15 MLB Divas Who Always Needed the Last Word

Baseball might be a team sport, but that never stopped certain players from making sure their voice was the loudest in the room. Whether it was arguing with umpires, clapping back at critics, or getting the final word in a clubhouse dispute, these guys simply couldn’t resist the drama.

Some were legends with huge resumes and even bigger egos. Others were solid players who just liked to stir the pot a little too often—but either way, they always made sure their opinion was heard loud and clear.

15. Manny Machado

May 30, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) hits a double during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Machado has always played with a confident edge, but that edge often came with a touch of extra sass. Whether he’s jawing at opponents or defending himself in interviews, Manny rarely lets anything slide.

14. Bryce Harper

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) hits an RBI single against the Athletics during the first inning at Sutter Health Park.
Dennis Lee / Imagn Images

Harper’s fiery attitude is part of what makes him such a star, but it also means he’s not backing down from a verbal spar. He’s the type to give you a stare, a quote, and a follow-up just to make sure you got the message.

13. Trevor Bauer

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (27) pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Dodger Stadium.
Richard Mackson / Imagn Images

Even before the off-field controversies, Bauer had a reputation for clapping back at anyone who questioned him. He treated Twitter like a courtroom and always seemed ready with a final word, whether it was wanted or not.

12. Yasiel Puig

Yasiel Puig exits the field for the final time as a Cincinnati Reds player on July 30, 2019. Syndication Cincinnati
Sam Greene / USA TODAY NETWORK

Puig brought the flair, the bat flips, and the endless stream of chirping. If there was a disagreement, you could count on him to be in the middle of it—talking, laughing, and occasionally pointing.

11. Jonathan Papelbon

Washington Nationals pitcher Jonathan Papelbon against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

Papelbon didn’t just close games—he closed conversations. Whether he was calling out teammates or picking fights in the dugout, he wasn’t exactly known for letting things go.

10. Josh Donaldson

Oct 4, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Josh Donaldson (3) throws to first in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during game two of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Donaldson plays like a guy who never thinks he’s wrong, and he talks like it, too. He’s been in the middle of plenty of feuds and always seems ready to escalate rather than de-escalate.

9. A.J. Pierzynski

Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) singles during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park
Jeff Hanisch / Imagn Images

Pierzynski had a long career filled with tense moments, and he always seemed to be the common denominator. Whether it was trash talk or full-blown scuffles, he ensured his opinion got airtime.

8. Alex Rodriguez

Former New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez at Yankee Stadium.
Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images

A-Rod’s career was one long press tour of rebuttals, explanations, and spin. He might smile for the cameras now, but back in his playing days, he made sure he always had the last say.

7. Carlos Zambrano

Miami Marlins pitcher Carlos Zambrano pitches in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

Zambrano was a walking boiling point who rarely went quietly. Whether he was arguing with umpires or barking at teammates, he never walked away without making his opinion known.

6. Johnny Cueto

Aug 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (36) pitches during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Cueto could let his pitching do the talking, but he also had a way of getting under people’s skin with his on-field antics. He loved a good staredown and wasn’t afraid to mix it up when things got chippy.

5. Curt Schilling

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher (38) Curt Schilling delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during game 2 of the 2007 World Series at Fenway Park.
Tom Szczerbowski / Imagn Images

Schilling had a Hall of Fame-caliber resume and a talk-radio-caliber need to respond to everything. On the mound or off it, he always needed to get his viewpoint across—usually in great detail.

4. Jose Bautista

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a RBI single in the fourth inning during a game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.
Nick Turchiaro / Imagn Images

From the legendary bat flip to the punches that followed, Bautista played with flair and followed it up with fire. If you chirped, he chirped louder—and if you hit him, he’d make sure the entire league heard about it.

3. Roger Clemens

New York Yankees pitcher (22) Roger Clemens pitches in the first inning against the Pittsburg Pirates at Yankee Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

Clemens wasn’t just dominant—he was dramatic. Whether it was throwing broken bats or firing off press statements, he always seemed to have one more thing to say.

Read more: 15 MLB Stars Who Took Their Grudges Public After Leaving

2. Reggie Jackson

New York Yankees right fielder Reggie Jackson in action against the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland Stadium during the 1980 season
Malcolm Emmons / Imagn Images

Mr. October was also Mr. Opinion, and he made sure you knew both. He clashed with teammates, managers, and reporters—never passing on a chance to drop a quote that stirred the pot.

Read more: The 20 Most Diva Golfers to Ever Hit the Fairway

1. Barry Bonds

San Francisco Giants leftfielder Barry Bonds (25) hits a single in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images

Bonds didn’t talk a lot, but when he did, it mattered—and he made sure it landed. He controlled the narrative, froze out critics, and always had the final word, whether through silence or a swing that sent a baseball into orbit.

Read more: 15 Quarterbacks Who Made Diva Moves Look Normal

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