Three MLB teams that may be surprise contenders in 2025

Athletics, seriously

New stadium, new Athletics? That might be the case for A's fans, as we may see a window open for the Athletics to win. While they didn't have a fantastic 2024 season, winning only 69 games and placing fourth in the AL West, it was a step in the right direction from their 50-win 2023 campaign. 

Along with this, A's ownership is doing something fans have been waiting forever for — spending money. Over the offseason, the A's signed Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million contract, the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history. The A's also struck gold with some of their young prospects, notably their fireballing rookie closer Mason Miller, who took the MLB by storm, and their electric right-fielder Lawrence Butler, who was extended this offseason to a seven-year, $65.5 million deal.

It's hard for a team to contend without a veteran captain though, and the A's have just that in the form of possibly the most underrated player in the league, Brent Rooker. The 30-year-old had an unbelievable offensive season in 2024, slashing .293/.365/.562 and cementing himself as one of the best DHs in the league. He along with some of the young talent will be the X factors that may make this Athletics team soar to new heights. 

Chicago Cubs

In a division that has been dominated for the past two years by Milwaukee, the Cubs might have a chance to knock them off of the throne. Chicago has been stuck in an in-between during the recent seasons, winning 83 games in 2024, but they have gone all-in this offseason by acquiring three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker.

The 28-year-old is undoubtedly one of the largest needle-movers that the Cubs have obtained in recent years, but he only has one year until he is a free agent, placing a great extent of pressure on the Cubbies to win some games.

Tampa Bay Rays

Over the past three years, the Rays have been a lightning rod for misfortune. From losing the face of their franchise, to now starting their season without their home stadium, Tampa Bay fans have been put through the wringer. 

After a sour 2024 season, the Rays may be moving back towards the machine they once were in the past. Although he will be starting the season injured, Tampa Bay's ace Shane McClanahan is ready to lead the way for the Rays' pitching staff, and rookie third-baseman Junior Caminero is aiming to become a breakout star.  

The AL East is jammed with talent headlined by the 2024 American League Champion New York Yankees, the young and dangerous Baltimore Orioles, and the up-and-coming Boston Red Sox, but the Rays might be able to sneak their way into the AL East competition within the first few months and may catch some fans by surprise.

With the MLB season set to start on Thursday, there will be many major storylines and big teams to watch throughout the season, but make sure to keep an eye out for some of these sleeper teams and players, because they may just surprise you when September rolls around.