The six most disappointing MLB players this season

With the MLB season a touch over 25% of the way complete, slow starts are no longer being looked at as nothing to worry about.

Sluggish starts are beginning to turn into season long concerns, especially for some stellar players. The six players listed below are among the most disappointing starts to the season.

Hitters

Manny Machado, San Diego Padres

Nearly no one would've predicted that Machado would be nearing the month of June with a .180 average, but that's exactly where he stands.

Entering Tuesday, Machado's average was the eighth worst in MLB. It is by far the worst start he's gotten off to in his illustrious career. Most expect Machado to turn things around in the near future, but it may be time to worry about the soon to be 34-year-old (July 6) if he doesn't.

Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres

Another Padres superstar makes the list with Tatis being among one of the league's most disappointing players so far this season. Unlike his aforementioned teammate, Tatis' disappointing start is not related to an under .200 average, but his lack of power.

Entering Tuesday, Tatis has yet to hit a home run in 2026. He is one of just two qualified hitters without a home run this season, with the other being Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite the struggles mentioned from two of the San Diego stars, the Padres entered Tuesday just 0.5 game out of first place.

Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

The 2025 American League MVP runner-up is off to a very forgettable to start to his 2026 season. Through 161 at-bats, Raleigh's .161 average is the worst among MLB hitters. 

Just a week ago, Raleigh went through a 0-for-38 stretch that saw his average dip from .205 to .166. It has been an awful start to what many hoped would be close to a repeat of Raleigh's 2025 season.