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There has always been a fair share of controversial MLB players in the game over the years. Even all-time greats like Pete Rose, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds would belong on that list. However, it has been a long time since they all retired from the game, but there have been many more since then who have garnered widespread notoriety.
Here we take a look at some of the most controversial MLB players of the last few players who have a negative image among baseball fans for both on and off-field reasons.
Top five controversial MLB players
#1 Wander Franco
Wander Franco is the newest addition to the list of the most controversial MLB players.
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The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop hasn't played since August 12, 2023, after social media posts emerged that accused him of having sexual relations with a minor in his home country.
Franco has been on administrative leave since then, while an investigation was launched in the Dominican Republic earlier this year. Prosecutors have formally pressed charges against the 2023 All-Star, which casts serious doubt on his return to the MLB.
#2 Trevor Bauer
Since making his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012, Trevor Bauer has been involved in numerous incidents that have made him one of the most controversial MLB players of his time.
In February 2020, Bauer alleged that around 70% of the pitchers in the major leagues were using foreign substances to get a better grip on the ball before going on to win the American League Cy Young Award that year.
Bauer was placed on administrative leave by the Los Angeles Dodgers after he was accused of violence against a woman from San Diego. The Pasadena Police Department conducted an investigation, but no charges were filed due to lack of evidence. He then filed a defamation suit against the woman, while she countered it with a claim of sexual battery.
Both parties eventually settled matters out of court, but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred placed a 324-game ban on Bauer, which was later reduced to 194 games. Bauer has been playing professional baseball in Japan and Mexico for the past couple of years as he looks to end his exile from the MLB.
#3 Fernando Tatis Jr.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the most controversial MLB players while also being one of the most gifted. Tatis broke out as a top-ranked prospect for the San Diego Padres in 2019 and was in the top-5 of the MVP ballots in the following two years.
Before the start of the 2022 season, Tatis required surgery on his wrist, with a motorcycle crash reportedly being the cause of his injury. When he was asked how the accident occurred, Tatis replied by asking which one, suggesting that he had suffered multiple crashes that offseason.
In August 2022, he was suspended for 80 games by the MLB after testing positive for a banned substance called clostebol. He said that he used it for treating ringworm without knowing that it contained steroids, but those claims didn't garner much conviction.
#4 Yasiel Puig
Despite featuring in just seven seasons and performing at a fairly high level, Yasiel Puig has been one of the most controversial MLB players of the last decade.
Puig made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was named the runner-up for Rookie of the Year. By this time, he had been charged multiple times for overspeeding and reckless driving.
In March 2020, a woman accused Puig of sexual assault during an LA Lakers NBA game at the Staples Center. The woman later filed a lawsuit against him, which was settled in October 2021, but it eventually left Puig nearly bankrupt. In December 2021, it was reported that Puig had secretly settled a lawsuit in which two women had accused him of sexual assault committed four years ago.
In November 2022, Puig pleaded guilty of lying to federal officers regarding placing bets with an illegal sports betting operation. The former Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians player faces up to five years in prison, but he has changed his appeal to not guilty.
#5 Jose Altuve
Unless one is a Houston Astros fan, Jose Altuve will usually be regarded as one of the most controversial MLB players of his generation.
Altuve is a three-time American League batting champion and six-time Silver Slugger. But away fans still jeer him for being part of the 2017 World Series-winning team and taking home the AL MVP award that year.
His involvement in the sign stealing scandal is somewhat debatable, with former teammate Carlos Correa suggesting that he wouldn't use any illegal assistance. Nevertheless, being the franchise player for the Houston Astros, as well as his refusal to divulge details about the scandal, Altuve continues to be a divisive figure among fans and players.
