Baseball has a long history of building up its stars, only to watch them unravel in spectacular fashion. Some players went from beloved to bothersome faster than a 98 mph fastball, whether it was ego, drama, or simply wearing out their welcome.
These guys started as fan favorites, team leaders, or even league darlings. But over time, something shifted, and now they’re more likely to spark eye-rolls than standing ovations.
14. Yasiel Puig
Puig burst onto the scene with electric energy and unreal potential, quickly becoming must-watch TV. But behind the highlight-reel plays came locker room drama and inconsistency that wore out his welcome.
13. Aroldis Chapman
With his triple-digit fastball, Chapman was once the most feared closer in baseball. Off-field controversies and late-career struggles made him a lightning rod rather than a lockdown arm.
12. Manny Ramirez
Manny being Manny was fun—until it wasn’t. His antics, suspensions, and disappearing act turned a lovable slugger into a frustrating distraction.
11. Trevor Bauer
Early on, Bauer was praised for his analytical approach and dominant stuff. Then came the social media chaos and legal issues that completely overshadowed his talent.
10. Jonathan Papelbon
Papelbon was a dominant closer with championship swagger. But his fiery personality turned toxic fast, from clubhouse scuffles to bizarre meltdowns.
9. Milton Bradley
Bradley had undeniable skills and could mash when healthy. Unfortunately, his short temper and frequent clashes made him more trouble than he was worth.
8. Carlos Zambrano
Big Z had ace-level stuff and could even swing the bat. But he became infamous for on-field tantrums and fiery blowups that overshadowed his ability.
7. Barry Bonds
There was a time when Bonds was simply a five-tool phenom, lighting up the Bay. Then came the steroid cloud and icy media relations that turned cheers into jeers.
6. Jose Canseco
Canseco helped make baseball cool again with his power and flair. But he quickly morphed into a walking tabloid, dragging scandals with him wherever he went.
5. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod was on track to be the golden boy of baseball. Then came the ego, the feuds, and the PED suspensions that derailed his legacy.
4. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson once brought energy and MVP-level production to every clubhouse he entered. Over time, that fire became friction, and teammates and fans started to tune him out.
3. Roger Clemens
Clemens was a bulldog on the mound and one of the best pitchers ever. But his late-career controversies and links to performance enhancers left a messy trail behind his greatness.
2. Robinson Canó
Canó played the game with a smoothness that fans adored. But his multiple suspensions and declining effort made it hard to remember the player he once was.
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1. Curt Schilling
Schilling was a postseason hero and one of the gutsiest pitchers of his era. But his post-career controversies have completely clouded his baseball legacy.
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