The 25 most surprising players from the 2025 MLB season so far

A hitting star at Triple-A, the 27-year-old Aranda is finally producing in the majors. He hit .327-5-17 with a .964 OPS through 129 plate appearances.

Bubic has helped make a good starting rotation better, moving from the bullpen to the rotation this year. The lefty had a 1.69 ERA and 1.10 WHIP through his first eight starts.

Call's .343 batting average in 30 MLB games last season looked like a fluke given his track record, but he's showing further growth this year. He's hit .329 with 16/9 BB/K in his first 93 plate appearances.

LA's pitching depth has been tested again this season, and Casparius' contribution is a big reason they are still standing tall. Pitching in multiple roles, Casparius started the season 4-0 with a 2.81 ERA and 28/5 K/BB in 25.2 innings.

Coulombe has been an incredible find for the Twins bullpen after being added from Baltimore in the offseason. The veteran lefty didn't allow a run through his first 17 appearances, with 17/1 K/BB in 15.1 innings.

Crow-Armstrong showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, but now appears to be a legitimate MVP candidate. He hit .265-9-27 with 13 steals through 40 games while playing Gold Glove defense.

When healthy, Flores has proven to be a fine hitter during his career and is showing that ability again this season. He's hit .245-7-33 through his first 149 plate appearances.

Grisham has been more of a defensive contributor than an offensive player during his MLB career, but has started 2025 hot. He hit .276-10-20 through 112 plate appearances.

The Mets had some scratching their heads when they signed Holmes as a starter in the offseason after years as the Yankees' closer. He's made the team look brilliant so far, going 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA and more than one strikeout per inning through eight starts.

Kelly looks like a massive bargain after signing a two-year, $11.5 million deal with Chicago in the offseason. He's hit .333-8-23 with 18/10 BB/K in 89 plate appearances.

The Cardinals front office took criticism for trading Randy Arozarena for Liberatore before the 2020 season, but their projection is finally coming true for the lefty. He's shown elite control, helping him post a 3.07 ERA through seven starts.

Arm issues have nagged Mahle in recent seasons, but he's looked healthy early in 2025. The right-hander was 3-1 with a 1.48 ERA and 0.98 WHIP through eight starts.

Perdomo signed a contract extension before this season, and is already rewarded Arizona's confidence. He's hit .293-5-30 with nine steals and more walks than strikeouts in 40 games.

Following a down year offensively, Polanco has rebounded this year in spite of injury issues. He's hit .327-9-28 through 111 plate appearances.

The Yankees' offense has managed without Giancarlo Stanton in large part due to Rice's breakout season. He's posting a .905 OPS with eight home runs in his first 138 plate appearances.

The Giants have some big names in their bullpen, but it's the little-known Rodriguez who has been their best reliever early this year. He's posting a 1.08 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 24/2 K/BB through 16.2 innings.

The A's added Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs in the offseason, but Sears has been their ace early this year. The lefty has a 2.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through eight starts, showing improved control.

After struggling to find his form in four seasons with the White Sox, Sheets has helped save the Padres' offense. He's hit .296-5-21 through 119 plate appearances.

Soderstrom fought injuries last season, but has been excellent at the plate this year, back to full health. He's hitting .288-9-27 through 40 games, and has seen a shift to the outfield as the team tries to keep his bat in the lineup.

Texas has struggled with injuries and anemic offense early this season, though Smith has been a savior. He's appeared at every position other than catcher,  and hit .315-4-10 through 125 plate appearances.

A Rule 5 draft choice from Milwaukee this offseason, Smith has given the rebuilding White Sox some hope. He's posted a 2.08 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through eight starts.

Stowers failed to get his shot in Baltimore, but is making the most of his playing time with Miami. The former second-round pick has started the season hitting .294-7-26 in 145 plate appearances.

A potent power bat with five seasons of 30-plus home runs, Suarez is off to a very hot start even by his standards. The veteran has 12 home runs through 40 games, including a four home run game on April 26 vs. the Braves.

The former first pick in the draft in 2020, Torkelson's career was at a crossroads after his struggles last season. He's responded by hitting .245-10-32 with an .881 OPS through 40 games.

Wilson hit above .400 in the minors, but there were doubts about his MLB ceiling entering this season. He's been terrific for the A's and the early favorite for AL Rookie of the Year, hitting .358 with an .863 OPS and only eight strikeouts through 38 games.