Not just Raleigh? The 12 fallen stars of 2026 -- and how they affected their teams
From bad gameplay to injuries to a mix of both, these players' seasons had huge impact on the success of their clubs this year.
The 2026 season has been a wild ride, and it's clear that several key players struggled to find their footing. A dozen players, including some big names, had a significant impact on their teams' success - or lack thereof. Whether it was a string of injuries, a slump at the plate, or a decline in performance, these players' struggles were felt by their clubs.
Injuries, in particular, played a major role in derailing the seasons of several top players. When a star goes down, it's often a ripple effect that impacts the entire team. We've seen it time and time again - a team's ace pitcher gets hurt, and suddenly their rotation is scrambling to keep up. A team's leading scorer goes down with an injury, and their offense starts to sputter. The 2026 season was no exception, with several players dealing with injuries that kept them out of the lineup for extended stretches.
As we look ahead to the 2027 season, it's clear that some of these players will be looking to bounce back. Will they be able to regain their form and lead their teams to success? It's something to keep an eye on, especially for fantasy players and fans who are eager to see their favorite stars back in action. We'll be keeping a close eye on these players and others as the offseason heats up and teams start to make their moves.
Originally reported by espn.com. PlayerNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.