Can the Struggling Stars Turn It Around? The 2026 Stretch Run Rebound Candidates
The 2026 regular season is entering its final stretch, and with it, the pressure is on for several struggling stars to rebound and help their teams make a playoff push. From reigning MVP finalists to young stars not living up to their potential, the sport is witnessing a fascinating battle of resilience and redemption. Here's a deep dive into 10 players who need to turn their seasons around for their teams to have a fighting chance.
The Slumping Hitters
Cal Raleigh, Mariners
Raleigh's decline has been one of the most dramatic in recent memory. After a historic 2025 season, where he slugged 60 homers and finished second in AL MVP voting, he's now batting eighth in Seattle's lineup. His OPS has plummeted from .948 to .564, and his WAR has dropped from 9.1 to 0.6. The Mariners' struggles are collective, but Raleigh's slump is a major concern. Can he rediscover his power stroke and help Seattle turn their season around?
Kyle Tucker, Dodgers
Tucker, the Dodgers' big offseason acquisition, has been a disappointment. His OPS has dropped from .841 to .712, and he's only managed 11 homers this year. However, there's a silver lining. Tucker showed signs of life in August with an .808 OPS and a disciplined approach. With the Dodgers' lineup aging, they need Tucker to perform closer to his career norms. Can he keep this momentum going and become the offensive catalyst the Dodgers need?
Ketel Marte, D-backs
Marte, a consistent star since 2019, is experiencing a dip in form. His OPS has dropped from .893 to .765, and he's only managed 21 homers this year. Despite the D-backs' strong showing in the Wild Card race, Marte's struggles are a concern. If he can get back to his .893 OPS from last year, Arizona could be a formidable playoff contender.
The Struggling Pitchers
José Ramírez, Guardians
Ramírez, a surefire Hall of Famer, is not living up to his potential this year. His OPS has dropped from .863 to .715, and he's only managed 10 homers. Part of this is due to time missed on the injured list, but even when he's played, he hasn't been his dynamic self. The good news is his skills are intact, and his .352 expected wOBA suggests he's been unlucky. Can he turn this around and reclaim his place among the sport's best?
Hunter Brown, Astros
Brown, the Astros' ace, is experiencing a dip in form. His ERA has risen from 2.43 to 3.68, and his strikeout rate has dropped. The most concerning aspect is his walk rate, which has jumped to 13.0 percent. With Houston's playoff hopes hanging in the balance, a return to Brown's 2025 form could be crucial for the Astros' success.
The Redemption Arc
Christian Yelich, Brewers
Yelich, a power-hitting star, has struggled to find his rhythm this year. His OPS has dropped from .795 to .684, and he's only managed 8 homers. The Brewers, despite their strong offense, rank last in home runs. If Yelich can rediscover his power stroke, it could be a game-changer for the team's playoff chances.
Luis Castillo, White Sox
Castillo, recently acquired by the White Sox, showed glimpses of his former self in his last start. He dominated the Reds, striking out 10 batters and allowing just one hit. With the White Sox lacking a true No. 1 starter, Castillo's rebound could be a game-changer for their playoff hopes.
Freddy Peralta, Rays
Peralta, acquired by the Rays, is struggling with a drop in strikeouts. His strikeout rate has fallen from 28.2 percent to 21.8 percent. If he can regain his whiff-happy form, it will go a long way towards a successful rebound for the Rays.
As the 2026 season enters its final stretch, these players will need to turn their seasons around for their teams to have a fighting chance. It's a fascinating battle of resilience and redemption, and only time will tell if these stars can rise to the occasion.
