Plays first base more often

He could become a passable defender.

But until that happens, fans will keep saying:

“He’s the worst defensive starter in baseball.”