Joey Votto: Even MLB Stars Hit Rough Patches and Bounce Back

When some of baseball's biggest names started the 2026 season in a slump, fans worried something was seriously wrong. But Joey Votto, a six-time All-Star who knows a thing or two about pressure, wants everyone to take a breath.

During his weekly appearance on "MLB Now," Votto explained that even the game's greatest players go through tough stretches every single year. Stars like Cal Raleigh, Bo Bichette, Mookie Betts, and Manny Machado are all posting below-average numbers right now, but that's actually quite common.

"Every year, we're going to have a sample of players that are deemed stars have a down year," Votto said. The difference at the start of a season is that players don't have months of good stats built up yet to balance out the rough patches.

Votto spoke from personal experience, having weathered multiple slumps during his own Hall of Fame-caliber career. He emphasized that true greatness isn't about avoiding struggles but about how you respond when things get tough.

"When you're feeling at your very worst, do you have the wherewithal to be able to push through?" Votto asked. His answer about the current struggling stars was clear: "They're all going to push through, because they're all proud, competitive guys."

He pointed to Manny Machado as a perfect example of the kind of player who shows up no matter what. Despite hitting just .171 with a career-high strikeout rate, Machado has played nearly 2,000 games in his career, showing up consistently day after day.

Votto recalled Derek Jeter having an identical rough start one season but never letting it affect his effort. He ran hard through first base, played with intensity, and proved his character through the struggle.

Why This Inspires

Votto's perspective offers something rare in sports commentary: genuine understanding instead of panic. He's reminding us that setbacks don't define careers, and that showing up when things are hard matters more than perfect statistics. His message applies far beyond baseball, too. Everyone faces moments when they're not performing at their best, whether at work, in relationships, or pursuing personal goals.

The real test isn't avoiding those valleys. It's having the pride and determination to keep pushing forward when you're there.

"At the end of the season, if this is not his very best season, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a failure," Votto said about Machado. Sometimes it's just another chapter in a long, successful story.