As the 2026 regular season enters its final stretch, the question on every fan's mind is: Can these struggling stars rebound and lead their teams to the playoffs? The answer, it seems, lies in the hands of a few key players who have either fallen short of expectations or are simply not playing up to their potential. In my opinion, the fate of many teams rests on these players' ability to turn things around and deliver in the crucial moments.
The Struggling Stars
Cal Raleigh, Mariners
What makes Cal Raleigh's decline particularly fascinating is the sheer magnitude of his fall from grace. After a stellar 2025 season, where he slugged 60 homers and finished second in AL MVP voting, Raleigh has seemingly vanished from the Mariners' lineup. His OPS has plummeted from .948 to .564, and his WAR has dropped from 9.1 to 0.6. This dramatic drop-off has left the Mariners in a dire situation, ranking last in runs scored and facing an increasingly slim chance of making the playoffs. If Raleigh can't find his power stroke, the Mariners' playoff hopes may be all but dashed.
Kyle Tucker, Dodgers
Kyle Tucker's struggle is a bit more nuanced. As an offseason acquisition, he was expected to bring a burst of energy to the Dodgers' aging lineup. However, his .702 OPS through July was a far cry from his career .847 OPS. The good news is, Tucker has shown signs of life in August, with an .808 OPS and a reduced strikeout rate. His youth (29 years old) and the Dodgers' need for a boost make him a key rebound candidate. If Tucker can perform closer to his career norms, the Dodgers may just find the spark they need to make a playoff run.
Ketel Marte, D-backs
Ketel Marte's decline is a bit more concerning, given his status as one of the best position players in baseball. His OPS has dropped from .893 to .765, and his WAR has fallen from 4.6 to 2.1. Despite this, the D-backs find themselves in the Wild Card race, tied for 11th in runs scored. If Marte can get going, his impact could be immense. A rebound from him could propel the D-backs into the playoffs, making him a crucial rebound candidate for the team.
José Ramírez, Guardians
José Ramírez's decline is a bit more puzzling, given his status as one of the best players of his generation. His OPS has dropped from .863 to .715, and his WAR has fallen from 6.3 to 2.2. Part of this is due to time spent on the injured list, but even when he's been on the field, he hasn't looked like the dynamic star he once was. The good news is, his skills are still intact, and his .352 expected wOBA suggests he's been unlucky. A rebound from Ramírez could be a game-changer for the Guardians.
Corey Seager, Rangers
Corey Seager's struggle is a bit more concerning, given his status as a star shortstop. His OPS has dropped from .860 to .692, and his WAR has fallen from 4.0 to 0.9. Even when he's dealt with injuries in the past, he's still been a force. However, this year, his drop-off is more pronounced, and his strikeout rate is higher than ever. If there are lingering injury issues, it could be a significant setback for the Rangers' playoff hopes.
Trea Turner, Phillies
Trea Turner's ups and downs are nothing new, but this season has been particularly challenging. His OPS has dropped over 100 points, and his defensive struggles are a concern. Turner had a career-best defensive season last year, but this year, he's been a liability at shortstop. However, his history of turning things around in a hurry makes him a potential rebound candidate for the Phillies.
Hunter Brown, Astros
Hunter Brown's decline is a bit more concerning, given his status as one of the best pitchers in the sport last year. His ERA has risen from 2.43 to 3.68, and his xERA has increased from 3.14 to 3.65. Brown's walk rate has also jumped to 13.0 percent, which is a significant concern. Given the Astros' position in the playoff picture, a return to Brown's 2025 form could be crucial for their season.
Christian Yelich, Brewers
Christian Yelich's struggle is a bit more surprising, given his status as a power-hitting outfielder. His OPS has dropped from .795 to .684, and his WAR has fallen from 2.4 to -0.1. After crushing 29 home runs last season, Yelich hasn't reached double-digit homers this year. While the Brewers are still a top offense, their lack of home runs could be a problem in October. If Yelich can find his power stroke, it could be a huge development for the team.
Luis Castillo, White Sox
Luis Castillo's decline is a bit more concerning, given his status as a potential ace. His ERA has risen from 3.54 to 4.96, and his xERA has increased from 4.04 to 4.63. However, his recent start against the Reds was his best of the season, with seven scoreless innings, 10 strikeouts, and just one hit allowed. If Castillo can bounce back to his previous levels, it could be a game-changer for the White Sox.
Freddy Peralta, Rays
Freddy Peralta's decline is a bit more concerning, given his status as a potential ace. His ERA has risen from 2.70 to 5.33, and his xERA has increased from 3.43 to 4.03. The biggest issue has been the drop in strikeouts, from 28.2 percent to 21.8 percent. If those whiffs come back, it could be a sign of things to come for Peralta. The Mets' acquisition of him as a potential ace didn't pan out, and a rebound from him could be crucial for the Rays.
The Rebound Candidates
As we approach the final stretch of the 2026 regular season, these struggling stars will need to step up if their teams have any hope of making the playoffs. While some of these players have already shown signs of life, others will need to find their form quickly if they want to turn things around. In my opinion, the fate of many teams rests on these players' ability to rebound and deliver in the crucial moments.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential impact of these rebounds on the playoff picture. A few key players can turn the tide for their teams, and their success could determine the outcome of the season. If these struggling stars can find their form, it could be a thrilling finish to the 2026 regular season, with many teams still in the running for a playoff spot.
