Last Updated: August 27th, 2024 by Jake Cain
The world of baseball is filled with heroes and villains, depending on which team’s jersey you’re wearing. Over the years, certain players have found themselves on the receiving end of jeers and boos from fans, sometimes deservedly, other times not so much.
Why do fans come to dislike certain players so intensely? This topic digs into the most polarizing figures in baseball, exploring the reasons they rub fans the wrong way.
Whether it’s controversial actions on or off the field, abrasive personalities, or simply being too good against the home team, these players have left an impact. Fans love to hate and sometimes, these players thrive on that energy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notorious names in baseball who’ve faced the wrath of the crowds.
Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa was one of the key players on the 2017 Houston Astros team that got caught in a major scandal. The team was found to be stealing signs illegally, which put a dark cloud over their World Series win.
This incident led to widespread dislike for Correa among baseball fans. Many felt that the integrity of the game had been compromised, and Correa, as a prominent figure on that team, bore the brunt of the backlash.
Despite his talent on the field, this scandal has made him a polarizing figure. The resentment lingers, making him one of the most disliked players in recent memory.
Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman, third baseman for the Houston Astros, has faced a wave of fan disdain in recent years. His involvement in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal with the Astros left a sour taste for many fans across the league.
This scandal significantly tarnished his reputation despite his impressive on-field performance. Bregman, once celebrated for his clutch hitting and solid defense, now finds himself a common target for boos in opposing ballparks.
The scandal’s shadow looms large, making him one of the most disliked figures in baseball today.
José Altuve
José Altuve, a cornerstone player for the Houston Astros, has become a polarizing figure among baseball fans. His association with the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal has cast a long shadow over his otherwise impressive career.
Many fans feel his achievements are tainted by the controversy, leading to extensive jeering and boos whenever he takes the field.
His once-sterling reputation has taken a significant hit, with many believing that his performance was unfairly boosted during that infamous season.
Despite the backlash, Altuve remains a key player for the Astros, continuing to demonstrate his skill and determination.
Manny Machado
Manny Machado’s on-field behavior has rubbed many fans the wrong way. His aggressive style included a rough slide into Dustin Pedroia in 2017. He also infamously stepped on Jesus Aguilar’s foot during the 2018 NLCS.
These incidents have led to a perception of dirty play. Fans often criticize him for his lack of hustle, further fueling the animosity.
Odubel Herrera
Odubel Herrera faced intense fan backlash after a domestic violence incident in 2019. Following his arrest, MLB suspended him, and his reputation took a severe hit.
Many fans found it hard to support him after the incident, leading to widespread condemnation. His actions off the field significantly overshadowed his baseball career for many supporters.
Odubel Herrera’s profile provides more details about his career.
Trevor Bauer
Trevor Bauer, a pitcher with undeniable talent, has never shied away from speaking his mind on social media. His blunt and sometimes harsh comments have often rubbed fans the wrong way.
In 2021, Bauer faced serious allegations of sexual assault, which led to his suspension and sparked a wave of public backlash. Fans had difficulty separating his on-field performance from these off-field controversies.
Rougned Odor
Rougned Odor is best known for his infamous clash with José Bautista in 2016. During a heated game, Odor’s punch to Bautista’s face became one of baseball’s most talked-about moments.
This incident, coupled with Odor’s aggressive style, has made him a lightning rod among fans. Some admire his fiery passion, but many others see him as overly confrontational.
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Rougned Odor leaves a lasting impression. His name still sparks debates among baseball enthusiasts.
Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman has been a polarizing figure in baseball. Not only is he known for his blazing fastballs, but he also faced a 30-game suspension in 2016 under MLB’s domestic violence policy. This incident has left a lasting negative impression on many fans.
Chapman’s role as a high-profile closer for winning teams also makes him a common target for boos and jeers from rival fans. His actions off the field and intense presence on the mound contribute to his reputation as one of the most hated players by fans.
Julio Urías
Julio Urías, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has faced a lot of heat from fans due to a 2019 arrest on suspicion of domestic battery. This incident resulted in a 20-game suspension under MLB’s domestic violence policy.
Despite his success on the mound, this shadow has made it hard for some fans to overlook his off-field actions. For many, his career achievements can’t entirely erase the stain of this serious issue.
This combination of talent and controversy makes Urías a polarizing figure among baseball enthusiasts.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is well-known for his bold personality and confidence. To some fans, this comes across as arrogance, which has fueled a lot of the dislike toward him.
Harper’s outspoken nature and swagger often polarize audiences. This has led baseball fans to have strong opinions about him, both positive and negative.
Check out more details about Bryce Harper’s career on his Baseball-Reference profile.
Josh Donaldson
Josh Donaldson isn’t shy about sharing his opinions, and this trait has made him a bit of a polarizing figure. His fiery attitude and tendency to get into heated arguments on the field have rubbed many fans the wrong way.
This outspoken nature has led to several well-publicized confrontations with opponents. For fans who prefer a more reserved and respectful demeanor, Donaldson’s brash and feisty style hasn’t been well received.
However, you can’t deny that his passion for the game is evident, even if it sometimes gets him into hot water.
Alex Verdugo
Alex Verdugo became a polarizing figure when he was traded from the Dodgers to the Red Sox as part of the deal that sent Mookie Betts to Los Angeles. Red Sox fans were outraged about losing Betts and took out some of their frustration on Verdugo.
Fans have also not forgotten his past off-field behavior, which has added to his unpopularity. Whether it’s fair or not, some Red Sox fans have a hard time cheering for him. Despite these issues, his talent on the field can’t be denied. For more details, check out his career stats on ESPN.
Amir Garrett
Amir Garrett has made quite a name for himself, perhaps not always for the best reasons. Known for his fiery temper on the mound, he has had several on-field confrontations that have drawn the ire of fans.
In 2019, Garrett charged the Pittsburgh Pirates’ dugout, sparking a memorable brawl. This aggressive behavior has certainly led to some strong opinions about him among baseball supporters.
Robinson Canó
Robinson Canó’s career took a significant hit with two suspensions for PED use in 2018 and 2020. These incidents tarnished what could have been a celebrated career and have led to widespread disapproval among fans.
Despite his remarkable skills as a second baseman, these actions have overshadowed his achievements. Fans often remember him for the controversy rather than his on-field contributions. Many believe this has permanently stained his legacy in the baseball community.
Marcus Stroman
Marcus Stroman is known for his fiery and outspoken personality. This candidness on social media has earned him a mix of admiration and frustration from fans.
Some appreciate his confidence, seeing it as a refreshing change from the usual reserved athlete. Others view him as abrasive and arrogant, detracting from his on-field achievements.
You can find more about his career and stats on Baseball-Reference.
Johnny Cueto
Johnny Cueto’s pitching style is like no one else’s. He adds a unique twist and shimmy that can throw even the best hitters off balance. This has certainly earned him some haters.
Cueto’s most infamous moment came during a 2010 brawl. In the heat of the moment, he kicked multiple players, which didn’t sit well with many fans.
These incidents have overshadowed his talent, making Johnny Cueto one of the most controversial players in baseball. Check out his latest stats on Baseball-Reference.
Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander is one of the most recognized MLB pitchers. His outspoken personality and fierce competitive drive have caused some friction with opponents and the media, leading to mixed feelings among fans.
While his confidence stems from a successful career, it can sometimes be off-putting. Fans either love his fiery attitude or find it abrasive, contributing to his divisive reputation.
His achievements on the mound are undeniable, but his demeanor off the field keeps the debate alive. Whether you admire or dislike his attitude, Verlander’s impact on the game is significant.
Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce found himself in hot water in 2017. During a game, he was suspended for two games after using a homophobic slur. This incident certainly tarnished his image among some fans.
Even though he had a solid career as an outfielder, this lapse in judgment left a lasting impression. Many fans now remember him for that controversy rather than his on-field performance.
Ronald Acuña Jr.
Ronald Acuña Jr. has made quite a name for himself with his flashy style of play. His confident approach can rub traditionalists the wrong way, sparking debates among fans.
Acuña’s showboating has led to some memorable controversies. Opponents have occasionally been outspoken about his on-field antics, adding fuel to the fire.
Despite the criticism, his talent on the field is undeniable. Many fans appreciate his passion and energy, making him a polarizing yet fascinating player.
Jorge Polanco
Jorge Polanco’s career hit a snag in 2018. He faced a suspension for 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
This incident left many fans disappointed and skeptical. Despite his talents, the controversy continues to shadow his accomplishments.
Some fans still voice their criticisms about this chapter of his career. Polanco’s legacy remains a hot topic among baseball enthusiasts. For more about Polanco’s career, visit Jorge Polanco – Wikipedia.
Anthony Rendon
Anthony Rendon, playing for the Los Angeles Angels, has not been the fan favorite many expected. His time with the Angels has been riddled with injuries, keeping him off the field for significant portions of the season.
Fans have also criticized him for seeming disinterested during games. This perceived lack of enthusiasm has led to frustration, as supporters expected more from a player of his caliber and salary. These issues have combined to make him one of the more disliked players among Angels fans.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is known for his vibrant personality and flashy playing style. His flamboyant demeanor on the field makes him a polarizing figure among fans. Some see his flair as an exciting addition to the game, while others view it as excessive.
Playing for the Miami Marlins, Chisholm’s unapologetic confidence and showmanship often spark debate.
Tim Anderson
Tim Anderson’s exuberant bat flips and on-field celebrations have divided fans. Some love his passion and see it as a breath of fresh air in the sport.
Others, however, consider his antics disrespectful to baseball’s unwritten rules. His style has certainly made him a polarizing figure on and off the field.
Anderson definitely knows how to spark a debate just by swinging the bat.
Patrick Corbin
Patrick Corbin has had his fair share of ups and downs in MLB. Fans have mixed feelings about him, especially following his big contract with the Washington Nationals.
Though his stats can be impressive, his performance inconsistency leaves many frustrated. It’s a love-hate relationship, typical in the high-stakes world of baseball. For more info, check out his career stats.
Wilson Contreras
Wilson Contreras, the St. Louis Cardinals’ catcher, is known for his fiery on-field behavior. His intense confrontations with opponents have earned him criticism from fans of rival teams.
Contreras made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. His role in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series win cemented his place in baseball history but also amplified the scrutiny he faces.
Fans often target Contreras for his bold attitude and competitive edge. This fervor makes him a polarizing figure in the baseball community.
Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun, once celebrated for his performance with the Milwaukee Brewers, saw his legacy tarnished by a PED scandal. In 2013, he faced a 65-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.
His initial appeal discredited the sample collector, but fans were not forgiving. The backlash was swift and severe, leaving a lasting impact on his reputation.
Javier Báez
Javier Báez, known for his aggressive base running and flashy fielding, has become a polarizing figure in baseball. Some fans love his daring style and flair, while others see it as unnecessary showboating.
His celebrations and on-field antics often spark debates among fans. Báez’s approach is exciting to some but frustrating to others who prefer a more traditional playing style.
Despite this, it’s hard to deny his skill and energy bring a unique dynamic to the game. If nothing else, Báez keeps things interesting on the field.
José Ureña
José Ureña, a pitcher for the Texas Rangers, is often at the center of heated debates among baseball fans.
One key incident that cemented his place on this list is his intentional hit-by-pitch against Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2018. This action led to widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Given these controversial moments, it’s no surprise that Ureña finds himself among the most disliked players in the game today.
Mike Fiers
Mike Fiers is often a polarizing figure among baseball fans. He’s the guy who dropped the bombshell on the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Some fans see him as a hero for bringing truth to light.
Others, especially Astros fans, label him a traitor, leading to mixed feelings whenever his name comes up. Fiers’ role in the scandal created a lasting divide in the baseball community.
Blake Snell
Blake Snell, the talented pitcher now with the San Francisco Giants, stirred up quite a bit of controversy. Back in 2020, he made headlines for his vocal stance about playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His comments about prioritizing pay during a time of global crisis didn’t sit well with many fans. This perception of being out of touch led to a significant backlash.
Despite his impressive skills on the mound, Snell’s outspoken behavior has earned him a spot on this list. Sometimes, what you say off the field can overshadow what you do on it.