Concern levels for five of MLB’s slumping stars

With over a month of baseball behind us, the 2026 MLB season has already brought us many surprises. 

To name three, Munetaka Murakami is tied for the most home runs heading into the summer, Jo Adell had the greatest defensive game ever and Bryce Elder is emerging as a Cy Young candidate.

But for all the pleasant surprises, there are just as many unpleasant surprises. Here are five stars whose performances are cause for concern, as well as concern levels for each. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. 

Among the more shocking developments of the season, Tatis, the San Diego Padres slugger who hit 42 home runs in 2021, has yet to tee off. Of course, his power numbers dipped after his suspension for PEDs, but having reliably hit over 20 home runs in each of the past three years, it is quite perplexing that he has yet to tally one on the year. 

Tatis is hitting .248/.317/.298. However, his hard-hit rate (58.5 percent) and average exit velocity (92.7) are still elite. Because of this, fans shouldn’t be too concerned. 

Concern level: 1/10

Bo Bichette 

Last year, Bichette hit .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs. When the New York Mets signed him over the offseason, they intended to acquire his 2025 stat line as well. But this season, they’re getting a .226/.269/.296 slash line with two home runs from their new infielder.

According to Baseball Savant, Bichette is missing the launch angle sweet spot. Unlike last year, he isn’t making solid contact, greatly reducing his barrel percentage (4.6 percent). However, his expected batting average of .283 suggests he has been unlucky. With a minor adjustment, this slump should work itself out eventually. 

Concern level: 3/10

Steven Kwan 

Kwan, the Cleveland Guardians resident contact guru, was advertised as chasing a .400 average in 2024. This year, he’s struggling to keep it above .210.

Kwan is hitting a paltry .214/.311/.276 with one home run. His expected batting average of .234 isn’t much better. He is still making contact, but the quality of contact has dropped. According to Baseball Savant, he is not finding the right launch angle, resulting in poor quality of contact. Like with Bichette, a minor adjustment could be a quick fix. 

Concern level: 3/10

Cal Raleigh 

The Seattle Mariners backstop came off a season that saw him come second in the AL MVP voting, setting a home-run record for catchers with 60. But now, Raleigh’s stellar campaign is looking like a distant memory.

Raleigh is hitting .164/.244/.336 with seven home runs. His power is clearly still there, but his slow start begs the question if his historic season was just a flash in the pan. 

According to Baseball Savant, most of Raleigh’s metrics are at a career low. His hard-hit rate, launch angle sweet-spot percentage, average exit velocity and walk rate are all suffering. And Raleigh's age (29) seems to raise a question about the regression commonly experienced by catchers. Still, there is a good chance he can turn it around, but the chances of Raleigh reliving the heights of his career are slim. 

Concern level: 4/10

Marcell Ozuna 

Just two years ago, Ozuna was a clear MVP candidate. A hip injury saw his stats dip last year, but after signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he is hitting .197/.266/.323 with four home runs.

Like with Raleigh, most of Ozuna’s metrics are suffering. Even his once-exceptional walk rate has plummeted. And at age 35, there will be questions about decline. However, Ozuna has scorched the ball in the last seven games (.321/.406/.607 with two home runs), offering some hope of a resurgence. 

Concern level: 5/10