There are lots of great outfielders in the MLB. Some went on to have great careers in baseball, while some seemingly became superstars out of nowhere and then regressed to the point that people may have forgotten that they ever existed.
That might be an odd assessment, but those remarks ring true for our list today, which consists of 10 MLB outfielders who went from superstar to forgettable overnight.
Which MLB outfielders became stars, then went forgettable immediately?
Coco Crisp
Coco Crisp was known for his elite speed, solid defense, and infectious energy. He was a key part of playoff-bound teams, especially with the Red Sox and A’s, and delivered clutch moments in big games. From 2010 to 2014, he had several productive seasons as a leadoff hitter and center fielder. However, injuries began to pile up, limiting his playing time and effectiveness. By 2016, Crisp had quietly faded from the MLB. But most should remember him for helping the Red Sox win a World Series in 200
Domonic Brown
Once touted as a top prospect, Domonic Brown looked like a future star when he was named an All-Star in 2013 after hitting 27 home runs. Brown never came close to replicating that performance and struggled with plate discipline and consistency. By 2015, he was out of the Phillies’ plans, and by 28, he was out of the league. Fans now look back at his career as one of baseball’s biggest “what could have been” stories.
Chris Davis
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Chris Davis led MLB in home runs in 2013 and 2015 and was a central figure for the Orioles during their playoff runs. In 2016, he signed a massive 7-year, $161 million deal, but immediately saw his production collapse. His batting average plummeted, and he eventually set the record for most consecutive hitless at-bats. Going from HR champ to one of the worst everyday hitters in history was astonishing. Davis retired in 2021, largely remembered for his decline rather than his dominance.
Jason Bay
How can you forget Jason Bay? The once three-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year, known for his power and patience at the plate. He starred for the Pirates and had a strong run with the Red Sox, earning a big free-agent contract with the Mets in 2010. Unfortunately, his time in New York was derailed by injuries, concussions, and an alarming drop in production. Once a feared slugger, Bay struggled to stay on the field and was released just a few years later. His rapid decline made fans forget how good he once was, as most likely remember him for his struggles instead of his triumphs.
Yasiel Puig
Yasiel Puig exploded onto the scene in 2013 with the Dodgers, putting up electric numbers and dazzling fans with his energy and cannon arm. He was seen as the next face of baseball alongside players like Mike Trout. Puig was talented, marketable, and charismatic. But inconsistent effort, behavioral issues, and clubhouse drama started to wear thin with teams. After short stints with the Reds and Guardians, Puig found himself out of MLB entirely by age 29, and he is now barely mentioned in today’s baseball conversations.
B.J. Upton (Melvin Upton Jr.)
B.J. Upton flashed superstar potential with the Tampa Bay Rays, combining speed, defense, and power. His 30-30 season in 2012 earned him a massive contract with the Atlanta Braves. Upton was such a big story as a star who was taking over the league alongside his brother, Justin Upton. However, B.J. immediately began to struggle, batting under .200 in back-to-back seasons and looking completely lost at the plate. Upton’s fall from promising outfielder to forgotten player was both quick and dramatic.
Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford was an electrifying outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays, known for his speed, defense, and gap power. A four-time All-Star, he was a cornerstone of the Rays’ rise to contention in the late 2000s. He signed a $142 million deal with the Red Sox in 2011, but injuries and pressure from his massive MLB contract quickly wore him down. His performance plummeted, and he was eventually traded to the Dodgers before quietly exiting the game.
Josh Hamilton
Josh Hamilton’s story was once one of the greatest redemption arcs in sports, overcoming addiction to become the 2010 AL MVP. He was a five-time All-Star with the Texas Rangers, famous for his power, including a legendary Home Run Derby performance. But personal struggles and injuries resurfaced, and his production sharply declined after signing with the Angels. Multiple failed comeback attempts followed, and off-field issues continued to make headlines. Once a household name, Hamilton faded from both the game and the public’s memory.
Andruw Jones
Andruw Jones debuted at age 19 and quickly became a defensive wizard in center field for the Braves, making 10 Gold Glove teams and hitting 434 career home runs. In 2005, he led MLB with 51 HRs and finished second in MVP voting. But after signing with the Dodgers in 2008, he rapidly declined due to injuries and conditioning issues. He bounced around with a few teams but never recaptured his All-Star form. Despite Hall of Fame-caliber peak numbers, Jones has become an overlooked figure in baseball history. Jones is #1 because he was likely the best player on this list before vanishing from the MLB.
Grady Sizemore
Grady Sizemore was a five-tool player and fan favorite in Cleveland, earning three All-Star nods and two Gold Gloves by age 26. He looked like a surefire superstar and even finished top 10 in MVP voting in 2006. But chronic knee and back injuries sapped his athleticism and sidelined him for multiple seasons. He attempted comebacks with other teams, but never stayed healthy or productive again. Sizemore’s fall was heartbreaking, and he remains a tragic “what-if” case.
