Can these struggling stars rebound for the stretch run? The 2026 regular season is entering its final stretch, and the pressure is on for several players who have underperformed this year. While some are reigning MVP finalists or multi-time All-Stars, others are young stars who haven't lived up to their potential. As teams look to make the playoffs, these 10 players will need to step up and deliver if they want to turn their seasons around. Personally, I think this is a fascinating time for baseball fans, as we get to witness the rise and fall of these stars and see if they can rebound in time. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the high expectations and the current struggles of these players. Some have been consistent stars, while others have been on a downward spiral. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a great opportunity for teams to reassess their strategies and make the necessary adjustments to compete in the postseason. One thing that immediately stands out is the impact these players can have on their teams' playoff chances. For example, the Mariners' Cal Raleigh, who was a top MVP contender last year, has seen a dramatic decline in his performance this season. His OPS has dropped from .948 to .564, and he's now batting eighth in the lineup. If the Mariners want to turn their season around, they'll need Raleigh to find his form and help lead the offense. The Dodgers' Kyle Tucker, another young star, has also struggled to live up to his potential. After a strong 2025 season, Tucker's OPS has dropped to .712, and he's only managed 11 home runs this year. However, there's good news: Tucker has shown signs of life in August, and the Dodgers hope he'll continue to perform closer to his career marks as the season progresses. The D-backs' Ketel Marte, a consistent star since 2019, has also seen a decline in his performance. His OPS has dropped from .893 to .765, but the D-backs are still in the Wild Card race, and Marte's struggles have made it all the more impressive. What many people don't realize is that these players' struggles are not just individual failures but also reflect broader team issues. For example, the Mariners' struggles are not just Raleigh's problem but also a collective issue for the entire team. The D-backs, despite Marte's struggles, are still in the running for a playoff spot, which shows the resilience and depth of their team. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a great opportunity for these players to step up and become leaders for their teams. A detail that I find especially interesting is the impact these players can have on their teams' playoff chances. For example, the Guardians' José Ramírez, a consistent star, has seen a decline in his performance this season. His OPS has dropped from .863 to .715, but he's still a key player for the team. The good news is that Ramírez's skills are still intact, and he's been fairly unlucky this year. His expected wOBA is the highest it's been since 2023, which suggests that he could be due for a rebound. The Rangers' Corey Seager, another star shortstop, has also struggled this season. His OPS has dropped to .692, and he's striking out more than ever. It's unclear if there are lingering injury issues, but his drop-off makes a Rangers playoff appearance much tougher to pull off. What this really suggests is that these players' struggles are not just individual failures but also reflect broader team issues. The Phillies' Trea Turner, a star shortstop, has also seen his OPS drop over 100 points and has had defensive struggles this season. However, we've seen Turner turn things around in a hurry in Philly, so it'd surprise nobody if he went on a tear to finish the season. The Astros' Hunter Brown, a top pitcher last year, has also struggled this season. His ERA has risen from 2.43 to 3.68, and he hasn't quite been at last season's ace level. However, given Houston's position in the playoff picture, a return to Brown's 2025 version could determine the fate of the Astros' season. The Brewers' Christian Yelich, a power-hitting star, has struggled to get going for much of the season. His OPS has dropped to .684, and he hasn't reached double-digit homers through 83 games. However, if Yelich can find his power stroke, that could be a huge development for the Brewers in the postseason. The White Sox's Luis Castillo, a recently acquired starter, has also struggled this season. His ERA has risen to 4.96, but he just had his best start of the season his last time around. The first-place White Sox are lacking a true No. 1 starter, and Castillo bouncing back to previous levels would give them something close to that. The Rays' Freddy Peralta, a potential ace, has also struggled this season. His ERA has risen to 5.33, and he's struggled with strikeouts. However, if those whiffs come back, it'll go a long way towards a rebound. In my opinion, the stretch run of the 2026 regular season is a fascinating time for baseball fans, as we get to witness the rise and fall of these stars and see if they can rebound in time. These players' struggles reflect broader team issues, and it'll be interesting to see how they respond and impact their teams' playoff chances. A deeper question that this raises is whether these players' struggles are just a blip or a sign of a larger trend. Are these players facing challenges that are beyond their control, or are there underlying issues that need to be addressed? As we approach the postseason, it'll be fascinating to see how these players and their teams respond to the pressure and whether they can turn their seasons around in time.
