Every year around Memorial Day, MLB teams assess their status and gain clarity on their needs before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. A challenging part of this evaluation involves veteran players performing below their usual standards. Teams must determine if this underperformance is simply an early-season slump, a result of injury, mechanical problems, or the reality of aging—whether the decline in performance is likely to be long-lasting.
It’s tough to predict when a veteran player may permanently decline, as some, like David Ortiz or Adrian Beltré, maintain high performance into their 40s. Conversely, others, like Carl Crawford and Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, begin to decline in their early 30s.
Ultimately, how a player ages is unpredictable. Once a player loses hand-eye coordination and bat speed, it’s unlikely to return. During the performance-enhancing drug era, some players excelled into their late 30s, but those days are past. Recently, several Hall of Fame contenders, including Miguel Cabrera, have seen rapid declines, such as Cabrera’s drop in performance right after age 33, despite a previous track record of consistent success.
Manny Machado, 3B, San Diego Padres
My best guess: He’ll rebound
Machado, 33, has been a premier third baseman since his debut in 2012 and has consistently produced for the Padres. This season, however, he is experiencing the worst start to his career with a .182/.277/.339 slash line. Statcast shows a slight decline in his bat speed, but a change in mechanics could potentially help him regain his previous effectiveness.
Marcus Semien, 2B, New York Mets
My best guess: In decline phase
At 35, Semien is a leader on the field but appears to be in decline, as his performance metrics have sharply decreased over the years. His declining slugging percentage and on-base percentage suggest that while he remains a strong defender, his offensive contributions are waning.
Salvador Perez, C, Kansas City Royals
My best guess: Decline is starting
Perez, 36, a potential Hall of Famer, has shown early signs of age-related decline this year despite a successful 2022. He is currently hitting .199, his worst career start, and while his attack angle is decent, his tendency to chase pitches suggests that adjustments may be needed.
Matt Chapman, 3B, San Francisco Giants
My best guess: Decline is starting
Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner, has faced challenges this season, recording only one home run. His elite bat speed remains, but decreased hard hit rates indicate a significant drop in power, leading to concerns about his long-term contributions.
Corey Seager, SS, Texas Rangers
My best guess: He’ll rebound
Seager, 32, is currently on the injured list due to a back issue, affecting his early season performance. Although he struggled before his injury, his historical performance suggests he may still return to form once he recovers.
Marcell Ozuna, DH, Pittsburgh Pirates
My best guess: He’s done
At 35, Ozuna’s recent performance points towards a significant decline, as evidenced by plummeting slugging and batting averages. Given his age and ongoing slump, he is likely nearing the end of his career.
George Springer, DH, Toronto Blue Jays
My best guess: Injury is the issue
Springer, 36, experienced a strong 2025 season but has struggled this year due to a toe injury. Although age-related decline is a concern, improvement may be likely once he fully recovers from his injury.
Each of these athletes has faced challenges as they navigate their careers. The reality of aging often complicates decision-making for teams as they must confront the possibility of decline, even as they hope for positive rebounds. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for these players to chart a turnaround.
