Every sport has its villains. Players who fans love to boo, hate on social media, and blame for everything wrong with the game. But Major League Baseball? It has some legends of hate. Whether they broke the rules, disrespected the game, or just had punchable personalities, these five players became the faces of controversy.
Here are the Top 5 Most Hated MLB Players of All Time, and the reasons fans still haven’t forgiven them.
5. Manny Machado
The “Dirty Player” Reputation
Few modern players have triggered as many benches-clearing incidents as Manny Machado. He’s been involved in controversies for clipping first basemen-most notably kicking Brewers’ Jesus Aguilar in the 2018 NLCS-throwing bats, late or questionable slides, and even charging the mound. Fans in multiple cities have labeled him a dirty player, a reputation fueled by repeated incidents and public criticism from peers. His cocky attitude and massive contract have only made him easier for opposing fans to dislike.
4. Jose Altuve
The Astros’ Poster Boy for Cheating
Once seen as the ultimate underdog, Jose Altuve became a villain in the eyes of many after the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal. His refusal to let teammates tear off his jersey following a dramatic walk-off homer in the 2019 ALCS fueled widespread theories, though MLB found no evidence of electronic devices under his jersey. Altuve apologized for his role in the scandal but continues to be relentlessly booed in opposing ballparks, with the controversy still defining his reputation years later.
3. Barry Bonds
Steroid Allegations and a Cold Persona
Bonds holds MLB’s all-time home run record—but many fans see it as illegitimate. His bulked-up frame and connection to the BALCO scandal cast a permanent shadow over his achievements. His often icy relationship with fans and media didn’t help either.
2. Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod)
Lies, Scandals, and Suspensions
A-Rod was once the face of MLB. Then came the steroid allegations, denials, and ultimately, one of the longest suspensions in league history. Fans felt betrayed. Despite an image turnaround in retirement, he remains one of the most divisive figures in baseball history.
1. Pete Rose
Once Banned for Life but recently Lifted.
Pete Rose holds the MLB record for most career hits, with 4,256, but you won’t find him in the Hall of Fame. Betting on games-including those involving the Reds while managing-led to a lifetime ban in 1989. For 15 years, Rose denied the allegations before finally admitting to betting on baseball, including his own team, in 2004. His prolonged denial and lack of genuine remorse made him a lasting symbol of what not to do in pro sports.
Honorable Mentions:
- Bryce Harper – For his early-career arrogance and bat flips.
- Roger Clemens – Another steroid-era villain.
- Ryan Braun – Lied, blamed a courier, and then got caught anyway.
- Yadier Molina – Loved in St. Louis, hated everywhere else.
- Carlos Correa – Another Astros cheat still booed on the road.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments if you agree with this. And if there is any not mentioned, feel free to add more.
