Baseball has always had its fair share of swagger, but not everyone can pull it off. Some guys strut into the batter’s box or flash that postgame smirk, thinking they’re the main character, only to end up looking like they’re trying a little too hard.
From awkward celebrations to cringey social media moments, these players wanted to be seen as the ultimate vibe. Instead, they gave off strong “please think I’m cool” energy—and fans definitely noticed.
17. Yasiel Puig
Puig brought the drama and the flair, but it often felt like he was performing for a spotlight that wasn’t always there. His bat flips were legendary, sure, but his antics sometimes felt more forced than fun.
16. Brett Lawrie
Lawrie played every game like he was auditioning for a Gatorade commercial. The eye black, the hair flips, the constant intensity—it was like watching someone try to will themselves into coolness.
15. Nick Swisher
Swisher had the bro energy turned up to 11 at all times. Between the fist pumps and the surfer dude vibes, it always felt like he was trying a little too hard to be everyone’s favorite teammate.
14. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod wanted to be the smooth, suave face of baseball, but he often came across more corporate than charismatic. From mirror selfies to odd interviews, his cool factor never quite matched his talent.
13. Javier Báez
El Mago has style, but sometimes it feels like he’s playing a character instead of just playing baseball. The flashy plays and poses don’t always land when a strikeout follows them.
12. Brian Wilson
The beard had its moment, but Brian Wilson leaned so hard into the “weird guy” persona that it became exhausting. From tight pants to late-night interviews, he turned the quirk dial up to 100.
11. Manny Machado
Machado carries himself like the coolest guy on the field, but the attitude can rub people the wrong way. Between the loafing and the smug grins, it doesn’t always play well.
10. Bryce Harper
Harper’s hair flips, bat spikes, and magazine shoots screamed “look at me.” He’s undeniably talented, but the effort to be baseball’s rock star was often a little too apparent.
9. José Canseco
Canseco thought he was the coolest cat in the clubhouse—and then he wrote a tell-all book and started beefing on Twitter. It’s been decades of trying too hard and still missing the mark.
8. Eric Hosmer
Hosmer always seemed like he was trying to be the “it” guy, but it rarely felt natural. Whether it was the post-title glow-up or his off-field image, the cool factor never fully clicked.
7. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson brought a cocky edge to the game that worked when he was at his peak—but even then, it felt a little much. The bravado didn’t always back itself up when the numbers dipped.
6. Trevor Bauer
Before the off-field controversies, Bauer tried to brand himself as baseball’s edgy outsider. From drone stories to social media rants, it was a masterclass in trying to manufacture cool.
5. Joc Pederson
The pearls, the memes, the swag—Joc is always doing something to stand out. But sometimes it comes off more like a bit than an authentic personality.
4. Rickey Henderson
Rickey had actual cool moments, but he talked about himself in the third person and basically built a brand around being cooler than you. It was entertaining, but definitely not effortless.
3. Barry Zito
Zito was the guitar-playing, zen-minded lefty who clearly wanted to be seen as deep and different. Cool in theory—but the image felt crafted more than genuine.
Read more: 19 MLB Stars Who Cashed In Just For Being Cool
2. Tim Anderson
Anderson is electric on the field, but the cool persona sometimes veers into try-hard territory. The bat flips are iconic, but the attitude can overshadow the play.
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1. Fernando Tatís Jr.
Tatís is undeniably one of the most exciting players in the game—but the shades, the chains, and the over-the-top celebrations sometimes feel like a highlight reel waiting to happen rather than just pure baseball. He’s got the skills, no doubt, but the coolness can come off a little too curated.
Read more: Ranking the 50 Coolest NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
