Some MLB players are loud, cocky, and love stirring the pot — until someone gives it right back. These guys were the kings of trash talk, bat flips, and attitude, but the second things got tough, they were suddenly not so tough.
They could talk the talk, but walking the walk when the pressure was on? Not always their thing. Here are 15 MLB players who could dish it out but definitely struggled to take it.
15. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson loves a fiery exchange and isn’t shy about chirping pitchers. But when opposing teams start throwing high and tight, he’s the first one barking about respect.
14. Jose Bautista
The bat flip heard around the world made him a hero to some and a target to others. Once Rougned Odor landed that punch, though, Bautista didn’t seem so into the whole drama thing.
13. Trevor Bauer
Bauer talked like a villain in a baseball movie, but when he got lit up or criticized, he’d spiral into Twitter essays and press conference pity parties. The guy could throw shade, but couldn’t catch it.
12. A.J. Pierzynski
Pierzynski made a career out of getting under people’s skin. But the minute someone came back at him, he acted like they were breaking some sacred baseball code.
11. Bryce Harper
Harper plays with swagger and always has something to say — especially when things are going his way. But if he strikes out or gets brushed back, it’s full pout mode and dugout destruction.
10. Manny Machado
Machado isn’t afraid to show emotion or flip a bat, but he’s also quick to get defensive when opponents return the favor. He wants the drama on his terms only.
9. Carlos Gomez
Gomez had some of the flashiest home run trots in the game. But he didn’t take too kindly to pitchers showing any emotion when they struck him out.
8. Joba Chamberlain
Joba brought energy and fist pumps galore, but the moment someone pimped a homer off him, he’d lose it. His intensity only worked one way.
7. Brian McCann
McCann basically served as baseball’s self-appointed fun police, always ready to scold anyone who celebrated too hard. But he never had an issue showing his own emotion when things went his way.
6. Yadier Molina
Molina is a legend behind the plate and never shies away from getting in a hitter’s face. But if you so much as looked sideways at him after a big play, it was World War III.
5. Jonathan Papelbon
Papelbon was a full-time closer and part-time rage monster. He loved firing up the crowd and glaring down hitters — but couldn’t handle it when the tables turned.
4. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod carried himself like a baseball god, but any criticism sent him into a tailspin. He loved being adored, but couldn’t stand the heat when fans or media pushed back.
3. Yasiel Puig
Puig played like the game was his personal highlight reel, but when pitchers or opponents clapped back, he’d explode. He wanted all the flair — none of the return fire.
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2. Roger Clemens
Clemens threw high and inside like it was his job, but he didn’t take well to being challenged. If you stared him down or dared to talk back, prepare for fireworks.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Polarizing MLB Players of All Time
1. Kevin Youkilis
Youk had one of the most intense on-field demeanors in the league and was quick to bark at pitchers. But when he was the one getting chirped or brushed back, the drama levels went through the roof.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Arrogant MLB Players of All Time
