10 MLB Stars Who Had the Biggest Fall-Off in 2026

The 2026 MLB regular season delivered plenty of memorable performances, but it also exposed the struggles of several established stars. Players who entered the year with high expectations experienced significant statistical declines, leaving their teams searching for answers as the season progressed.

For some, the problems stemmed from declining power and inconsistent contact at the plate. Others struggled with defensive reliability, reduced speed on the basepaths, or an inability to reproduce the all-around value they delivered in 2025. Even players who remained productive in certain areas saw their overall contributions fall well below expectations.

These disappointing campaigns did not necessarily mean that every player had reached the end of his prime. However, the size of the statistical declines made their performances difficult to overlook. From a dramatic drop in home run production to defensive struggles that affected overall value, several prominent names experienced seasons they would prefer to forget.

Here are the 10 MLB stars who had the biggest fall-offs in the 2026 season, ranked from No. 10 to the most disappointing performer.

10. George Springer

George Springer experienced a substantial decline in 2026 after producing an impressive offensive campaign the previous year. The Toronto Blue Jays outfielder saw his batting average, home run total, on-base plus slugging percentage, and overall value drop considerably, raising questions about his ability to maintain his previous level of production.

Springer finished the 2025 season with a .309 batting average, 32 home runs, and a .959 OPS. Those numbers made him a major contributor to the Blue Jays’ offense. In 2026, however, his batting average fell to .249, while his home run total was cut to 15.

His OPS dropped to .726, and his Wins Above Replacement (WAR) declined from 4.8 to just 0.6. That reduction reflected a significant loss of overall production compared with the previous season.

Springer’s struggles appeared to involve more than just a reduction in power. His timing against major-league fastballs became less consistent, while his overall athleticism appeared less effective. A player who had been a reliable offensive contributor suddenly offered considerably less value.

For Toronto, the decline created an additional challenge when evaluating the team’s offensive construction. Springer remained an experienced player with a strong track record, but his 2026 production fell well short of the standard he established in 2025. His campaign earns him the No. 10 spot on this list.

9. Gunnar Henderson

Gunnar Henderson entered the 2026 season with expectations of remaining one of the Baltimore Orioles’ most dangerous offensive players. Instead, he experienced a frustrating decline in batting average, stolen bases, OPS, and overall value.

Henderson’s batting average fell from .274 in 2025 to .226 in 2026. His OPS also declined from .787 to .715, indicating that his overall offensive production became less effective. One of the most noticeable changes was his drop in stolen bases, falling from 30 to just 10.

There was, however, one positive development: Henderson increased his home run total from 17 to 24. That improvement showed that he retained some of his power, even as other parts of his offensive game regressed.

Henderson’s reduced production at the plate became particularly concerning because of the gap between his 2025 and 2026 performances. Opposing pitchers appeared increasingly reluctant to challenge him with hittable pitches in important situations, placing greater pressure on him to make adjustments and generate offense in other ways.

His WAR dropped from 5.4 to 3.2, reflecting a decline in his overall contribution. The increased home run total prevented the season from becoming an across-the-board collapse, but the loss of batting average and baserunning impact made it a disappointing campaign relative to his previous performance.

At his best, Henderson can combine power, speed, and strong all-around production. His 2026 season demonstrated how quickly a player’s overall value can decline when several components of his game become less effective.

8. Willy Adames

Willy Adames had a difficult 2026 season with the San Francisco Giants, particularly on the defensive side of the game. The shortstop’s offensive numbers declined modestly, but his defensive struggles became a major part of his disappointing campaign.

Adames hit .230 in 2026 after batting .225 the previous season. Although his batting average improved slightly, his power production fell, with his home run total dropping from 30 to 21. His OPS also declined from .740 to .713, while his WAR fell from 3.7 to 1.7.

The more serious concern was his defensive performance. Adames struggled with lateral movement and throwing accuracy, committing 18 defensive errors according to the supplied season figures. Those mistakes placed additional pressure on the Giants and undermined the reliability they expected from their shortstop.

Adames’ numbers illustrate why batting average alone cannot fully explain a player’s season. His average improved by five points, but he hit fewer home runs, stole fewer bases, and delivered less overall value. Defensive mistakes added another layer to those offensive declines.

For the Giants, dependable shortstop defense is an important part of building a competitive team. Adames’ difficulties made it harder to rely on him as an all-around contributor, particularly when his offensive production was also below the level he had delivered in 2025.

His season was not a complete offensive collapse, but the combination of reduced power, fewer stolen bases, and defensive inconsistency made him one of the more disappointing established players of 2026.

7. Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. remained a threat on the basepaths in 2026, but his overall offensive production declined significantly. The New York Yankees needed him to provide energy, versatility, and a consistent left-handed presence in their lineup. Instead, his power numbers and OPS fell short of his 2025 performance.

Chisholm’s batting average dropped from .242 to .231, while his home run total decreased from 31 to 19. His OPS fell from .813 to .711, and his WAR declined from 4.1 to 1.7.

One of the most interesting aspects of his season was the increase in stolen bases. Chisholm stole 41 bases in 2026, up from 31 in 2025. That improvement demonstrated that his speed remained an important part of his game, even as his offensive production became less consistent.

Chisholm’s decline was largely driven by the difference between his 2025 power output and his production in 2026. The loss of 12 home runs reduced his ability to influence games with one swing, while his lower OPS reflected a broader drop in offensive effectiveness.

His increased stolen-base total offered a meaningful positive, but speed alone could not compensate for the decline in power and overall production. The Yankees needed Chisholm to contribute in several ways, and his 2026 numbers suggested that he was less effective as a complete offensive player.

Chisholm’s athletic ability and versatility remain important strengths. However, improving his consistency at the plate will be essential if he is to return to the higher level of overall value reflected in his 2025 WAR of 4.1.

6. Marcus Semien

Marcus Semien’s 2026 campaign was a disappointing one for a player known for providing consistent production and dependable all-around value. His offensive numbers declined again, and his overall contribution dropped sharply compared with the previous season.

Semien’s batting average fell from .230 in 2025 to .215 in 2026. His OPS also declined from .669 to .620, leaving him with limited offensive production. Although he matched his previous home run total with 15, he did little else to offset the decline in his overall hitting numbers.

His WAR dropped dramatically from 3.2 to 0.5. That figure highlighted the difference between a player who contributes meaningfully across a season and one whose overall impact becomes much more limited.

Semien’s unchanged home run total might initially suggest that his power remained stable. However, his lower batting average and OPS indicate that he was less productive overall. His stolen-base total also slipped slightly, leaving fewer additional contributions to compensate for his struggles at the plate.

For a player expected to provide a steady presence in the lineup, that decline can have a considerable effect on a team’s offensive balance. Semien’s experience remains valuable, but his 2026 production was well below the level suggested by his previous WAR total.

His season serves as a reminder that a hitter does not need to lose all of his power to experience a major decline. When batting average, overall offensive efficiency, and total value fall together, even a familiar home run total may not be enough to maintain a meaningful impact.

5. Julio Rodriguez

Julio Rodriguez entered the 2026 season with expectations of taking another step toward becoming one of baseball’s premier all-around stars. The Seattle Mariners needed him to be a major offensive force, but his production declined across several important categories.

Rodriguez’s batting average fell from .267 in 2025 to .247 in 2026. His home run total dropped from 32 to 22, while his stolen bases declined from 30 to 22. His OPS fell from .798 to .708, and his WAR decreased from an impressive 6.6 to 2.8.

The reduction in overall value was especially significant. Rodriguez had been one of the Mariners’ most valuable players in 2025, but his 2026 production was considerably less impactful. The decline in home runs and OPS also limited his ability to serve as a consistent offensive catalyst.

Rodriguez’s struggles were not limited to the final statistical line. The supplied season assessment also points to a decline in hard-hit percentages and barrel rates, suggesting that he was not generating the same quality of contact as he had previously. His outfield defense also appeared less effective, adding to the concerns surrounding his overall performance.

The Mariners rely heavily on Rodriguez’s combination of power, speed, and athleticism. When those strengths are working together, he can influence a game in multiple ways. In 2026, however, the decline in offensive production reduced his ability to deliver that same level of impact.

Rodriguez still produced 22 home runs and 22 stolen bases, so his season was not without positive contributions. Nevertheless, the drop from 6.6 WAR to 2.8 illustrates how much value the Mariners lost compared with the previous year. His 2027 performance will be important in determining whether the decline was temporary or a sign that meaningful adjustments are needed.

4. Trea Turner

Trea Turner had one of the most concerning statistical declines among established MLB players in 2026. The Philadelphia Phillies rely on his speed, athleticism, and ability to generate offense, but his performance fell well below his 2025 standard.

Turner’s batting average dropped from .304 to .242, a decline of 62 points. His OPS also fell sharply, moving from .812 in 2025 to .675 in 2026. Although his home run total increased from 15 to 19, that improvement did not offset his reduced production in other areas.

Turner’s stolen-base total fell from 36 to 21, limiting one of the most important dimensions of his offensive game. His WAR dropped from 5.4 to -0.1, placing him among the most disappointing players on this list when measured by the change in overall value.

Turner’s reduced batting average was a major factor in his disappointing season. A hitter who previously delivered consistent contact and created pressure through his speed became less reliable at reaching base. That change also reduced the number of opportunities he had to steal bases and influence innings with his running ability.

Defensively, Turner struggled at shortstop and committed 21 errors according to the supplied figures. Those mistakes added to the overall decline and made his season particularly difficult to evaluate positively.

The increase in home runs showed that Turner retained some ability to produce power, but his overall offensive profile became less effective. His negative WAR figure emphasized just how far his total contribution had fallen from the previous season.

For Philadelphia, Turner’s return to form would be a significant boost. Restoring his contact ability, baserunning impact, and defensive consistency would help him recover the all-around value that made him such an important player in 2025.

3. Kyle Tucker

Kyle Tucker’s 2026 season was a major disappointment after the Los Angeles Dodgers brought him in with expectations of receiving elite production from the outfield. The former Chicago Cubs star was expected to provide a combination of power, speed, and dependable all-around performance. Instead, his numbers declined across several key categories.

Tucker’s batting average fell from .266 in 2025 to .233 in 2026. His home run total dropped from 22 to 17, while his stolen bases declined from 25 to 12. His OPS slipped from .841 to .715, and his WAR fell from 4.5 to just 0.7.

Those numbers represented a substantial reduction in value for a player expected to make a significant contribution to the Dodgers’ lineup. His decline in OPS was particularly notable because it reflected a broader drop in offensive production rather than a problem limited to one statistical category.

Tucker’s reduced home run production was only part of the problem. He also stole 13 fewer bases than he had in 2025, limiting his ability to contribute through speed. When those declines are considered alongside his lower batting average and OPS, the overall drop becomes difficult to ignore.

For the Dodgers, a major investment in an established star naturally creates high expectations. A player brought in to strengthen an already ambitious roster is expected to provide reliable production, particularly in high-pressure situations. Tucker’s 2026 numbers fell well short of that anticipated impact.

His previous performance offers reason to believe that he can rebound, but his next campaign will be important. The Dodgers will want to see improved consistency at the plate, a return to more productive power numbers, and greater involvement on the basepaths. Without those improvements, his 2026 season will remain a costly disappointment relative to expectations.

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. experienced one of the most dramatic power declines of the 2026 MLB season. The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman remained capable of producing hits, but his home run total dropped sharply, reducing his overall offensive impact.

Guerrero’s batting average fell from .292 in 2025 to .260 in 2026. More concerning was the decline in home runs, which dropped from 23 to just nine. His OPS fell from .848 to .688, while his WAR declined from 4.6 to 1.1.

The home run reduction was the defining feature of his season. Guerrero had been expected to provide a major source of power in the middle of Toronto’s lineup, but finishing with fewer than 10 home runs represented a substantial departure from the production expected of an established offensive star.

Guerrero’s stolen-base total increased slightly, from six to seven, but that small improvement did little to offset his reduced power. His lower batting average and OPS showed that the decline extended beyond his home run production.

For the Blue Jays, Guerrero’s struggles created an important question about the team’s offensive identity. A middle-of-the-order hitter who produces fewer extra-base hits can change how opposing pitchers approach the entire lineup. Teammates may receive fewer opportunities to drive in runners, while the team loses a major threat capable of changing a game with one swing.

Guerrero’s 2026 season does not erase his established ability as a hitter, but the difference between his previous production and his latest numbers is significant. His WAR fell by 3.5, highlighting the loss of overall value Toronto experienced.

A return to consistent hard contact and more frequent extra-base hits would be central to his recovery. Given his importance to the Blue Jays, restoring his power production will be one of the biggest priorities heading into the next season.

1. Cal Raleigh

Cal Raleigh ranks first among the 10 MLB stars who experienced the biggest fall-offs in 2026. The Seattle Mariners catcher endured a dramatic decline after delivering a remarkable 2025 season, when he hit 60 home runs and finished runner-up for the American League MVP award.

Raleigh’s 2025 campaign established an extraordinarily high standard for a catcher. His power production made him one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball, while his overall contribution helped make him a central figure in Seattle’s lineup. Reproducing those numbers was always going to be difficult, but his 2026 performance fell far short of the previous year’s level.

Raleigh’s batting average dropped from .247 to .182. His home run total fell from 60 to 23, a reduction of 37 homers. His OPS declined from .948 to .664, while his WAR dropped from 7.3 to just 1.0.

The decline in home runs was particularly striking. Raleigh went from 60 homers in 2025 to 23 in 2026, losing more than half of his previous season’s total. His lower batting average also indicated that he struggled to produce consistent hits, while his OPS showed how significantly his overall offensive effectiveness had diminished.

His stolen-base total fell from 14 to two, although baserunning was not the primary reason for his position at the top of this list. The biggest issue was the collapse in power production, which had been the defining feature of his previous season.

Seattle depended on Raleigh to provide middle-of-the-order power and help drive its offense. When that production declined so dramatically, the Mariners lost a major source of offensive impact. His drop in WAR from 7.3 to 1.0 further illustrates the difference between his outstanding 2025 campaign and his disappointing 2026 performance.

It is important to recognize that Raleigh’s 2025 numbers were exceptional, making a degree of regression understandable. However, the scale of the decline was still substantial. His batting average fell by 65 points, his home run total dropped by 37, and his OPS declined by .284.

Raleigh’s next challenge will be finding a more consistent offensive approach and recovering enough power to become a major threat again. His ability to rebound will be important for the Mariners, who need their catcher to provide more than occasional home runs if they hope to restore their offensive effectiveness.

Because of the magnitude of his statistical decline and the contrast with his historic 2025 season, Raleigh stands out as the most disappointing fall-off among the players featured here.

What These 10 MLB Declines Tell Us About the 2026 Season

The 2026 season showed how quickly expectations can change in Major League Baseball. Established stars who delivered strong performances in 2025 found themselves dealing with reduced production, fewer extra-base hits, defensive problems, or a decline in their overall value.

Several trends stand out from this list. First, power production played a major role in the biggest declines. Cal Raleigh and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. experienced particularly steep reductions in home runs, while George Springer, Julio Rodriguez, and Kyle Tucker also saw their power numbers fall.

Second, the decline was not always limited to hitting. Willy Adames and Trea Turner faced significant defensive concerns, while several players experienced reduced stolen-base totals. These changes matter because a player’s value depends on more than batting average or home run production alone.

Third, the WAR figures demonstrate the broader impact of these struggles. Players such as Rodriguez, Turner, Tucker, and Raleigh experienced substantial reductions in overall value. Even when some statistics remained stable or improved, their combined contributions were often much lower than they had been in 2025.

However, a disappointing season does not automatically mean that a player will continue to struggle. Some players may respond with mechanical adjustments, improved plate discipline, or changes to their approach. Others may need to address defensive consistency or find ways to make better use of their speed and athleticism.

Final Thoughts

The 10 players on this list entered 2026 with established reputations and expectations of making meaningful contributions to their teams. Instead, each experienced a notable decline compared with the previous season, although the reasons varied from player to player.

George Springer struggled to reproduce his previous offensive production, Gunnar Henderson lost some of his overall consistency despite hitting more home runs, and Willy Adames faced defensive challenges. Jazz Chisholm Jr. maintained his baserunning threat but lost power, while Marcus Semien delivered limited offensive value. Julio Rodriguez, Trea Turner, Kyle Tucker, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also saw significant declines in key categories.

Cal Raleigh’s fall-off was the most dramatic, given the contrast between his 60-home-run campaign in 2025 and his much less productive 2026 season. His decline captures the unpredictable nature of baseball, where even an outstanding player can experience a difficult year.

The next season will offer each of these players an opportunity to respond. Whether through improved health, mechanical changes, better plate discipline, or stronger defensive execution, a return to form could quickly change the narrative. For now, their 2026 campaigns stand as some of the most notable disappointments among MLB’s established stars.