As the dust settles on a memorable 2025 MLB season, attention swiftly shifts to the impending 2026 campaign, where a collection of baseball’s brightest stars and most dependable arms are eager to put disappointing performances behind them. A comprehensive report published by sportsamo.com, leveraging the insightful analytical prowess of FanGraphs’ projections, highlights ten prominent players who are particularly primed for a significant resurgence, offering a tantalizing blend of talent, opportunity, and the burning desire for redemption. For many, 2025 was a year to forget, marred by injuries, slumps, or unexpected underperformance, but the upcoming season promises a fresh start and the potential for these athletes to reclaim their elite status.
Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins (RHP)
The 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, Sandy Alcantara, endured a challenging 2025 season, marking his return from the arduous recovery of Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for all of 2024. While simply making 31 starts and logging 174 2/3 innings post-surgery was a testament to his resilience and dedication, his overall effectiveness was inconsistent, culminating in a 5.36 ERA. However, glimmers of his dominant past emerged in the second half, where he posted a much-improved 3.13 ERA over his final dozen outings, hinting that his velocity and command were steadily returning. The psychological and physical hurdles of a major elbow reconstruction are immense, and it often takes more than a full season for pitchers to truly regain their pre-injury form. FanGraphs’ projections for 2026 reflect this anticipated progression, forecasting a far more respectable 4.08 ERA and 2.7 WAR across 188 innings – a workload projected to be among the league’s highest. For a Marlins rotation that often relies on youth, Alcantara’s stability is paramount, though with just one year of team control remaining (a $21 million club option for 2027), he could become a prime trade candidate if Miami isn’t contending by mid-season. His ability to anchor the rotation and mentor younger pitchers will be crucial.
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (SS)
Even for a player with Mookie Betts’ unparalleled track record, 2025 represented an uncharacteristic dip in offensive production. The veteran superstar recorded career lows in OPS (.732) and wRC+ (104), figures that for almost any other player would be acceptable, but for Betts, signaled a significant downturn. Yet, the season was far from a total loss. His transition to full-time shortstop proved to be a defensive masterclass, significantly bolstering his overall value. Coupled with a strong finish at the plate, Betts still managed to accumulate 3.4 WAR, showcasing his all-around impact. The Dodgers’ ultimate triumph, securing his fourth World Series ring, further cemented his already undeniable Hall of Fame credentials. The question for 2026 isn’t whether Betts is still an elite player, but if he can return to his historic offensive output. FanGraphs’ projections are bullish, predicting a full-blown return to his vintage form with a 130 wRC+ and 4.9 WAR, placing him among the top position players in the league. This rebound would not only solidify his legacy but also provide an immense boost to a Dodgers lineup always striving for perfection.
Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays (RHP)
Dylan Cease’s 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays was a paradox: he remained a durable strikeout artist, but his run prevention suffered noticeably. The right-hander allowed four or more runs in 10 starts, surpassing his total number of quality starts. His ERA+ (94) dipped below league average for the second time in three years, raising questions about his consistency. Despite these struggles, the Blue Jays made a bold statement in free agency, signing him to a substantial seven-year, $210 million deal. This massive investment underscores their belief in his frontline potential, focusing more on his electric stuff and high strikeout numbers than his inconsistent 2025 results. FanGraphs’ 2026 projections largely validate Toronto’s gamble, forecasting a significant improvement with a 3.57 ERA – nearly a full run lower than his 2025 mark of 4.55. He’s also projected for the fourth-most strikeouts (214) and tenth-most innings (183) among all pitchers, suggesting he’s ready to become the ace the Blue Jays paid for. The pressure will be immense, but the underlying metrics and historical flashes of brilliance suggest a strong comeback is within reach.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (SS)
Oneil Cruz remains one of MLB’s most enigmatic and tantalizing talents, a man of extremes whose 2025 Statcast profile painted a vivid picture of his high-variance game. His explosive swing, prodigious raw power, incredible arm strength, and excellent foot speed were all on full display, showcasing the physical gifts that make him a potential generational talent. However, his long-standing swing-and-miss tendencies continued to be a major impediment. Despite hitting 20 homers and stealing 38 bases over 135 games, Cruz struck out in a staggering 32% of his plate appearances, resulting in a pedestrian .200/.298/.378 slash line and an 86 wRC+. The Pirates are actively building around their young core, adding multiple bats this offseason and anticipating the arrival of top prospect Konnor Griffin at shortstop. Yet, Cruz, with his unmatched ceiling, looms as a critical X-factor for the club’s future. FanGraphs, while not projecting All-Star caliber numbers just yet, anticipates a significant improvement to a 108 wRC+ in 2026, representing a crucial step forward for the 27-year-old. Harnessing his raw power and reducing the strikeouts will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves (CF)
Once heralded as a budding superstar after his stellar 2022 NL Rookie of the Year campaign (137 wRC+), Michael Harris II has seen his progress stall, with his undisciplined plate approach becoming a growing concern. In 2025, Harris recorded the second-highest chase rate (43.1%) and the lowest walk rate (2.5%) among hitters with at least 500 plate appearances, indicative of a player consistently expanding the strike zone. Despite a strong second half, his season-ending 83 wRC+ marked a third consecutive year of decline in that metric. For a player with his defensive prowess and speed, consistent offensive production is vital. The 2026 forecast for Harris is notably optimistic, projecting him for 3.5 WAR – exceeding his combined total from the past two years (3.4 WAR) – alongside a .275/.309/.460 slash line and a 110 wRC+. This resurgence would position him as a cornerstone of the Braves’ offense, with only Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley projected for higher WAR totals among Atlanta position players. A more disciplined approach at the plate could unlock his elite potential and solidify his place among the game’s best center fielders.
Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies (RHP)
From 2018 to 2024, Aaron Nola was a pillar of consistency and durability, ranking first in innings pitched (1,264 2/3) and second in strikeouts (1,406) while maintaining a solid 3.64 ERA and 116 ERA+. However, 2025 proved to be a stark departure from that standard. Nola was limited to just 17 starts due to injury and struggled significantly, posting a career-worst 6.01 ERA and 0.9 WAR over 94 1/3 innings. The Phillies’ rotation faces substantial challenges heading into 2026, with Ranger Suárez having departed and Zack Wheeler expected to miss Opening Day recovering from thoracic outlet surgery. This places immense pressure on Nola to return to his dependable form. FanGraphs projects a significant rebound for the veteran right-hander, forecasting 3.1 WAR and a 4.11 ERA over 180 innings. For a team with World Series aspirations, Nola’s ability to anchor the rotation and provide a veteran presence will be absolutely critical, and his return to health and form could be the linchpin for Philadelphia’s pitching staff.
Joc Pederson, Texas Rangers (DH)
The Texas Rangers brought Joc Pederson to Arlington in free agency to bolster their designated hitter spot, which had been among the least productive in MLB the previous season with a dismal 66 wRC+. Unfortunately, Pederson’s debut season with the Rangers didn’t quite move the needle as hoped. Plagued by a fractured right hand, he struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with a .181 batting average and a 76 wRC+. This was a significant drop from his productive 2022-24 stretch, where he maintained a robust 136 wRC+. Despite the disappointing 2025, FanGraphs largely expects Pederson to return to his typical level of production in 2026. His projected 118 wRC+ is identical to his career figure and would undoubtedly provide a substantial boost to the Rangers’ lineup and their playoff aspirations. Among Rangers hitters, only Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford have higher projected wRC+ totals, underscoring the importance of Pederson’s anticipated rebound as a veteran power bat in the heart of their order.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (C)
Adley Rutschman’s initial two seasons in MLB positioned him as a generational talent and the undisputed cornerstone of the Baltimore Orioles franchise, with many touting him as a perennial MVP candidate. However, his progress has curiously stalled. Over his last 161 games, spanning parts of 2024 and all of 2025, the star backstop posted a concerning 78 wRC+, including a career-low 91 wRC+ during a 2025 campaign marred by multiple oblique strains. These injuries, particularly for a catcher, can significantly impact a player’s power and overall offensive mechanics. Despite this recent downturn, Rutschman is projected by FanGraphs to be a top-five catcher in terms of WAR (4.0), with an anticipated 19 homers and a 116 wRC+. For all the new faces and talent the Orioles acquired during the offseason, their ultimate playoff hopes may hinge just as much on internal improvement from their homegrown stars like Rutschman. A return to his elite offensive form, combined with his exceptional defensive value, would be an incredibly welcome sight for Baltimore and solidify their contender status.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves (RHP)
Spencer Strider’s 2025 season marked his return from the UCL injury that cost him most of 2024, but his electric stuff simply didn’t possess the same devastating bite that characterized his dominant 2022-23 campaigns (3.36 ERA, 13.7 K/9 over 318 1/3 innings). He finished last season with a 4.45 ERA and a significantly reduced 9.4 K/9 over 125 1/3 innings, struggling to consistently overpower hitters. The Braves’ pitching staff faces a precarious situation heading into 2026, with Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep already sidelined by injuries, and veterans Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Grant Holmes all coming off their own injury-plagued seasons. This places an enormous burden on Strider to deliver a strong rebound year. FanGraphs’ projections for Strider, while somewhat conservative, still place him much closer to his pre-injury form than his 2025 performance. He’s projected for a 3.85 ERA, 187 strikeouts, and 2.8 WAR over 159 innings. A healthy and effective Strider is indispensable to the Braves’ championship aspirations, and his ability to regain his dominant fastball-slider combination will be a key storyline.
Devin Williams, New York Mets (RHP)
Devin Williams’ 2025 season in the Bronx, following his trade from the Brewers to the Yankees after the 2024 campaign, was tumultuous. He lost his grip on the closer role and posted a bloated 4.79 ERA, a stark contrast to his sparkling 1.83 ERA over six seasons with Milwaukee. However, a deeper dive into his underlying metrics paints a far more optimistic picture. His 37.7% whiff rate, 34.7% strikeout rate, and an impressive 2.68 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) suggested that he was still missing bats at an elite level, and much of his struggles were due to batted ball luck and perhaps the intense pressure of closing in New York. These strong underlying numbers were precisely why the New York Mets were comfortable signing him to a three-year, $51 million deal to be their new closer. Geographically, Williams hasn’t moved far, but FanGraphs projects a quantum leap on the mound. He ranks among the top relievers in projected ERA (3.12, tied for 11th), K/9 (11.93, ninth), WAR (1.3, tied for 10th), and saves (32, tied for third). A dominant Williams could provide the Mets with the shutdown closer they desperately need, transforming their bullpen into a formidable weapon.
The 2026 MLB season is set to be a fascinating narrative of redemption and resurgence. For these ten players, the coming year offers not just a chance to improve their individual statistics, but to reassert their status as elite talents and, in many cases, to propel their teams towards playoff contention. Their ability to bounce back will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling storylines to follow.
