Things have not been looking up for Kyle Tucker in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that could change with a hot September. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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The 2026 season has been a bust for a handful of high-priced players who were supposed to help carry their respective teams deep into the post-season. For five months, these players have underperformed, much to the chagrin of their front offices and the fans, who repeatedly boo their failures. But for many, it’s not too late.
As the calendar flips to September on Tuesday, here is a look at those who can put everything in the rearview mirror and redeem themselves when the lights are the brightest:
Kyle Tucker
The poster child for this entry is Kyle Tucker. In the five seasons before Tucker signed a four year/$240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he accrued 25.4 bWAR, hitting .277 with nearly 27 homers per year, and an OPS+ of 144. This year, while wearing Dodger Blue, he is hitting .229 with his lowest OBP since 2019, only 11 home runs, and a -0.2 bWAR. To make matters worse, he is slashing .189/.287/.267, with just two round-trippers at home. The Dodger faithful are most certainly not seeing the player they expected for $60 million per year.
But, with the Dodgers sitting at a 100% chance to make the playoffs (per FanGraphs), they remain in a dogfight for the best record in the National League, which could have massive implications once the playoffs start. A strong September from Tucker could help propel Los Angeles past the Brewers (currently three games ahead) and the Braves (one game back) for the top seed in the NL.
Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh had a season for the ages in 2025. He became the seventh player to hit 60 home runs. He set the all-time record for most home runs by a catcher and the most home runs by a switch-hitter. He accrued 7.2 bWAR while slugging .589 and knocking in a league-leading 125 runs. He helped push the Seattle Mariners to within one win of the World Series and was runner-up to Aaron Judge for the American League MVP.
This year has been decidedly different. As of this writing, the catcher has fewer hits than homers last year (59 vs. 60). For his $17.5 million salary (as part of the six year, $105 million contract he signed in prior to the 2025 season), Raleigh has been worth 0.5 bWAR, while hitting .165/.283/.339. His OPS+ has gone from 168 to 79. He does have 18 home runs, but that is bolstered by the four homers he hit in four at-bats last week. Since that outburst, he is 0-for-11.
The Mariners – as a team – have woefully underperformed this year, and currently sit four games out first place in the American League West and four games out of the last wild card spot. But a strong September could change everything, and as Raleigh proved last season, he can put this team on his back and help carry them over the finish line.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
As the 2025 season began, the Toronto Blue Jays extended hometown hero Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for 14 years and $500 million, making the largest financial commitment in franchise history. He rewarded the club with 4.6 bWAR, slashing .292/.381/.467 with 23 home runs and a post-season for the ages.
2026 has been something else. As of this writing, the first baseman has yet to hit a homer in Toronto (he has only seven on the season). He is slashing .262/.334/.353 with just 46 RBI. Guerrero Jr. has been worth 0.7 bWAR and has an OPS+ 10% below league average.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can quiet the naysayers with a strong September. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
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The Blue Jays are currently in last place in the American League East, half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles. But they are just 2.5 games out of the last wild card spot, which seems achievable if this team plays up to its potential. And, as everyone saw last October, that starts with the right-handed slugger in the middle of the lineup. Historically, September has been Guerrero Jr.’s worst statistical month, but his 2026 has been anything but typical. So, it is within the realm of reason that a career .285 hitter who averages 28 home runs every 162 games could flip the switch and lead the Blue Jays back to the post-season.
Edwin Díaz
The Dodgers outbid the New York Mets for the services of closer Edwin Díaz, agreeing to a three-year, $69 million contract (with much of it deferred). Last year Díaz had a 1.63 ERA and a 0.874 WHIP over 66-1/3 innings for 3.1 bWAR. This year, injuries have limited him to 13-2/3 innings, wherein he has an 11.65 ERA and a 2.561 WHIP. Not what Los Angeles was looking for when they shelled out the largest per season contract ever for a closer to bolster their depleted bullpen.
But, as the Dodgers showed in both 2024 and 2025, strong bullpen performance is the key to success in October. Two years ago the ‘pen carried their lackluster starters and last year their converted starters carried their lackluster relievers to World Series titles. They may not get so lucky this year if Díaz doesn’t regain the form that has made him a three-time All-Star and a two-time Top 10 Cy Young finisher.
But if he does regain that form, he shortens the game for a Dodgers team that is poised to become the first National League team in history to win it all three years in a row.
Never Too Late
Baseball history is littered with unsung heroes who come through in the most unlikely moments. For every Jack Morris there is a Tim Wakefield; for every Barry Bonds there is a Scott Spiezio; for every Bryce Harper there is a Bucky Dent. But the players mentioned above are necessary for their team’s success, and by playing up to the stats on the backs of their baseball cards, they can help push September into October and transform the hearts and minds of their respective fanbases.
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