Compiling a list of "stars who stink" this year was unexpectedly challenging. Many big names have either bounced back from slow starts or maintained their elite form, making it hard to find true underperformers. But after digging through the stats, here are seven standout players who've fallen short of expectations so far. These aren't total busts (some still flash power or defensive value), but their numbers don't scream "superstar" like we're used to. We'll break it down player by player, highlighting key hitting stats: batting average (AVG), home runs (HR), runs batted in (RBI), on-base plus slugging (OPS), and my own analytic Batting Boost Index (BBI)
1. Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates, SS)
Oneil Cruz has always been a high-upside talent with his massive power and arm strength, but 2025 has been a slog at the plate. His average is dipping into Mendoza Line territory, and while the homers are there, the overall production feels underwhelming for a guy expected to anchor the Pirates' lineup. That said, his BBI is the highest of anyone on this list. BBI combines a lot of Savant percentiles into one stat.
AVG: .211
HR: 18
RBI: 48
OPS: .719
BBI: 5.3
2. Ozzie Albies (Atlanta Braves, 2B)
Albies is typically a spark plug for the Braves with his speed and pop, but this year he's struggled to get on base consistently. The low OPS is particularly glaring for a switch-hitter who thrives in clutch spots. Injuries might be a factor, but fans are hoping for a second-half surge to salvage what's been a disappointing campaign.
AVG: .226
HR: 9
RBI: 43
OPS: .633
BBI: 1.68
3. Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves, OF)
Another Brave on the list, Harris has the tools to be an MVP candidate, but 2025 has seen him battle inconsistency. His power numbers are down, and the OPS reflects a player not living up to his breakout potential (100 point drop off from last year). Defense in center field remains elite, but offensively, it's been a step back.
AVG: .236
HR: 9
RBI: 50
OPS: .630
BBI: 2.70
4. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers, OF/IF)
Mookie is a perennial All-Star, but even he isn't immune to slumps. In 2025, his average and power have taken hits, probably due to injuries and the sickness he suffered in Japan that resulted in him losing 15 pounds. The Dodgers' stacked lineup masks some of it, but for a guy with Betts' pedigree, these stats feel pedestrian.
AVG: .231
HR: 11
RBI: 48
OPS: .657
BBI: 2.26
5. Willy Adames (San Francisco Giants, SS)
Adames brings solid power to the shortstop position, and his RBI total shows he's driving in runs when it counts. However, the batting average and OPS suggest he's not connecting as often as needed. He is here more because of the terrible contract he just signed with the Giants. He turned a career year into millions, and has returned back to form.
AVG: .230
HR: 17
RBI: 59
OPS: .722
BBI: 3.56
6. Francisco Lindor (New York Mets, SS)
Lindor is flashing the power Mets fans love, with 21 homers leading this list. But his overall hitting efficiency is off, and the OPS isn't at the elite level we're accustomed to. Leadership and defense keep him valuable, but 2025 has been more "good" than "great" for the switch-hitting star.
AVG: .253
HR: 21
RBI: 64
OPS: .750
BBI: 3.85
7. Anthony Volpe (New York Yankees, SS)
Volpe burst onto the scene with promise, and his power-speed combo is still evident. Yet, the low average and middling OPS highlight strikeout issues and inconsistency. Throw his poor defense in, and Yankee fans are beginning to get frustrated.
AVG: .219
HR: 17
RBI: 60
OPS: .710
BBI: 3.41
I will be doing a list of pitchers tomorrow, so keep an eye out for that!
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