Baseball players have a reputation for being tough, but some MLB stars have proven to be a little extra… delicate. Whether they’re clapping back at reporters, overanalyzing every slight, or melting down after a strikeout, these guys felt every moment deeply.
They were great at the game, sure — but they also took everything personally, like every tweet was a personal attack. Let’s count down the 15 most sensitive MLB superstars of all time — the kings of clutch hitting and fragile feelings.
15. Bryce Harper
Harper wears his heart on his sleeve — and sometimes throws that sleeve into the dugout after a bad call. He’s passionate, but man does he take everything personally.
14. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson never backs down from a confrontation, even when it’s over something small. He plays with a chip on his shoulder the size of a Louisville Slugger.
13. Trevor Bauer
Before things really went off the rails, Bauer was already known for being way too online and hypersensitive to criticism. A bad outing could trigger a full-blown social media lecture.
12. Carlos Zambrano
Zambrano was a talented pitcher with the emotional control of a shaken soda can. One bad inning and he was ready to punch a cooler or anyone in a 10-foot radius.
11. David Price
Price had a great arm and thin skin, especially when the media came knocking. He even got into it with Dennis Eckersley over a broadcast comment — and it wasn’t exactly chill.
10. Manny Machado
Machado loves to remind people how good he is, especially when he feels disrespected. He’s as smooth as they come on the field, but his ego bruises real easy.
9. Yasiel Puig
Puig could electrify a stadium or erupt into a full-blown tantrum within the same inning. He treated criticism like a personal betrayal, even when it came from his own teammates.
8. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod had talent, fame, and an endless need for approval. Between his carefully managed image and constant need to explain himself, he was basically a walking PR campaign with feelings.
7. Jose Bautista
The bat flip king never forgot a grudge and let you know about it — loudly. He took everything seriously, from brushback pitches to mid-May games like it was Game 7.
6. Jonathan Papelbon
Papelbon brought fire out of the bullpen — and even more heat when someone rubbed him the wrong way. Just ask Bryce Harper, who got choked out in the dugout for not running out a fly ball.
5. Zack Greinke
Greinke is low-key one of the most unique personalities in baseball history, but he’s also intensely introverted and sensitive to pressure. He’s a genius on the mound, but the spotlight has never been his best friend.
4. Barry Bonds
Bonds might’ve been the best hitter of all time, but he acted like everyone was out to get him — and sometimes they were, but still. His icy relationship with the media and teammates screamed “leave me alone, but also notice me.”
3. Jonathan Lucroy
Lucroy was a solid player who really didn’t like being criticized — even constructively. He famously vetoed a trade to Cleveland over concerns that seemed more emotional than strategic.
Read More: 10 MLB Franchises That Completely Wasted Their Superstars
2. Joey Votto
Votto is brilliant and quirky, but he’s also incredibly tuned in to every tiny slight. He once gave an entire postgame monologue about not waving to a fan — and meant every word.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Arrogant MLB Players of All Time
1. Roger Clemens
Clemens pitched like a man possessed, but he also carried around a suitcase full of grudges. From beanball wars to courtroom drama, no one took perceived disrespect more seriously than the Rocket.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Biggest Crybabies in MLB History
