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 them. Each season, we see players who once shone brightly, but who, for various reasons, including injuries or poor performance, are forced to reinvent themselves on new teams. These are the athletes who inspire, reminding us that careers can change rapidly, but also that recovery is possible. In the 2025 season, there were fifteen players who fit the “recovery project” profile. For 2026, some candidates are already emerging.- Age 27 years or older.
- Previous seasons with a WAR of 2 or more, or an average of 3 WAR in the three seasons prior to their decline.
- Production less than 2 WAR in the previous season.
- Change of team, a key factor for “rebuilding”.
- An increase of 2 or more WAR, or a performance of 2+ WAR in the recovery year.
The Candidates for Resurgence:
Ha-Seong Kim, SS
2025 Recovery Archetype: Ramon Laureano Kim, who was a key figure with the Padres in 2022 and 2023, seeks to regain his level after a season marked by injuries. His goal is to emulate Laureano, who, after overcoming performance issues and injuries, found a new boost in Baltimore and then in San Diego.Michael King, RHP
2025 Comeback Archetype: Merrill Kelly After a 2025 limited by injuries, King seeks to regain the form that led him to a combined WAR of 6.3 in 2023 and 2024. His goal is to replicate the success of Kelly, who showed a remarkable recovery in 2025.Luis Arraez, IF
2025 Recovery Archetype: Gleyber Torres Arraez, known for his ability to connect the ball, seeks to follow in the footsteps of Torres, who recovered after a team change. Arraez aims to improve his plate discipline and his defense.Zac Gallen, RHP
2025 Recovery Archetype: Merrill Kelly or Jesus Luzardo Gallen, after rejecting Arizona’s offer, is shaping up as a strong candidate for recovery in 2026. Although he did not suffer any injuries, his performance in 2025 was not as expected. He is expected to improve his performance in 2026, based on the quality of his pitching.Cedric Mullins, OF
2025 Recovery Archetype: Harrison Bader Mullins, after a difficult season in Baltimore and a subsequent trade to the Mets, is looking for a fresh start in 2026. His goal is to emulate the resurgence of Bader, who proved his worth after a team change.Willi Castro, OF
2025 Recovery Archetype: Harrison Bader or Ramon Laureano Castro, after a season with ups and downs, is looking for a new opportunity. His versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him an attractive player. These players represent the hope of a resurgence in baseball, demonstrating that, with determination and hard work, it is possible to overcome obstacles and shine again on the diamond.
