10 MLB players who could set records in 2025

Last year, De La Cruz established himself as an emerging star in Cincinnati. The Reds phenom was a first-time All-Star who hit 25 homers and swiped a Major League-leading 67 bags. Should he replicate his success on the base paths, the Reds speedster would join Jose Reyes (2005, 2006, 2007) as the only players since 2000 to notch 60+ stolen bases in consecutive seasons. 

Shohei Ohtani: First foreign-born player to win Cy Young and MVP in the same season

Fresh off a historic season in which he mashed 54 home runs and swiped 59 bags, Ohtani could add his name to the record books again in 2025. 

After rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery during his inaugural season with the Dodgers, the two-way star is expected to return to the mound as a starting pitcher. While his hitting prowess will keep him in MVP chatter, Ohtani is still an absolutely filthy pitcher who could push for the National League Cy Young Award, too. 

Should he win both awards, Ohtani would be the first foreign-born player to win MVP and Cy Young in a single season. 

Pete Alonso: Will the Polar Bear become the Mets all-time home runs leader?

Alonso enters the 2025 season just 26 home runs shy of tying Darryl Strawberry for the most all-time home runs in franchise history. Given that Alonso has mashed 30+ home runs in all but one season so far, it seems likely that the Polar Bear will become the Mets all-time home runs leader by season's end. 

Juan Soto and Pete Alonso: Could become the first Mets teammates with 40+ home runs each in a single season

This offseason, the Mets made headlines by inking Soto to a massive 15-year, $765 million contract. With the All-Star slugger now paired with the aforementioned Alonso, the Mets boast one of the most feared lineups in the majors. 

Should Soto (41) and Alonso (53) replicate their career-high home run totals, the hard-hitting duo would become the first Mets teammates to mash 40+ homers apiece in a single season. 

Clayton Kershaw: Could become the third pitcher in history to record 3,000+ strikeouts with a single franchise 

Kershaw has spent his entire 17-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and set numerous records along the way. With 32 strikeouts this season, he would join Bob Gibson and Walter Johnson as the only pitchers to record 3,000 strikeouts with a single franchise. 

Bobby Witt Jr.: Third consecutive 30/30 season

Last year, Witt Jr. became the first shortstop in MLB history with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 stolen bases. This year, he’s projected for 31 home runs and 36 stolen bases, which would be his third 30-30 season, all consecutive. 

With an encore performance, Witt Jr. would join Barry Bonds as the only players with three straight such seasons. Additionally, Witt. Jr would become the first player with at least 20 homers and 30 stolen bases in each of his first four seasons. 

Mike Trout: First Angel with 400 career home runs

Making history is nothing new for Trout. A three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, Trout is already a surefire Hall of Famer, but could add to his lengthy resume again this season.

With 22 home runs this season, Trout would become the first Angel with 400 career home runs. 

Paul Skenes: First Pirates pitcher with multiple seasons with a sub-2.00 ERA 

Skenes lived up to the hype in his rookie season in Pittsburgh. The former LSU standout went 11-3, fanned 170 batters and posted a 1.96 ERA through 23 starts. 

While its easier said than done, an encore performance would make Skenes the first Pirates pitcher with multiple seasons with a sub-2.00 ERA. 

Shohei Ohtani: Fastest player to reach 200+ homers and 200+ stolen bases

A two-way phenom, its only right that reigning NL MVP Ohtani makes it on this list twice. 

Through the first 860 games, Ohtani has compiled 225 homers (he hit career homer No. 226 during the Tokyo Series) and 145 stolen bases. If he's able to swipe 55+ bags in the first 59 games of the season, Ohtani would surpass Alfonso Soriano (929 games) for the fastest track to 200+ homers and 200+ stolen bases. 

Manny Machado: First Padre to notch 200 career home runs

Through six seasons in San Diego, Machado has quickly ascended the Padres all-time ranks. The two-time Gold Glove winner ranks top 10 in hits and RBI in Padres history, while also serving as the franchise's all-time leader in home runs.

With 33 home runs this season, Machado could become the first Padre with 200 career home runs.