Baseball fans are a passionate bunch. We love our stats, we love our history, and we really love to argue about who’s overrated. Some players ride the wave of media hype, team success, or a couple of legendary moments to a reputation that far outshines their actual impact.
So, let’s have some fun and ruffle a few feathers—here are the 20 most overrated MLB stars of all time.
20. Don Mattingly
Mattingly was a Yankees legend and an incredible hitter in his prime, but let’s be real: his prime lasted about as long as a TikTok trend. Injuries derailed him, and despite the “Donnie Baseball” mystique, his career numbers just don’t match up to the hype.
19. Steve Garvey
If you were alive in the ’70s, you probably heard all about Steve Garvey being the face of baseball. His solid but unspectacular numbers somehow translated into a borderline Hall of Fame argument, which is like calling a Toyota Camry a luxury sports car.
18. Jack Morris
Sure, Game 7 of the 1991 World Series was legendary, but one game doesn’t make a career. Morris was good, but the “big-game pitcher” narrative overshadowed his rather pedestrian 3.90 career ERA.
17. Omar Vizquel
Vizquel was a defensive wizard, no doubt, but there are still people out there acting like he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Spoiler: he doesn’t. A lifetime OPS+ of 82 is not Hall-worthy, even if he had the best glove this side of Ozzie Smith.
16. Darryl Strawberry
Talent? Off the charts. Actual production? Not so much. Strawberry was supposed to be the next big thing, but he never quite put together a truly dominant season and was more famous for off-field issues than his on-field greatness.
15. Jim Rice
Boston fans will fight you over this one, but let’s face it: Rice had a few dominant years but wasn’t even the best hitter on his team half the time. Plus, a .502 career slugging percentage in Fenway Park? Meh.
14. David Wright
Mets fans loved him, and he was very good when healthy. But let’s not act like he was the second coming of Mike Schmidt. Injuries cut him down, and his Hall of Fame case is mostly fueled by nostalgia, not numbers.
13. Mark Grace
Nice career, lots of doubles, and a smooth glove. But people talk about him like he was some elite first baseman, and in reality, he was just consistently good—not great.
12. Buster Posey
Oh, this one’s gonna sting. Posey was great for a few years, but was he really the generational talent he was made out to be? Or did the Giants’ dynasty make him seem better than he was? Just asking.
11. Joe Carter
Yes, he hit that home run. But Carter’s career OBP (.306) is downright ugly, and his overall value was nowhere near Hall of Fame-caliber. One moment doesn’t make a legend.
10. Andy Pettitte
People act like Pettitte was some kind of ace, but he was more of a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter who benefited from playing on stacked Yankees teams. The postseason moments helped, but let’s not confuse longevity with dominance.
9. Johnny Damon
Cool hair, great soundbites, and a few clutch moments, but his numbers are about as inspiring as a plain bagel. Good player? Yes. Superstar? Not even close.
8. Ryan Howard
Howard had a few monster seasons, but his decline was swift and brutal. He was a pure power hitter who struck out a ton and wasn’t great defensively. His MVP was impressive, but his career was a rollercoaster.
7. Nomar Garciaparra
Red Sox fans will never let go of “what could have been,” but Nomar’s career fizzled out fast. He was a great hitter when healthy, but his prime lasted about as long as a summer fling.
6. Harold Baines
Baines getting into the Hall of Fame was one of the most controversial decisions ever. He was a very good hitter, but Hall of Fame? That’s like putting a solid character actor in the Oscar Hall of Fame because they had a few good supporting roles.
5. Jason Giambi
Yes, he won an MVP, but his numbers were inflated by the steroid era, and he was never a truly elite player without that extra “help.” Fun guy, but not nearly as legendary as some make him out to be.
4. Bryce Harper
This one might hurt, but Harper’s hype has always been bigger than his production. He’s had some great seasons, but considering the “Chosen One” expectations, his overall career has been solid, not historic.
3. Derek Jeter
Cue the outrage! Jeter was clutch, Jeter was a leader, Jeter was a Yankees icon. But defensively, he was below average, and his numbers—while great—weren’t exactly inner-circle Hall of Fame level. The legend outweighs the reality.
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2. Pete Rose
Yes, the hit king himself. Rose’s hustle and attitude were great, but let’s not pretend he was some elite all-around player. He was a compiler, plain and simple. And, uh, the whole gambling thing didn’t help his case.
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1. Sandy Koufax
Koufax is often mentioned in the GOAT conversation, but let’s be honest—his dominance lasted about six seasons. He was incredible at his peak, but his career was short, and if we’re talking about longevity and total impact, he doesn’t measure up to the true all-time greats.
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