Jacob Wilson sets shortstop record with 15 errorless games

Jacob Wilson, the Oakland Athletics’ 22-year-old shortstop, set a new Major League Baseball record for most consecutive errorless games by a shortstop on Saturday night, making 15 straight flawless appearances at the position during a 4-3 win over the Boston Red Sox at Oakland Coliseum.

Wilson broke the previous mark of 14 games, set by Hall of Famer Omar Vizquel in 1996. The record underscores the rising importance of defensive reliability in modern baseball, where even small errors can dramatically shift playoff races. Scouts and analysts increasingly value middle infielders who can cover ground, turn double plays, and avoid mental lapses. Wilson, a 2021 first-round pick from Grand Canyon University, had shown flashes of defensive brilliance in the minors but needed big-league consistency. His success reflects Oakland’s rebuilding strategy: prioritize young talent with high upside and strong fundamentals.

Wilson’s streak began on May 11 against Cleveland and reached 121 total chances without a miscue—an unbroken string of flawless plays, including 57 assists and 64 putouts. It’s the longest such run by any shortstop in MLB history. His glove has been a rare bright spot for a team otherwise struggling near the bottom of the American League West. On Saturday, he turned three double plays and made a diving stop in the sixth inning to erase a potential run. Wilson now stands just behind the all-time MLB record for consecutive errorless games by any fielder—123 set by catcher John Wathan in 1983.

What happens next could shape Wilson’s role in Oakland’s future. If he keeps the streak alive into July, he’ll enter rare company and draw national attention. Scouts already compare his footwork and arm strength to elite young shortstops like Jeremy Peña and Edouard Julien. But the real test is whether this defensive surge becomes sustainable. Wilson is hitting just .230 this season, so his glove alone won’t keep him in the lineup. Still, with Oakland likely to trade veterans at the deadline, a strong all-around performance could make Wilson a central piece of the club’s next chapter—or a trade chip itself. For now, the record is just the beginning.