Redemption Stories in Baseball: The Comeback Candidates for 2026
Personal stories of overcoming adversity always captivate sports fans, and baseball, with its unpredictability, is a perfect breeding ground for these narratives. Each season, we see players who, after reaching the top, face difficulties, whether due to poor performance or injuries, and must reinvent themselves with a new team. These are the athletes who remind us that, just as a promising career can crumble, recovery is possible.
In the 2025 season, there were 15 players who met the criteria to be considered “reclamation” projects. These criteria included:
- Age 27 years or older (no longer prospects).
- One season with a WAR of 2 or more in the past, or at least 3 WAR in the three seasons prior to their decline (demonstrating a good previous level).
- A WAR below 2 in the previous season (showing a significant decline).
- Change of team (a key factor for “recovery”).
- A WAR of 2 or more, or an improvement of 2 or more WAR year after year (the year of resurgence).
These players included Jesús Luzardo, Matthew Boyd, Merrill Kelly, Harrison Bader, Ramon Laureano, Aroldis Chapman, Adrian Houser, Carson Kelly, Gleyber Torres, Lucas Giolito, Clay Holmes, Mike Yastrzemski, Jhoan Duran, David Bednar, and Brad Keller.
Each of them represented their own redemption story, but all shared the goal of returning to their best level. The 2026 season promises to offer more similar stories. Based on FanGraphs’ WAR projections, the most likely candidates for the 2026 “comeback” list can be identified.
Let’s analyze the six most prominent candidates, considering the projected WAR and the 2025 “recovery” player archetype they could emulate.
Ha-Seong Kim, SS
2025 Recovery Archetype: Ramon Laureano
Kim, who was a key figure with the San Diego Padres in 2022 and 2023, seeks to regain his level after suffering injuries and team changes. He seeks to emulate Laureano, known for his glove and good batting before injuries affected his career.
Michael King, RHP
2025 Recovery Archetype: Merrill Kelly
After a standout performance in 2023 and 2024, King was limited in 2025 due to injuries. He seeks to regain the level shown in the past, with a focus on reducing his home run rate allowed.
Luis Arraez, IF
2025 Recovery Archetype: Gleyber Torres
Arraez, with his unique skills in making contact with the ball, seeks to emulate Torres, who regained value after a period of decline. Arraez could improve his plate discipline and his defense.
Zac Gallen, RHP
2025 Recovery Archetype: Merrill Kelly or Jesus Luzardo
Gallen, after rejecting Arizona’s offer, presents himself as an ideal candidate for recovery in 2026. Although his off-season was not caused by injuries, his durability could be a strength.
Cedric Mullins, OF
2025 Recovery Archetype: Harrison Bader
Mullins, after a performance below expectations, is looking for a new team to prove his worth. He could draw inspiration from Bader, who recovered from a disappointing stint with the Mets.
Willi Castro, OF
2025 Recovery Archetype: Harrison Bader or Ramon Laureano
Castro, who already had a resurgence in his career, seeks to repeat the feat after a decline in 2025. His versatility on the field could be key to his recovery.
Other pitching candidates: Zach Eflin, Patrick Sandoval.
Other batting candidates: Marcell Ozuna, Amed Rosario.
