CBS Sports identifies seven MLB players who have underperformed in 2026
With the regular season approaching September, a review of statistical declines highlights significant gaps between expectations and performance for several high-profile athletes.
As the Major League Baseball calendar moves toward September, CBS Sports has published an assessment of the seven players who have most significantly underperformed expectations during the 2026 season. The report focuses on athletes whose recent output has fallen short of reasonable benchmarks, citing declines in offensive production, defensive range, and pitching effectiveness. While some players have been affected by injuries, the analysis suggests these individuals have been notable disappointments for their respective teams thus far.
The list includes Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who is slashing .167/.282/.336 with 17 home runs in 98 games. This represents a significant drop from his 60-home run 2025 season, during which he finished second in the American League MVP vote. Statcast measurements also indicate a major defensive step back for Raleigh in 2026, compounding his offensive struggles.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is also featured, having slugged just .356 with seven home runs in 117 games. The report notes that Guerrero has not hit a regular-season home run at home in over a calendar year. His power outage is identified as a primary factor in the Blue Jays' decline since the end of the previous World Series run.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Freddie Tucker, the highest-salaried position player in MLB, has lost more than 150 points of OPS compared to last season and more than 300 points compared to 2024. CBS Sports describes his outfield range as having "completely collapsed," noting that he has had little to do with the Dodgers' success this year despite his marquee contract.
Pitching performances have also been scrutinised, with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes seeing his ERA rise to 3.95 and FIP to 3.01. These figures mark a decline from his career averages of 1.96 and 2.40 respectively. The report highlights a recent loss of velocity for the 24-year-old, which has contributed to the Pirates fading from contention.
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Chisholm is on pace for the worst offensive season of his career, with his slash line dropping from .242/.332/.481 in 2025 to .220/.297/.397 in 2026. This decline is particularly ill-timed for the Yankees, who are managing the prolonged absence of Aaron Judge, and for Chisholm, who is a pending free agent.
The final two players on the list are pitchers Joe Peralta and José Díaz. Peralta has a 4.99 ERA and career-worst 4.44 FIP with the Mets, and a 7.17 ERA and 5.75 FIP in four starts since being acquired by the Rays. Díaz, who has missed significant time due to elbow and neck issues, has allowed 18 runs in 13 ⅔ innings, resulting in a WAR of -1.4.
