The 2026 MLB season has delivered an unexpected storyline: several of baseball’s biggest stars have struggled to replicate the level they showed last year, directly affecting their teams’ playoff hopes.
One of the most surprising cases is Cal Raleigh, who hit 60 home runs in 2025 but has experienced a significant offensive decline this season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has also seen a notable drop in power production with the Toronto Blue Jays.
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The season has been challenging for Paul Skenes as well. The National League Cy Young winner has seen his ERA rise considerably, while Aaron Judge has been sidelined since late May with a stress fracture in his rib.
Other stars, including Julio Rodríguez, Trea Turner, Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, have also dealt with performance issues or injuries during the campaign.
Why are these struggles so important?
Many of these players are essential pieces of their respective teams, meaning their absence or poor performance could significantly impact the race for the playoffs.
