Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Baseball’s regular season stars don’t always shine in October. Here are 11 notable MLB players whose postseason performances fell short of their regular season excellence, highlighting the unique pressures of playoff baseball.
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Clayton Kershaw: Regular Season Ace, Postseason Puzzle
Clayton Kershaw’s regular season dominance (2.50 ERA, three Cy Young Awards, MVP) contrasts sharply with his postseason struggles. His playoff ERA of 4.49 in 39 appearances reveals a different pitcher under October pressure, with particularly memorable struggles in the 2013 NLCS against the Cardinals and 2020 NLCS versus the Braves.
Barry Bonds: Home Run King’s October Struggles
Baseball’s all-time home run leader (.298 average, 762 home runs) faced significant postseason challenges. Through his first 20 playoff games, Bonds hit a mere .196 with just one homer. Despite a stellar 2002 World Series performance (.471), his overall postseason average of .245 fell well below his regular season standards.
David Price: Regular Season Excellence, Playoff Pressures
Cy Young winner David Price dominated regular seasons with a 3.32 ERA, but postseason success proved elusive. Before his 2018 breakthrough with Boston, Price struggled to a 2-9 record and 5.04 ERA in his first 19 playoff appearances, highlighting the mental challenges of October baseball.
Alex Rodriguez: A-Rod’s October Challenges
A-Rod’s legendary regular season numbers (.295 average, 696 home runs, three MVPs) often disappeared in October. Excluding his stellar 2009 championship run, Rodriguez hit just .219 in the playoffs, with particularly difficult moments in the 2006 ALDS against Detroit.
Craig Kimbrel: Elite Closer’s Playoff Struggles
One of baseball’s most dominant closers (2.37 ERA, 417 saves) has struggled in postseason pressure. His playoff ERA of 4.13 and several crucial blown saves with the Red Sox and Cubs demonstrate how October baseball can challenge even the most reliable relievers.
Max Scherzer: Cy Young Winner’s October Challenges
Despite three Cy Young Awards and a career 3.15 ERA, Scherzer’s postseason performance has often disappointed. His struggles peaked in the 2019 World Series (11.57 ERA), with recent difficult outings for the Mets and Rangers further highlighting his playoff challenges.
Carlos Beltran: One At-Bat Defines October Legacy
Despite a stellar career (.279 average, 435 home runs), Beltran’s postseason legacy is often reduced to one moment: his strikeout looking against Adam Wainwright to end the 2006 NLCS. This single at-bat overshadowed his otherwise productive playoff performances.
Mookie Betts: MVP’s Postseason Decline
The perennial MVP candidate’s regular season excellence (.293 career average) hasn’t consistently translated to October success. Betts’ 2023 playoff performance was particularly concerning, with a .227 batting average highlighting his postseason struggles.
Josh Donaldson: MVP to Playoff Struggles
The 2015 AL MVP’s regular season prowess (.263 average, 279 home runs) hasn’t carried over to the playoffs. Donaldson’s postseason batting average of .217 and difficult series against the Royals and Yankees reveal his October challenges.
Aaron Judge: Regular Season Power, Postseason Pressure
The Yankees’ slugger set an AL record with 62 home runs in 2022, but October has been less kind. Judge’s career playoff batting average of .211 and high strikeout rate in crucial games have become a growing concern for New York’s postseason hopes.
Chris Sale: Dominant Starter’s October Woes
Despite impressive regular season credentials (3.10 career ERA, 2,237 strikeouts), Sale’s postseason performance has been disappointing. His playoff ERA of 6.35 through 2023 is more than double his regular season mark, demonstrating how October baseball can humble even the most accomplished pitchers.