As the new year dawns, a wave of MLB stars are gearing up to rebound from their toughest seasons yet—2025 isn't going away quietly, but 2026 promises a fresh start for redemption and glory.
With insights from the dedicated team of MLB.com beat writers, we're diving into one standout bounce-back hopeful for every team. Get ready to explore these underdogs poised for a comeback, complete with the ups, downs, and roadblocks they've faced. For beginners, think of OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) as a handy stat that combines how well a hitter gets on base and hits for power—higher numbers mean stronger offensive performance.
Jump to: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West
American League East
Blue Jays: OF Anthony Santander (https://www.mlb.com/player/623993)
Santander's debut with Toronto was a real letdown, plagued by a sluggish start that spiraled into a frustrating left shoulder injury he just couldn't shake off. The result? A dismal .175 batting average and .565 OPS across only 54 games. But the Blue Jays are banking on him bouncing back to embody the hitter who inked a hefty five-year, $92.5 million contract last offseason. That potential is undoubtedly there—he just needs to prioritize health and tackle those notorious slow starts that have dotted his career. Imagine the spark he could add to the lineup if he nails it this time around. -- Keegan Matheson
Orioles: C Adley Rutschman (https://www.mlb.com/player/668939)
Rutschman's challenging second half of 2024 bled into 2025, marking his first trips to the injured list in his four-year MLB journey. At 27, the catcher battled two oblique strains—one on each side—limiting him to just 90 games and a .220 average with nine homers and a .673 OPS. Baltimore's counting on him to recapture the All-Star magic from 2023 and the first half of 2024. As the 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick, if Rutschman can get back to form, he'll supercharge a lineup already buzzing with newcomers like Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward. And this is the part most people miss: his defensive wizardry behind the plate could be the key to unlocking even more offensive fireworks. -- Jake Rill
Rays: OF Josh Lowe (https://www.mlb.com/player/666139)
For the second year in a row, Lowe tops the Rays' list of players desperate for a resurgence. Injuries sabotaged his 2024, and 2025 saw him step backward again, missing time and posting a meager .220/.283/.366 slash with an 81 OPS+ and just 0.1 bWAR in 108 games. That's a far cry from his stellar 2023, where he hit .292/.335/.500 with 20 home runs, 32 steals, and 83 RBIs. The Rays plan to shake things up with outfield competition in Spring Training, and as president of baseball operations Erik Neander noted at the Winter Meetings, Lowe 'just appreciates the urgency' of his situation. But here's where it gets controversial—some fans wonder if the Rays' rebuilding approach is holding back talent like Lowe's, or if he's the one who needs to prove he's worth the investment. -- Adam Berry
Red Sox: INF/OF Kristian Campbell (https://www.mlb.com/player/692225)
After snagging the second-base job in Spring Training, landing an eight-year contract extension mere days into his MLB stint, and earning American League Rookie of the Month honors in April, Campbell's path took a nosedive—he spent over half the season in Triple-A. Yet, his determination and raw skill suggest he's ready to adapt at the big-league level. This offseason, he's grinding in Puerto Rico's Winter Ball, refining his stance and honing his chops in left field instead of bouncing around positions. For newcomers to baseball, think of Triple-A as the step below MLB, where players polish their craft before the spotlight. -- Ian Browne
Yankees: SS Anthony Volpe (https://www.mlb.com/player/683011)
Volpe battled through a torn left labrum that needed surgery, impacting his offense and defense after a promising start. Still, he's been a rock, playing in at least 153 games each of his three seasons, shining on the bases and in the field. Manager Aaron Boone wants more consistent on-base ability, but the Yankees highlight his youth, grit, and postseason heroics—like his 2024 World Series grand slam—as signs of future brilliance. And this is the part most people miss: his defensive range at shortstop could make him a cornerstone despite offensive hiccups. -- Bryan Hoch
AL Central
Guardians: C/DH David Fry (https://www.mlb.com/player/681807)
Fry endured a rough go at the plate in 2025, compounded by unique hurdles: he was confined to DH and pinch-hitting roles post-Tommy John surgery, slashing .171/.229/.363 with eight homers in 157 at-bats over 66 games. His year ended dramatically when hit in the face by a pitch from Tarik Skubal on Sept. 21, requiring facial surgery. Heading into a standard Spring Training, the 2024 All-Star could rebound offensively and contribute defensively at catcher. For those new to terms, Tommy John surgery repairs a torn elbow ligament, often sidelining pitchers or hitters for months. -- Tim Stebbins
Royals: 2B Jonathan India (https://www.mlb.com/player/663697)
India's inaugural Royals season, following a trade from the Reds to anchor the leadoff spot, was a struggle: his overall stats dipped to .233/.323/.346 with an 89 wRC+. That said, his strikeout rate edged down from 19.6% to 18.7%, and his plate discipline mirrored his Cincinnati days. This fuels Royals optimism for a stronger showing now that he's acclimated to Kauffman Stadium's spacious outfield—think of it as a pitcher-friendly park where balls travel farther, rewarding contact over power. -- Anne Rogers
Tigers: CF Parker Meadows (https://www.mlb.com/player/678009)
Riding high from a solid postseason in 2024, Meadows' Spring Training fizzled after a nerve issue in his upper right arm ended it early. He returned in June, only to miss August with a quad strain. When active, he mustered a .215 average and .621 OPS, with slight defensive declines. With prospect Max Clark eyeing a promotion, 2026 could be Meadows' make-or-break year to gel his skills. Beginners, note that a quad strain affects the thigh muscles, often slowing runners and outfielders. -- Jason Beck
Twins: 3B Royce Lewis (https://www.mlb.com/player/668904)
Since early 2024, injuries have overshadowed Lewis, one of baseball's most gifted talents. He stayed mostly healthy in the 2025 second half, showcasing athletic defense at third base. Now, rebuilding confidence and his bat is key. The Twins pin hopes on new manager Derek Shelton and hitting coach Keith Beauregard to unleash his potential as a lineup anchor. But here's where it gets controversial—is Lewis being rushed back too soon, or is his talent so raw that patience is the real issue? -- Matthew Leach
White Sox: RHP Jonathan Cannon (https://www.mlb.com/player/686563)
Cannon's 2025 woes might forge a better pitcher long-term, as he believes. After a strong 2024 as the team's second-best starter, he faced heavy struggles but emerged hungry for 2026. Mid-season tweaks to mechanics and pitch selection, plus chats with coaches, show his growth. Manager Will Venable endorsed him as a starter at the Winter Meetings, and Cannon agrees. For pitching novices, think of mechanics as the pitcher's delivery style—small changes can mean big velocity or control gains. -- Scott Merkin
AL West
Angels: C Logan O'Hoppe (https://www.mlb.com/player/681351)
O'Hoppe built on a solid 2024 as the Angels' main catcher but regressed in 2025, starting hot then faltering with a .213/.258/.371 slash and 30.8% strikeout rate, plus -12 catching runs defensively. The offseason brought former teammates Kurt Suzuki as manager and Max Stassi as catching coach, poised to guide the 25-year-old's revival. Catching runs measure defensive value, where negative numbers indicate struggles framing pitches or throwing out runners. -- Rhett Bollinger
Astros: DH Yordan Alvarez (https://www.mlb.com/player/670541)
Alvarez sat out 100 games with a right hand injury, then a bizarre left ankle issue cost him the season's final 11 games. He managed only 48 games, hitting .273/.367/.430 with six homers and 27 RBIs in 199 at-bats. Manager Joe Espada plans more DH time to safeguard against injuries. As one of baseball's top sluggers, his health will dictate Houston's success. And this is the part most people miss: his ability to launch moonshots could redefine the DH role in 2026. -- Brian McTaggart
Athletics: 2B Zack Gelof (https://www.mlb.com/player/680869)
The A's anticipated a rebound for Gelof in 2025, but injuries struck: a Spring Training hand injury delayed his start, and a September shoulder dislocation sidelined him early. In 30 games, he hit .174 with a .502 OPS. Still, his rookie breakout in 2023 hints at untapped potential, though he'll compete for a spot this spring. Shoulder dislocations can sideline players for weeks, disrupting momentum—imagine trying to swing through pain! -- Martín Gallegos
Mariners: RF Victor Robles (https://www.mlb.com/player/645302)
Robles seemed done for the season after fracturing his left shoulder on a stunning diving catch into the netting in San Francisco on April 7. Miraculously returning by Aug. 23, he capped it with a game-saving grab in Houston on Sept. 20, sealing the division title. Off-field, he faced tragedy losing his mother mid-season, amid a seven-game suspension for bat-throwing. His resilience makes him Seattle's spark plug. But here's where it gets controversial—do personal losses like Robles' make his on-field heroics more inspiring, or should they highlight the sport's toll on players' lives? -- Daniel Kramer
Rangers: 3B Josh Jung (https://www.mlb.com/player/673962)
Jung, a franchise pillar, has battled injuries, but a mostly healthy 2025 yielded 131 games and career lows: .251/.294/.390 slash. He even returned to Triple-A Round Rock for the first time since debuting. New manager Skip Schumaker urges players to earn jobs, which Jung should embrace. His power potential could shine if he stays fit. For context, sending a player to Triple-A is like a timeout to regain form, often humbling but effective. -- Kennedi Landry
National League East
Braves: Michael Harris II (https://www.mlb.com/player/671739)
Harris burst onto the scene as 2022 NL Rookie of the Year, but his full star power remains elusive. The 24-year-old outfielder entered the All-Star break with MLB's worst OPS yet clinched a 20-20 season. 2026 could finally see his breakout start, as teammates see MVP potential. OPS, remember, rewards both getting on base and hitting hard—low numbers can frustrate fans but hide speed and hustle. -- Mark Bowman
Marlins: INF Connor Norby (https://www.mlb.com/player/681393)
The Marlins viewed Norby as a cornerstone pre-2025, especially after his promising 2024 cameo post-Trevor Rogers trade. But injuries (left oblique, wrist, quad) limited him to 88 games and 90 OPS+. While Kyle Stowers' surge sparked extension talks, Norby's struggles raise questions about his future. His chip-on-shoulder mentality might fuel a fire-up. And this is the part most people miss: in a rebuild like Miami's, player attitudes can turn disappointments into comebacks. -- Christina De Nicola
Mets: LHP Sean Manaea (https://www.mlb.com/player/640455)
The Mets' three-year, $75 million deal for Manaea now looks questionable. A Spring Training oblique strain revealed loose bodies in his left elbow, delaying his debut until July and yielding a 5.64 ERA. With a crowded rotation and financial ties, rebounding is crucial. Manaea insists his elbow is fine, eyeing a return to 2024's peak. Loose bodies are like floating bone fragments, often removed surgically to restore comfort. -- Anthony DiComo
Nationals: 2B Luis García Jr. (https://www.mlb.com/player/671277)
At 25, García is Washington's longest-tenured player, navigating ups and downs. His 2025 dipped to .252/.289/.412 with .701 OPS, 16 homers, 66 RBIs, 14 steals, and 0.4 bWAR (down from 2.2 in 2024). Under new manager Blake Butera, he might explore first base, where he's trained in winter leagues. bWAR measures overall value, including offense, defense, and baserunning. -- Jessica Camerato
Phillies: 3B Alec Bohm (https://www.mlb.com/player/664761)
With Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper shifting roles, Bohm could step up as protector in 2026. He hit .287 with 11 homers, 59 RBIs, and .741 OPS in 2025, his lowest slugging since 2021, marred by a rib fracture and shoulder inflammation. The Phillies bet on a healthy Bohm matching 2024's .280, 15 homers, 97 RBIs, and 117 OPS+. Protecting hitters means batting behind power threats to drive in runs. -- Todd Zolecki
NL Central
Brewers: SS Joey Ortiz (https://www.mlb.com/player/687401)
Ortiz arrived in a splashy 2024 Burnes trade, dazzling early with Rookie of the Month honors and .800+ OPS in the first half. Teammates called him 'generational,' but post-All-Star struggles sank his OPS to .609, ranking near the bottom. Yet, his defense keeps him secure, with offensive upside. But here's where it gets controversial—can elite glove work alone justify keeping a hitter mired in slumps, or should teams prioritize bats over fielding in today's game? -- Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: C Jimmy Crooks III (https://www.mlb.com/player/699625)
Promoted mid-2025 as the No. 6 prospect, Crooks struggled in 15 games, going 6-for-45 (.133) with a solo homer. The Cards admire his cool demeanor, defensive prowess, and pitcher-handling skills. His Minor League arm strength suggests big-league catcher potential. Beginners, prospects are young talents climbing the ranks, often exciting but unproven at MLB level. -- John Denton
Cubs: RHP Porter Hodge (https://www.mlb.com/player/687863)
With bullpen gaps, the Cubs need Hodge, a 24-year-old who saved as a rookie in 2023 (1.88 ERA, nine saves). 2025 brought injuries and control issues (6.27 ERA in 33 innings). A return to form would bolster relief. Command woes mean walks piling up, turning potential saves into runs allowed. -- Jordan Bastian
Pirates: CF Oneil Cruz (https://www.mlb.com/player/665833)
After 2024's 20-20 and recovery from a 2023 ankle injury, Cruz repeated the feat but dropped OPS to .676. He admits more is possible; Pittsburgh needs offensive boosts after a bottom-tier 2025. Manager Don Kelly lauds his offseason work. A 20-20 season means 20 homers and 20 steals—versatile and exciting! -- Alex Stumpf
Reds: 2B Matt McLain (https://www.mlb.com/player/680574)
McLain's strong 2023 rookie year was erased by shoulder surgery, leading to 2025's .220/.643 OPS, 15 homers, 50 RBIs in 147 games. Manager Terry Francona sees another year post-surgery as a game-changer. He'll key Cincinnati's offense. Shoulder surgeries can limit arm strength, affecting throws and swings—patience is key for recovery. -- Mark Sheldon
NL West
D-backs: RHP Brandon Pfaadt (https://www.mlb.com/player/694297)
Post-extension, Pfaadt had an uneven 2025, but his work ethic, toughness, and pitch arsenal promise a big comeback. Focusing on his sweeper and new cutter, he'll sharpen consistency. A sweeper is a breaking ball that 'sweeps' away from hitters, hard to hit when dialed in. -- Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: LHP Tanner Scott (https://www.mlb.com/player/656945)
The Dodgers' $72 million, four-year splurge on Scott didn't pan out in 2025—a 4.74 ERA, 10 blown saves, and postseason absence due to an abscess. Optimism reigns for his bullpen resurgence. Blown saves occur when a closer allows the tying or winning run—frustrating for high-paid arms like Scott. -- Sonja Chen
Giants: RHP Ryan Walker (https://www.mlb.com/player/676254)
Walker started 2025 as closer but lost the job after slumping, reclaiming it briefly before a 4.11 ERA and seven blown saves. The Giants trust his return to elite form. Closers face immense pressure in the ninth inning—think of it as baseball's high-stakes finish line. -- Maria Guardado
Padres: CF Jackson Merrill (https://www.mlb.com/player/701538)
Merrill's 2025 wasn't a letdown per se—solid defense and above-average offense—but fell short of his stellar 2024 rookie year, disrupted by injuries. He excelled late and in playoffs. San Diego awaits more in 2026. For fans, rookie campaigns can set unrealistic bars, but consistency builds legends. -- AJ Cassavell
Rockies: SS Ezequiel Tovar (https://www.mlb.com/player/678662)
After 2024's Gold Glove, 45 doubles, and 26 homers, Tovar bounced back from hip and oblique injuries in 2025. At 24, he'll lead Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic and anchor Colorado. The WBC is an international tournament showcasing global talent—think of it as baseball's Olympics. -- Thomas Harding
Who will dazzle us with the most jaw-dropping revival in 2026? And what controversial calls, like big contracts on struggling stars, spark debate for you? Drop your opinions in the comments—let's chat baseball futures!
