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Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

MLB players poised for impactful 2025 comebacks

By Colin Cerniglia | Last updated Feb 8, 2025 2:45 PM ET

Baseball thrives on comebacks — those defining moments when players rise from injury to restore their greatness. For these high-stakes returns, redemption isn’t just possible, it’s critical.

If these familiar faces can replicate their past performances, they’ll provide the spark their teams need to turn the page on injury-plagued seasons and chase their championship dreams.

Here’s a glimpse at six players who could change the game in 2025:

OF Ronald Acuna Jr. – Atlanta Braves

Acuna’s talent is undeniable despite recurring knee injuries. He bounced back from a 2021 ACL tear to power an MVP-caliber 2023 season, but his injury woes deepened with another left ACL tear in May 2024. While his speed may take time to return, his bat is expected to drive Atlanta’s lineup when he rejoins the Braves in the first half.

FanGraphs Projection: 4.9 WAR, .293 BA, 25 home runs and .517 SLG

LHP Shane McClanahan – Tampa Bay Rays

Before Tommy John surgery in August 2023, McClanahan was emerging as one of baseball’s elite left-handers, earning two consecutive All-Star nods. Now healthy entering spring training, he is expected to lead the Rays on Opening Day and help steer Tampa Bay back into contention after a disappointing 2024.

FanGraphs Projection: 3.1 WAR, 159 IP and 3.28 ERA

RHP Shane Bieber – Cleveland Guardians

Bieber was dominant until Tommy John surgery in April 2024 paused his momentum. Facing free agency, he chose to remain with the Guardians. His return later this summer is expected to stabilize a rotation in turmoil and reignite Cleveland’s pitching strength.

FanGraphs Projection: 25 games pitched, 15 starts, 3.61 ERA and 1.5 WAR

RHP Sandy Alcantara – Miami Marlins

The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner was poised to propel Miami into postseason contention before Tommy John surgery in October 2023 derailed his momentum. With the Marlins in a rebuild, his return may spark trade rumors. Under a contract of $34.6M over two seasons plus a $21M option for 2027, every outing will be under close scrutiny as he strives to reclaim his ace form.

FanGraphs Projection: 3.3 WAR, 179.0 IP and 3.64 ERA

OF Evan Carter – Texas Rangers

Once hailed as a top prospect and key contributor on a World Series winner, Carter’s progress was halted by a back strain in May 2024 and an ablation procedure in October. With Wyatt Langford taking center stage, the 22-year-old Carter now returns to a talented Rangers lineup, and a healthy season could finally showcase his true potential.

FanGraphs Projection: 2.2 WAR, 13 home runs and .333 OBP

OF Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels

Trout’s season ignited with dynamic play until a torn meniscus in his left knee led to two surgeries that ended his campaign. Now 33 and back with a dismal Angels team, Trout’s focus shifts to providing the consistency his team desperately needs rather than chasing postseason glory.

FanGraphs Projection: 30 home runs, .506 SLG and 4.2 WAR

Colin Cerniglia

Colin Cerniglia is an Amazon bestselling author, co-host of the "2 Jocks and a Schlub" podcast from Blue Wire, and a contributor to The Charlotte Observer. With a deep passion for baseball and college football, he offers extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to his writing. Colin resides in Charlotte, NC, with his wife and two daughters

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