The most surprising player from MLB team for the 2025 season

Perdomo was well-regarded by his team and fans coming into 2025, but his offensive breakout campaign was still a major surprise. As of early September, Perdomo led the team in WAR, had more walks than strikeouts, and was in contention for a 20/20 season.

Kurtz was a top prospect entering 2025 after being selected fourth overall in last year's draft, but few expected his impact to be this fast. He's the likely AL Rookie of the Year, posting an OPS above 1.000 and hitting .308-28-72 through his first 96 career games. The A's have reason for optimism with Kurtz and other young stars like Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and Shea Langeliers.

For all that has gone wrong in Atlanta this season, Baldwin's rookie season has been an exception. He's created an excellent catching tandem with Sean Murphy, hitting .280-15-62 through his first 103 games played. It looks like the Braves have found their long-term answer at catcher.

The O's saw major regression this season, but Rogers was a pleasant surprise. Acquired from the Marlins at the trade deadline last year, the lefty has been dominant with a 1.39 ERA in his first 14 starts. Along with the return of Kyle Bradish from injury late this year, Baltimore has some reason for optimism from their pitching staff going into 2026.

The hard-throwing Chapman was an elite closer earlier in his career, but poor control started to sink that status in his 30s. That all changed this season, as the lefty showed some of the best control of his career and posted a 1.00 ERA with 28 saves through his first 59 appearances. Boston was so happy with Chapman that they signed him to an extension before the season ended.

Crow-Armstrong made an immediate impact when he was promoted last year, but he's become a star this season. He's on the cusp of a 30/30 season while playing elite defense in center field, and was one of the team's All-Star representatives.

The White Sox struck gold with their Rule 5 draft choice this season. Smith was the White Sox All-Star rep, and is having a strong season as the team's ace with a sub-4.00 ERA through 24 starts.

After an inconsistent first two seasons, Abbott emerged as Cincinnati's clear ace this year. The lefty posted a 2.65 ERA and 1.12 WHIP through his first 24 starts, helping keep the Reds in the playoff race for much of the season.

Manzardo's breakout season has been big for an offense that's been mostly anemic in Cleveland. He's shown big power with 25 home runs through 121 games played, realizing his potential as a former top prospect.

Goodman showed outstanding power in the minors, but there were questions about his defensive position. He's been adequate enough defensively behind the plate this season to play every day, and the offense has followed. The first-time All-Star hit .280-27-83 through his first 123 games played this season.

McKinstry is one of several surprises on a roster that has proven to be very deep. He's played all over the field this season but mostly at third base, hitting .267-11-46 with 11 steals and an OPS near .800 through 127 games played.

The Astros have had multiple surprising pitcher contributions this season, but Okert's has been the most consistent. The veteran has posted a 3.03 ERA with a K/BB near 5.00 in his first 58 appearances after struggling in Miami and Minnesota over the last two years.

Unfortunately, Bubic's season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury, but he was an ace before going down. The lefty posted a 2.55 ERA in 20 starts before going down, making the All-Star team.

We saw glimpses of Adell's arrival last season, and the toolsy outfielder has finally put it all together this year. He led the team with 33 home runs through early September and is also well on his way to a 100 RBI season.

The Dodgers' bullpen has been ravaged by injuries this season, so Dreyer's emergence has been needed. The 26-year-old posted a 2.82 ERA through 57 appearances.

The Marlins future looks much brighter than it did one year ago, with breakouts like Stowers, Jakob Marsee, and Agustin Ramirez. Stowers was an All-Star, and has hit .288-25-73 before going down with an injury in August.

Collins was only seen as a role player before this season, with Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, and Sal Frelick set in the Brewers outfield. He's been much more, hitting .275-9-54 with 16 steals and an OPS above .800 through 116 games played. Collins has been one of many pleasant surprises that also include Andrew Vaughn, Quinn Priester, Chad Patrick, and Grant Anderson.

Keaschall was been one of Minnesota's few surprises in a very rough season. The rookie looks like a budding star, hitting .328/.418/.508 with nine stolen bases through his first 33 career games.

The Mets appeared to have confidence in Holmes when they signed him to a two-year deal and converted him to starting this offseason. Their optimism has paid off, with Holmes going 11-7 with a 3.61 ERA through his first 28 starts this season. Surprisingly, he's been the team's most durable starter despite the conversion from relief.

Grisham has shown evidence he can hit during his career, but the last time he produced an OPS better than league-average was 2021. His power has been on display this season, reaching 30 home runs and becoming a key cog in the Yankees' lineup.

Banks was a solid piece of the Phillies' pen before this season, but he's been arguably their most consistent contributor in 2025. The veteran lefty had a 2.98 ERA with only 10 walks through 60.1 innings pitched.

It's been another forgettable season for the Pirates, but Ashcraft has emerged as a potential ace. He's seen an uptick in velocity since arriving in the majors in the second half, helping him post a 2.44 ERA through 22 appearances, including six starts.

Morejon was very good last season, but he's on the short list of the league's best relievers this year. The lefty was an All-Star and was 11-4 with a 1.85 ERA and 0.79 WHIP through 65 appearances.

Rodriguez is out for the rest of 2025 and likely all of 2026 after Tommy John surgery, a painful reality after the season he had before getting injured. He posted a 1.78 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 50 appearances, and was anointed the team's closer shortly before his injury.

Raleigh was a star before this season, but he's taken his game to new heights in 2025. The catcher is a frontrunner for AL MVP as the first catcher to hit 50 home runs, and has led the AL in home runs and RBI for much of the year.

The Cardinals have seen multiple surprises in their pen this season, led by Svanson. The rookie has been excellent, posting a 2.03 ERA and more than one strikeout per inning through his first 31 appearances.

Aranda was once an elite minor league hitter, but never saw his performance transfer to the majors until this season. He hit .316-12-54 with an .871 OPS before suffering an injury in late July.

Corbin hasn't been much more than league-average this season, but it's more than the Rangers could have hoped when they signed the lefty. He was one of the game's worst starters over the previous four seasons in Washington, but showed strong improvement this year with a 4.48 ERA through his first 26 starts.

Barger was a top prospect in the minors and has emerged as a regular right fielder for Toronto this season. His power has been on full display with 19 home runs through his first 114 games.

There hasn't been much to brag about in Washington this season, but Wood's continued development has been promising. While he'd led the NL in strikeouts, Wood is on pace for a 30 home run season as he builds on his strong rookie debut last year.