Aging Curve: 5 MLB Veterans Who May Be Nearing the End
SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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Tommy Pham’s Offense Disappearing in Pittsburgh
Tommy Pham has made a career out of proving doubters wrong, but this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 37-year-old is fighting an uphill battle against decline.
After suiting up for eight teams over the past four seasons, Pham continued to land gigs due to his grit and defensive hustle. But his bat has all but vanished—he’s slashing just .203/.279/.230 with a 27.3% strikeout rate, his worst since 2016.
Defensively, he’s held his own: four defensive runs saved, three outfield assists, and -1 OAA suggest a glove that still holds value. But on a team already buried in the NL standings, Pham’s veteran presence may only carry him so far if the bat doesn’t return.
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Kenley Jansen’s Grip on Closer Role Slipping in Anaheim
For years, Kenley Jansen was the model of consistency in the ninth inning. Now with the Los Angeles Angels, the 37-year-old’s dominance appears to be waning.
Jansen’s résumé is rock-solid: 461 career saves, four All-Star selections, and 16 seasons of elite-level production. But 2025 is telling a different story. While he has yet to blow a save, his 4.57 ERA, 8.0 K/9, and 2.1 HR/9 all mark career lows—or highs, depending on the stat. Opponents are batting .238 against him, the highest clip he’s ever allowed.
He still closes games, but the writing may be on the wall with stuff that's no longer fooling hitters at the same rate. Jansen’s past greatness can’t be denied, but the trends suggest his time as a high-leverage weapon is winding down.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
Charlie Morton’s Age Finally Showing in Baltimore
Charlie Morton has defied expectations for much of his 40s. Now pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, the 41-year-old’s remarkable run of durability may be coming to an end.
Morton made 30+ starts in six consecutive full seasons dating back to 2018 and has totaled 205 starts since then—sixth-most in the majors over that span. But this year, he’s getting knocked around, posting a 6.59 ERA and .286 batting average against, both his worst marks in over a decade.
Bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen, Morton remains active due to Baltimore’s injury-plagued pitching staff. But with a performance dip this severe, it’s tough to envision a long leash going forward.
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Justin Turner’s Bat Losing Steam with the Cubs
Justin Turner has been one of the league’s most professional hitters for nearly 15 years. But in his first season with the Chicago Cubs, the 40-year-old looks like he’s hit a wall.
Turner boasts a career .284/.362/.455 slash, a 125 wRC+, and a World Series ring from 2020. Even in recent seasons, he maintained above-average offensive numbers. However, 2025 has been a harsh reset. Through 37 games, Turner is hitting just .211/.302/.267 with a 68 wRC+, and his 18.9% strikeout rate is on pace to be the highest of his career.
With Michael Busch, Matt Shaw, and Seiya Suzuki emerging as the Cubs’ new offensive core, Turner’s path to at-bats is rapidly shrinking. A career built on reliability is now approaching a crossroads.
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Donovan Solano’s Spark Vanishes in Seattle
After reinventing himself post-30, Donovan Solano enjoyed an impressive second act in his career. Now with the Seattle Mariners, the 37-year-old looks like he’s reached the final chapter.
From 2019 to 2024, Solano hit .294/.353/.413 with a 112 wRC+, won a Silver Slugger, and became a valuable utility option across multiple infields. But 2025 has been brutal: a .181/.225/.205 slash line, two doubles, and just four RBIs in 38 games.
Solano’s versatility still gives him roster utility, but production this low is tough to justify, especially on a club competing for a postseason spot. Without a turnaround, the end could come quickly.
Tommy Pham’s Offense Disappearing in Pittsburgh
Tommy Pham has made a career out of proving doubters wrong, but this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 37-year-old is fighting an uphill battle against decline.
After suiting up for eight teams over the past four seasons, Pham continued to land gigs due to his grit and defensive hustle. But his bat has all but vanished—he’s slashing just .203/.279/.230 with a 27.3% strikeout rate, his worst since 2016.
Defensively, he’s held his own: four defensive runs saved, three outfield assists, and -1 OAA suggest a glove that still holds value. But on a team already buried in the NL standings, Pham’s veteran presence may only carry him so far if the bat doesn’t return.
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Kenley Jansen’s Grip on Closer Role Slipping in Anaheim
For years, Kenley Jansen was the model of consistency in the ninth inning. Now with the Los Angeles Angels, the 37-year-old’s dominance appears to be waning.
Jansen’s résumé is rock-solid: 461 career saves, four All-Star selections, and 16 seasons of elite-level production. But 2025 is telling a different story. While he has yet to blow a save, his 4.57 ERA, 8.0 K/9, and 2.1 HR/9 all mark career lows—or highs, depending on the stat. Opponents are batting .238 against him, the highest clip he’s ever allowed.
He still closes games, but the writing may be on the wall with stuff that's no longer fooling hitters at the same rate. Jansen’s past greatness can’t be denied, but the trends suggest his time as a high-leverage weapon is winding down.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
