The 2026 MLB season has come to a close, and while many players showcased remarkable talents and solidified their legacies, there were also several who fell short of expectations. Each year, fans and analysts alike scan the landscape to identify both the stars and the underperformers. Here, we dive into seven players whose 2026 seasons left much to be desired.
Jose Altuve: Once a Star, Now a Shadow
Jose Altuve, a former American League MVP, showed flashes of his once-dominant self with a pivotal home run in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox, marking his 28th career postseason homer. However, at 36 years old, his performance during the 2026 regular season drew several criticisms. Altuve finished the season hitting just .250, which is a stark contrast to his impressive career batting average of .300.
Moreover, his OPS+ dropped below the league average for the first time since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, finishing at 97. Defensively, Altuve struggled significantly, recording a disastrous -17 defensive runs saved and -10 outs above average at second base. While his credentials position him well for Hall of Fame induction, the remaining three years on his five-year, $125 million contract could see the franchise icon faced with further challenges.
Brandon Marsh: From All-Star to Disappointment
In contrast to Altuve's celebrated past, Brandon Marsh's narrative was marked by stark contrasts. He began the season with tremendous promise, even earning an All-Star berth after batting .301 in the first half. However, the second half of the season saw a dramatic plunge in performance, as Marsh averaged a mere .184 with a meager .502 OPS. By the end of the season, he ranked eighth-worst among all qualified position players with a 0.3 WAR.
The Philadelphia Phillies are considering their options for the offseason, having even sent Marsh to the bench in critical moments, highlighting the urgency for a shake-up. With his contract year approaching, it wouldn't be surprising if the Phillies explored trade options to revitalize their roster.
Seth Lugo: A Former Ace’s Rocky Road
Seth Lugo was viewed as an essential piece of the Kansas City Royals' future, but his performance during the 2026 season painted a different picture. Despite the team’s reluctance to part ways with him before the trade deadline, Lugo endured a rocky return with a 6.12 ERA in 13 starts post-All-Star break, contributing to an overall disappointing 4.56 ERA over 104.2 innings pitched.
Age is becoming a factor as Lugo will turn 37 next season, but at $21.5 million owed for 2027 and a conditional $17 million club option for 2028, the decision not to trade him may come back to haunt the Royals amid budget constraints.
Jo Adell: Flashes of Promise, but Inconsistency Persists
Jo Adell has consistently tantalized observers with explosive moments, including a standout 37-home run season in 2025. However, 2026 proved to be just another year of underwhelming results. After his trade from the Los Angeles Angels to the Guardians in August, Adell performed modestly, ending the season with a .740 OPS over 48 games in Cleveland.
Despite demonstrating potential against left-handed pitching—batting .320 with a .971 OPS—Adell's overall WAR of 0.6 and a league-average OPS+ of 98 do not live up to the high expectations set for him. A full season in Cleveland could be the turning point he needs to showcase his true potential.
Merrill Kelly: Aging Without the Results
After re-signing for a two-year, $40 million deal with a vesting option, Merrill Kelly's performance during the 2026 season has raised concerns. Though he managed to pitch 162 innings, his ERA ballooned to 4.94, and the right-handed veteran did not provide the reliability expected from him, particularly as he reached 38. Feedback on Kelly's less-than-stellar season will likely influence the Diamondbacks’ strategy heading into the 2027 season.
Robbie Ray: Statistically Misleading Performance
Robbie Ray's season tells a story of misleading statistics. Initially, his 3.59 ERA looked enticing; however, the details reveal a troubling trend. He recorded a 3.08 ERA with the San Francisco Giants but regressed significantly after moving to the Padres, culminating in a 5.02 ERA over his nine starts there. Even with these issues, Ray's history suggests he may serve as a competent back-end starter but is no longer seen as a frontline option.
Taylor Ward: From Power to Struggles
Taylor Ward's journey took a downward turn after switching from the Los Angeles Angels to the Seattle Mariners. His 143-game stint yielded only seven home runs and a .125 batting average following the trade, which starkly contrasts his prior performance with 36 homers in 2025. With an impressive .383 on-base percentage with the Angels, Ward’s struggles raise questions about his upcoming free agency.
As we reflect on the 2026 season, these players' performances highlight the volatility and unpredictability of baseball. While some established stars faced challenges that may change their trajectories, others made it clear that it might be time for a fresh start. The coming offseason will be full of decisions that could reshape numerous rosters moving into 2027.
