Baseball careers can change in a heartbeat. One year you’re an All-Star, and the next you’re getting booed off the field or buried in Triple-A box scores.
These are the MLB stars who tasted fame, fortune, and fanfare—only to see it all slip away. Whether it was injuries, off-field drama, or just plain bad luck, their fall from grace was tough to watch.
15. Yasiel Puig
Puig burst onto the scene like a firecracker, full of swagger and highlight-reel moments. But inconsistency, controversy, and an abrupt MLB exit sent his once-promising career into a tailspin.
14. Jonathan Papelbon
He was one of the most electric closers in the game until attitude issues and locker room scuffles dimmed his shine. That infamous chokehold incident didn’t help his public image, either.
13. Chris Davis
For a brief moment, Davis was one of the league’s most feared power hitters. Then he signed a massive contract and forgot how to hit a baseball.
12. Matt Harvey
Once known as “The Dark Knight,” Harvey was the toast of New York baseball. Then came the injuries, the off-field noise, and a career that never recovered.
11. Trevor Bauer
His pitching talent was never in question, but his off-field controversies quickly overshadowed everything else. Once seen as a Cy Young winner, now he’s more of a cautionary tale.
10. Dontrelle Willis
Willis had a smile as big as his leg kick and was an instant fan favorite. But his mechanics caught up to him, and he faded just as quickly as he rose.
9. Josh Hamilton
Hamilton’s comeback story was inspiring, but his demons never fully stayed away. Despite MVP talent, his struggles ultimately cut his career short.
8. Ubaldo Jiménez
He looked like an ace during his breakout year in Colorado. But control issues and a sharp decline made him disappear from the spotlight fast.
7. Troy Tulowitzki
Tulo was a defensive wizard and offensive powerhouse—when healthy. Unfortunately, staying on the field became the biggest obstacle of his career.
6. José Bautista
His bat flips became iconic, and for a while, he was must-see TV. But Father Time caught up quickly, and his bat speed couldn’t keep up.
5. B.J. Upton
After signing a huge deal in Atlanta, Upton’s production vanished almost overnight. The expectations never matched the reality of his time with the Braves.
4. Tim Lincecum
Lincecum’s unique delivery and filthy stuff made him a fan favorite and two-time Cy Young winner. But the magic ran out fast, and his command never fully returned.
Read more: 15 MLB Players Who Fumbled Their Legacy
3. Jason Bay
Bay was a star in Pittsburgh and a big name in Boston. But his move to New York spelled disaster, as injuries and poor play plagued his Mets tenure.
Read more: The 20 Most Elegant Athletes to Ever Compete
2. Miguel Tejada
Tejada was once an MVP and a respected veteran presence. But later years were marred by PED issues and a rapid decline on the field.
Read more: 17 NHL Stars Who Were Loved Until They Weren’t
1. Ryan Braun
Braun was the golden boy of Milwaukee—until he wasn’t. His fall from grace came hard after a PED scandal that wiped away years of goodwill.
