Early Busts in the 2026 MLB Season
The 2026 Major League Baseball season has gotten off to a rocky start, with several players failing to meet expectations. From preseason MVP candidates to seasoned pitchers struggling on the mound, the disappointments have been notable. However, this article takes a closer look at these early-season busts, analyzing their performances and offering some hope for improvement.
Rafael Devers: A Struggling Star
Currently, Rafael Devers is experiencing a frustrating season with the San Francisco Giants. His stats are disheartening: batting just .210 with two home runs and 11 RBIs through the beginning of May. This mirrors his performance when he joined the Giants last season (also 2 HR, 11 RBI) but with a significant drop in his OPS, which is down to .540 this year. The Giants are faced with a challenging start to the month, and Devers’ diminishing walk rate further compounds the issue, dropping from 15.4% last season to just 5.3%. Despite his slow beginning, Devers is known for turning around his season, as evidenced by his remarkable turnaround last year. Fans are hoping for a repeat of that upward trajectory soon.
Garrett Crochet: Cy Young Contender Turned Struggler
Once a powerhouse on the mound, Garrett Crochet’s early 2026 has been tumultuous. With a 6.30 ERA and a troubling inconsistency in his performances, Crochet’s season has been a rollercoaster ride. After previously leading the majors in strikeouts, Crochet's latest outings have shown alarming trends in his statistics, including a significant dip in strikeouts and a troubling uptick in hard-hit percentages against his pitches like the sweeper. Now battling shoulder inflammation, fans are left hoping he can bounce back as he did last season.
Fernando Tatis Jr.: Home Run Drought
Despite the success of the San Diego Padres thus far this season, Fernando Tatis Jr. has puzzled fans with his inability to hit home runs. His current stats show a .270 batting average with 13 RBIs and 9 stolen bases, but remarkably—he has yet to hit a home run. His hard-hit percentage is at a career-best 63.6%, but his low launch angle might be contributing to his power outage. Comparisons to Bryce Harper’s previous struggles suggest this could be a temporary phase, and the Padres are certainly hoping for a turnaround as well.
Taijuan Walker: From the Rotation to the IR List
Taijuan Walker has experienced quite an unfortunate decline. With a shocking ERA of 9.13 this season, combined with high hit and home run rates, Walker found himself out of the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation and ultimately released. Despite a promising bounce-back year prior, he has struggled to keep hitters at bay this season. The spotlight now turns to his search for a new team as he attempts to revive his career.
Roman Anthony: Rookie Inspiration Turned Concerning Numbers
Roman Anthony entered the 2026 season with high expectations following a near-MVP performance in his rookie year. However, his current stats reflect a dip in performance, hitting barely .200 since his promising Opening Day. While he remains patient at the plate, drawing walks at a decent rate, the lack of hits is concerning. Still, some analysts predict he might turn the tide as his BABIP suggests he might be overdue for a breakout.
Adrian Houser: Contract Regrets in San Francisco
Adrian Houser has struggled as a starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. With an unflattering 7.12 ERA and five poor outings, he has failed to justify the two-year, $22 million contract handed to him in the offseason. Houser's performance has raised eyebrows and questions about his future with the team. As his early outings continue to be lackluster, fans are beginning to wonder if he can find a better form before it’s too late.
Marcell Ozuna: Power Not Showing Up
After a solid run with the Atlanta Braves, Marcell Ozuna has seen his numbers fall sharply since joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. While he did hit a few home runs, he has maintained a low OPS and is projected for around 15 home runs this season. The Pirates had hopes of acquiring a 40-homer player, but Ozuna’s current stats reflect a player struggling to find his rhythm.
Kyle Tucker: Underwhelming Start for Big Contract
Kyle Tucker of the Los Angeles Dodgers has also failed to live up to his potential this season, hitting just like an average player rather than the star he has been in previous seasons. With a triple-slash line close to league average and struggles against breaking balls, Tucker's early performance leaves much to be desired for fans who expect greatness from a player making $240 million. With a small sample size, there’s hope he can turn things around before carries over into a prolonged slump.
The New York Mets: A Collective Struggle
Lastly, the New York Mets have faced a series of disappointing performances, both at the plate and on the mound. Key players such as Kodai Senga and David Peterson continue to struggle, while many other hitters bat below the Mendoza line. Sitting at the bottom of the league standings, the Mets are in a difficult position as they try to stabilize a season that began with such promise.
Despite the rocky start for these players and teams, the nature of baseball means there is still plenty of time for improvement. As these star athletes seek to find their footing, fans hold onto hope that they can defy the odds and turn their seasons around.
