The 2026 MLB season is barely underway, but several players expected to shine are showing concerning trends. Among them, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has particularly caught attention, leaving fans and analysts puzzled as he falters early on compared to his stellar performance last season.

Cal Raleigh: A Startling Drop in Performance

After an astounding season where Raleigh blasted 60 home runs and posted a 7.4 WAR, the expectations were sky-high for the Mariners' catcher. However, the start of the 2026 season has been far from ideal for him. In just 18 games, Raleigh has already accumulated 29 strikeouts, resulting in a staggering 33.3 percent strikeout rate. Adding to the alarm is Raleigh's dip in hard-hit rate, plummeting from 49.6 percent to a concerning 26.1 percent and a drop in average exit velocity from 91.3 mph to 83.3 mph.

Tanner Bibee: Living Up to High Hopes?

Tanner Bibee made headlines in 2023 as a runner-up for the AL Rookie of the Year, showcasing a 2.98 ERA and a performance that positioned him as a crucial part of the Cleveland Guardians' rotation. His first opening day start this year marked a new chapter, taking the title of ace amidst a transitioning rotation post-Shane Bieber.

Yet, the current season tells a different story. With a 0-2 record and a 6.38 ERA, Bibee's performance has diminished significantly. His career-best achievements from 2023 seem distant memories, as he faces challenges that suggest he is better suited as a third or fourth starter. Fans are left speculating whether the pressure of being the ace has affected him or if he is simply experiencing a rough patch.

Kyle Bradish: The Weight of Expectations

Bradish's backstory in 2023, where he logged an impressive 2.83 ERA and was a Cy Young contender, bred optimism for the Baltimore Orioles heading into this season. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, his return last year provided hope, but now that prospect seems clouded as he struggled through the early games this year.

With a current 5.49 ERA and an equally alarming 1.63 WHIP over just under 20 innings, the Orioles find themselves re-evaluating their rotation strategy. Bradish has allowed 12 earned runs and is indicative of a larger issue within the team, as the Orioles' starting pitcher ERA stands at 4.27, ranking them 20th in the league.

Pete Crow-Armstrong: From MVP Candidate to Struggles

Entering the 2026 season, Pete Crow-Armstrong was still basking in the glow of a phenomenal previous year with the Chicago Cubs, where he earned consideration as an NL MVP candidate with standout offensive numbers. A six-year, $115 million extension showcased the Cubs' faith in him.

However, the new campaign has not yet yielded the desired results, as Crow-Armstrong currently holds a dismal .236 batting average with a concerning 71 OPS+. His aggressive batting approach, while once an asset, has become a liability, reflected in a staggering 49.3 percent chase rate. While his speed and defensive skills remain valuable, the hope that he becomes a franchise player akin to Carlos Beltrán is starting to dim.

Jacob Wilson: Falling Short of Franchise Player Status

Jacob Wilson's 2025 season indicated he could be a promising cornerstone for the club, achieving an impressive .311 average. His ability to consistently put the ball in play made him a fan favorite. Nevertheless, the 2026 campaign bears a stark contrast, revealing vulnerabilities in his performance.

With an OPS+ of just 71 and a batting average of .263, Wilson's numbers indicate he is struggling to replicate his previous success. The fall in his BABIP (batting average on balls in play) from .317 to .292 suggests that making solid contact isn't translating into effective hitting. As he walks only once in 77 plate appearances so far this year, doubts about his role as a franchise cornerstone have begun to emerge.

Summary of Issues Facing Early Season Stars

As the 2026 MLB season unfolds, it’s clear that several top players are grappling with high expectations. The pressure of their previous performances looms large, and while it's essential to recognize their struggles, it’s also vital to maintain perspective. There’s plenty of baseball left to play, and adjustments could potentially turn these early disappointments into stories of triumph. Whether these players can regain their form remains to be seen, but the early trends are a stark reminder of the challenges faced at the highest levels of the sport.