Baseball fans love their heroes—and their villains. But some players blur that line entirely, earning equal parts admiration and outrage depending on who you ask.
Whether it was their attitude, antics, controversies, or just how good they were, these players sparked nonstop debates. Here are the 15 most divisive players in baseball history, ranked by just how much they split opinion.
15. Jose Bautista
The bat flip heard ’round the world made him a legend to some and a showboat to others. Either way, he had a knack for ruffling feathers.
14. Manny Ramirez
Manny being Manny was either hilarious or infuriating, depending on your tolerance for chaos. One minute he was launching homers, the next he was disappearing into the Green Monster.
13. Bryce Harper
From the eye black to the hair flips, Harper was a lightning rod from the moment he hit the bigs. Fans either loved the fire or rolled their eyes at the flash.
12. A.J. Pierzynski
Teammates respected him, opponents couldn’t stand him. If there was a scuffle, he was probably involved—and he probably didn’t mind.
11. Roger Clemens
One of the most dominant pitchers ever, but his career came with a heavy dose of controversy. The mix of dominance and drama kept fans and critics locked in constant debate.
10. Reggie Jackson
He called himself the straw that stirred the drink, and not everyone liked the taste. Reggie brought swagger, power, and a healthy dose of ego.
9. John Rocker
He had a fastball and a mouth that never cooled off. Off the field, his comments were often louder than anything he did on the mound.
8. Trevor Bauer
Electric stuff on the field, unpredictable behavior off it. He’s always been a social media lightning rod and a clubhouse question mark.
7. Barry Bonds
One of the greatest hitters of all time, but the cloud over his achievements still hangs heavy. Fans either defend his legacy or discredit it entirely.
6. Pete Rose
Baseball’s all-time hits leader is also the sport’s most banned man. The debates around his Hall of Fame worthiness will never die.
5. Yadier Molina
Loved by Cardinals fans, loathed by almost everyone else. He played with passion and wasn’t shy about letting you know it.
4. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod was a generational talent with a complicated reputation. Whether it was the contracts, the suspension, or the smile, he always sparked debate.
3. Curt Schilling
Big-game pitcher, bigger off-field opinions. His postseason heroics are legendary, but his public comments have made him one of baseball’s most polarizing figures.
2. Carlos Gomez
He brought energy, emotion, and a whole lot of flair to every at-bat. Some saw fun, others saw disrespect—but no one looked away.
1. Sammy Sosa
From the home run chase to the controversies that followed, Sosa’s story is as complicated as it gets. Fans are still debating how to remember him—and whether MLB ever will.
