Many players came into the 2024 MLB season looking to hit the ground running, while some had lofty expectations to be important contributors on playoff rosters. In these cases, the players mentioned have been below their normal production level and have been overall disappointing for their teams and fans thus far.
Nick Castellanos (OF) - Coming off an All-Star selection in 2023, Castellanos was expected to be a key contributor to a Phillies team that was one win away from back-to-back World Series appearances. He has been downright awful in 2024 however posting a -.8 fWAR in 65 games. With a slash line of .215 .275 .360 and an ops+ of 81, Castellanos has been one of the few low points for a Phillies team that is arguably best in baseball.
Spencer Torkelson (1B) - The former #1 overall draft pick in 2020 has had his fair share of struggles since being called up to the big leagues in 2022. But after a red-hot final stretch in 2023, many expected the power righty to fully break out in 24. Torkelson has only hit 4 HR in 230 at-bats in 2024, to go along with an ops+ of 69. These poor showings at the plate culminated in a demotion back to AAA, only time will tell if he lives up to #1 pick expectations.
3. Blake Snell (P) - After a long free agency fiasco, the 2X Cy Young winner finally landed with the San Francisco Giants in March. Without any spring training, Snell has been awful on the bump in 2024. With a -1.1 bWAR and an ERA of 9.51, many teams are feeling a huge sense of relief that they did not offer Snell a long-term deal.
4. Andrew Benintendi (OF) - After signing a massive 5 Yr $75,000,000 deal last year with the White Sox, the 2018 World Series champ has provided next to nothing for one of the worst teams in baseball. Currently batting .195 with a slug% of .284, Chicago is still on the hook for 3 Yrs and $45,000,000, this deal looks to be one of the worst free-agency signings of all time.
5. Randy Arozerena (LF) / Yandy Diaz (1B) - Tampa Bay as a whole has taken a massive step back this season, currently under .500 after winning 99 G last year. Two of their top players massively underperforming has been one of the main reasons why the Rays have struggled in 2024. Diaz, who led the AL in BA last year has seen massive regression, where Arozerena currently has his lowest OPS+ of his career in 24. Tampa will need these two guys to get going if they hope to reach the postseason this year.
6. Anthony Rizzo (1B) - A collision with SD Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. in late May of 2023 caused Rizzo to have a concussion that went undiagnosed for the majority of the year. Currently with a -.6 bWAR, the 2016 WS champ has struggled hitting for any power this year, with only 19 HR in his last 162 G. What may be a worse indication that Rizzo is washed has been his poor defense at 1B. The 4X Gold Glover currently has a negative outs above average at first this year, the only time in his career with a negative number for that stat. Rizzo’s struggles on the field and at the plate could signal the end of his Yankee tenure, and the Bronx bombers looking to trade for a 1B at the deadline.
Comments