Baseball is a game of failure, but you’d never know when you listen to some of these guys talk. Confidence is key, but some players went beyond swagger and straight into “did he really just say that?” territory.
From chest-puffing interviews to unnecessary bat flips, these stars always thought they were the main event—even when the numbers didn’t quite agree. Here are the 20 most overconfident MLB stars of all time, ranked by just how loud their self-belief got.
20. Yasiel Puig
Puig burst onto the scene like he was baseball’s chosen one. He played with flair, passion, and the belief that every pitcher feared him, whether they did or not.
19. Bryce Harper
Harper called himself a “five-tool player” in high school and never looked back. He’s delivered on plenty of the hype, but the confidence has always been cranked up to 11.
18. Jose Canseco
Canseco once claimed he could out-homer anybody, even years after retirement. He’s repeatedly backed up his bravado with bold, often bizarre statements.
17. Joba Chamberlain
Joba took over New York like he was the next Rivera. One fist pump at a time, he believed he was a future legend—but things never quite played out that way.
16. Manny Ramirez
Manny being Manny meant never lacking confidence. Whether admiring home runs or cutting off throws from the outfield, he always thought he was doing the right thing.
15. A.J. Pierzynski
Pierzynski played like he was always the most intelligent, toughest guy on the field. Teammates and opponents couldn’t decide if they loved or hated that energy.
14. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod had Hall of Fame talent and a mirror-level obsession with his image. From magazine covers to centaur portraits, his self-belief was never subtle.
13. Trevor Bauer
Bauer never met a hot take he didn’t like—especially about himself. He’s long considered himself a pitching genius, even when the results didn’t always back it up.
12. Rickey Henderson
Rickey didn’t just think he was great—he told everyone, all the time. At least he usually had the stats to prove it.
11. Billy Wagner
Wagner was loud, brash, and threw gas. He always believed he should be feared and ensured hitters knew it—even during the postgame interviews.
10. Bo Jackson
Bo knew everything—if you asked him. He played two sports like a superhero and carried himself like no stage was ever too big.
9. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson carried himself like he was the best player in baseball for a solid stretch. And if you disagreed, he’d let you know with a stare and maybe a bat slam.
8. Nyjer Morgan
Morgan created an alter ego named Tony Plush to handle the spotlight. That tells you all you need to know about his confidence level.
7. Brandon Phillips
Phillips was flashy, fun, and full of self-belief. His glove work was elite, and he ensured everyone knew he was the smoothest guy in the infield.
6. Pedro Martinez
Pedro once said the Yankees were his “daddy”—but only after he dominated nearly everyone else. He pitched with a chip on his shoulder and a lot of self-assurance.
5. Carlos Gomez
Gomez brought the energy of a guy who thought every single at-bat was a playoff game. Pitchers hated it—he loved it.
4. Barry Bonds
Bonds walked to the plate like he was already halfway around the bases. He didn’t just expect greatness—he demanded it, sometimes without saying a word.
3. Reggie Jackson
Mr. October said he was the straw that stirred the drink and believed it fully. His ego was as legendary as his clutch moments.
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2. Roger Clemens
Clemens pitched like every hitter had personally insulted him. He wasn’t just confident—he was confrontational about it.
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1. Curt Schilling
Schilling never lacked for words or belief in his greatness. His self-confidence was always louder than the crowd, whether it was bloody socks or bold proclamations.
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