Most Surprising and Disappointing Player at Each Position in 2026

Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

September 28, 2026

The 2026 regular season has come and gone, and with it comes time to reflect. While some players shocked the sport, others failed to meet expectations. From breakout stars to underwhelming MVP hopefuls, these were the most surprising and disappointing players at every position.

Catcher

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Gabriel Moreno

Gabriel Moreno was always an above-average catcher, largely due to his elite defense. In 2026, though, his offensive game transformed him into one of baseball’s best players. His 6.3 WAR led all catchers, as did his .311 batting average and .874 OPS. At 26, Moreno looks like one of the game’s brightest young stars.

Disappointing: Cal Raleigh

While a dip in production was expected from Cal Raleigh this season, a career-worst season certainly wasn’t. Despite finishing as the American League MVP runner-up in 2025, Raleigh’s -12 batting run value was 57 ticks worse than last season. His .182 batting average was also the worst mark in baseball, epitomizing one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent history.

First Base

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Luis Garcia Jr.

The Washington Nationals took a step forward in 2026, and Luis Garcia Jr. was a big reason why. The 26-year-old set career highs in home runs (30), OPS (.831), and WAR (2.8), keeping the Nationals in playoff contention before a midseason trade to the New York Yankees. Aaron Judge’s health remains a major question mark for the postseason, so Garcia Jr. will look to carry some of his offensive load.

Disappointing: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

After slashing .397/.494/.795 in the 2025 postseason, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. seemed primed for the best season of his career in 2026. Unfortunately, the eight-year veteran had his worst full season to date, posting full-season career lows in batting average (.260), OPS (.688), WAR (1.1), home runs (9), and RBI (57). For someone on a 10-year, $500 million contract, those numbers are miles from where they need to be.

Second Base

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Ezequiel Duran

Like Moreno, Ezequiel Duran was always an above-average defender, allowing him to remain a valuable utility piece for the Texas Rangers. In 2026, though, his offensive production made him a mainstay in the team’s lineup. He played every position but pitcher and catcher, compiling 4.2 WAR and 83 RBI in the process.

Disappointing: Marcus Semien

The days of Marcus Semien bashing 45 home runs are long gone, but the New York Mets acquired him last November for his defense. Sadly, his once-elite glove disappeared in 2026, with his outs above average nosediving from six in 2025 to -10. His .625 OPS, the second-worst among qualified hitters, was the cherry on top of a forgettable 2026 campaign.

Third Base

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Miguel Vargas

Miguel Vargas showed flashes in 2025, but the 26-year-old officially broke out in 2026. He ranked second behind Junior Caminero in OPS (.837), total bases (279), and extra-base hits (65) at the position, drawing the sixth most walks in baseball in the process. He ranked in the 60th percentile or better in every underlying metric, proving his offensive game has no apparent weaknesses.

Disappointing: Jose Ramirez

The Cleveland Guardians’ 678 runs were the fifth fewest in the American League, and Jose Ramirez’ offensive shortcomings were a big reason why. He posted his lowest batting average, OPS, and home run total since 2015, a concerning dip in production for someone who recently turned 34. His walk rate, strikeout rate, and base running remained elite, but everything else did not.

Shortstop

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Gunnar Henderson

Two seasons ago, Gunnar Henderson was an MVP candidate after posting a 9.1 WAR season. That 2024 campaign seems like ages ago, as Henderson posted career lows in nearly every major statistical category in 2026. From his .226 batting average to his .715 OPS, nothing worked for the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year.

Disappointing: Otto Lopez

Defense was always Otto Lopez’ calling card, but his offensive game improved drastically in 2026. His 191 hits led the sport, while his .305 batting average ranked fifth. With 34 stolen bases and 14 outs above average, Lopez has quietly turned into one of baseball’s most complete players.

Outfield

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Jordan Walker

The Jordan Walker breakout campaign finally happened. One year after being worth -1.6 WAR, the 26-year-old was worth 3.5, driving in 102 RBI in the process. It took a while, but the former top prospect lived up to the hype in his age-24 season, posting career highs across the board.

Disappointing: Kyle Tucker

If Kyle Tucker were on a team-friendly contract, his numbers would suffice. However, Tucker is the highest-paid player in the sport, meaning anything less than elite is unacceptable. Despite playing better in September, Tucker ranked 113th in batting average, 97th in OPS, and 95th in wRC+. He also ranked in the fourth percentile defensively with -8 outs above average.

Starting Pitcher

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Jacob Misiorowski

One year after showing flashes of greatness on the mound, Jacob Misiorowski firmly established himself as the best pitcher in baseball. He ranked in the 99th percentile or better in fastball velocity, whiff rate, strikeout rate, fastball run value, and pitching run value, supplemented by a league-best 1.80 ERA. The Milwaukee Brewers look primed for a deep postseason run, and that starts with their ace.

Disappointing: MacKenzie Gore

When the Rangers traded five prospects to acquire MacKenzie Gore, they likely didn’t envision him finishing with a bottom-five ERA among qualified starters. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened, as his 4.58 ERA ranked behind all but four starting pitchers. The strikeout numbers remained elite, as the 27-year-old reached 170 strikeouts for the third consecutive season. The rest, though, was less than desirable.

Relief Pitcher

Embed from Getty Images

Surprising: Louis Varland

Louis Varland was never a bad reliever, but the 28-year-old elevated his game significantly in 2026. His whiff and strikeout rates both jumped by more than five percent, while his barrel rate was cut in half. The Blue Jays won’t play October baseball, but Varland is the clear frontrunner for American League Reliever of the Year.

Disappointing: Pete Fairbanks

The Miami Marlins signed Pete Fairbanks to stabilize their bullpen, a sensible move after a dominant 2025 season that included 59 strikeouts and a 2.81 ERA in 61 appearances. Unfortunately, his ERA ballooned to 6.51 in 2026, largely because of a barrel rate that doubled. His -1.3 WAR also represented a career low.