Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper, while a talented MLB player for the Nationals and the Phillies, has simply had inconsistent performances over the years. His career batting average has fluctuated, and while he had a standout 2019 season, he hasn’t consistently lived up to the extremely high expectations you would expect for an outfielder with a $330 million contract.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson, the man who hit a 458-footer in the 1984 All-Star game. Jackson’s ability and potential were unmatched, but the reason he is overrated comes down to two things; no World Series and injuries. As good as an athlete Jackson was, his whiff rate of 2.8 at bat raises questions about just how good this Hall of Famer really was.
Jack Morris
While Morris did have a 10-inning shutout in the 91 World Series, when you take a look at his career by the numbers, he just doesn’t stack up. He’s in the all time top 20 for wild pitches, home runs allowed, and bases on balls. Add to that, he has the highest ERA of any pitcher in the Hall of Fame and it’s clear to see why he’s overrated.
Ken Caminiti
During his eight seasons in Houston, Ken Caminiti’s highest home run count was 18, and he never exceeded 80 RBIs. However, after being traded to San Diego, he openly confessed to using steroids. In the subsequent four seasons, his performance significantly surged, averaging 30 home runs and 99 RBIs. This casts doubt on his 1996 Most Valuable Player Award.
Todd Helton
Todd Helton’s MLB career has to be viewed as overrated due to his stark home vs. away performance splits, with significantly better stats at Coors Field. He never won an MVP award, and his defensive impact was limited. On numbers alone, you see his offensive numbers were inflated by the hitter-friendly conditions of Coors Field. Highly rated by fans in Collerado, not much elsewhere.
Andruw Jones
Andruw Jones, renowned for his extraordinary defensive abilities in the outfield, raised doubts about his offensive prowess with a career batting average of .254 and an on-base percentage of .337. While he clubbed 434 home runs and won multiple Gold Glove Awards, his offensive numbers, combined with a high strikeout rate, left room for improvement.
Danny Tartabull
Danny Tartabull, celebrated for his power-hitting prowess, unfortunately faced setbacks throughout his career due to injuries. Despite a respectable .864 OPS, Tartabull’s potential remained largely unfulfilled, as injuries hindered his consistency and durability on the field. His perceived underachievement compared to his power-hitting reputation has led some to question the hype surrounding his baseball legacy.
Ryan Braun
Career stats and awards go out the window when failing drug tests, period. Braun blamed the sample collector when he failed a test in 2012, accusing him of anti-semitism. In the seven seasons following his suspension, his performance for the Brewers averaged .280 batting with 27 home runs and 93 RBIs per 162 games, a significant drop from before he flunked the test. Overrated and dishonest.
David Eckstein
David Eckstein, celebrated for his gritty and clutch performances, achieved two World Series titles and a World Series MVP award during his career. Nonetheless, his offensive statistics, highlighted by a .694 OPS and a lack of power hitting. While he contributed to championship teams, his numbers indicate that he may not have been as impactful offensively as his accolades suggest.
Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds was on course to become one of baseball’s greats. His single-season home-run record numbers seemed too good to be true, because they were. Bonds became embroiled in a steroid scandal during the latter part of his career. He was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, particularly BALCO steroids. Put an asterisk next to the name Barry Bonds whenever you see it.
