Several MLB stars are struggling as the 2026 season approaches the halfway mark. Manny Machado is facing a steep decline, batting just .172. He blamed analytics for his funk, but data suggests a different story. His fast swing rate has plummeted from 66% in 2023 to 41% in 2026, signaling a clear age-related drop in bat speed.

Fernando Tatis Jr. is also struggling with power, hitting only two home runs this year. A low launch angle of 3.4 degrees and a high ground ball rate explain the lack of homers. Despite this, Tatis remains in his prime with a hard-hit rate in the 91st percentile, suggesting his power output is a mechanical or mental glitch.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is currently in a 21-game homerless drought, leaving him with a .365 slugging percentage. His struggles contribute to a Toronto Blue Jays offense that has fallen to 22nd in runs per game. While Guerrero's power is inconsistent, his history of late-season surges suggests this is a recurring pattern rather than a permanent decline.

These individual slumps have left the Padres with the worst OPS in the majors, though they still hold a 35-32 record. Toronto continues to make contact at a high rate, but the lack of damage from their stars has crippled their scoring. The Blue Jays now average just 4.07 runs per game.