MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 01: Pete Crow-Armstrong #52 of the Chicago Cubs up to bat during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 01, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Each year, there are players who unexpectedly get off to hot starts and surprise not only their coaching staff but the fans as well. Here is a list of early 2025 MLB surprises. Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment and let us know.
Catcher: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
Apr 12, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) hits a solo-home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Raleigh has 33 HRs on the season and is on pace for 60
First Base: Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays
Jun 28, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (62) celebrates on the base path after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Aranda is batting in the .320’s thus far and bats cleanup vs. RHP
Second Base: Otto Lopez, Miami Marlins
Mar 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Otto Lopez (6) hits a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The speed was expected, but the power is developing nicely
Shortstop: Jacob Wilson, Sacramento Athletics
Jun 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Athletics short stop Jacob Wilson (5) singles in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
A rock-solid rookie hitting over .330 heading into the All-Star break
Third Base: Maikel Garcia, Kansas City Royals
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 06: Maikel Garcia #11 of the Kansas City Royals scores during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 06, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
He’s on pace for a 20/40 season
Outfield: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs
May 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a two-run single against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
50/50 is not out of the question if he can continue his hot hitting
Outfield: Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers
Jun 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick (10) hits a home run against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Frelick is finally hitting in the majors after two subpar seasons
Outfield: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
May 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) hits a single against the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Finally healthy, Buxton is showing his class at the plate
Starting Pitcher: Hunter Brown, Houston Astros
Apr 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown (58) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Brown has a 0.89 WHIP in 98 IP
Starting Pitcher: Kris Bubic, Kansas City Royals
Apr 11, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Has only won six games, but deserves way better with the way he’s looked on the mound
Starting Pitcher: Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers
Apr 7, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize (12) delivers in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
At 28, he’s finally looking like an ace
Relief Pitcher: Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox
Apr 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the tenth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The ageless Chapman looks better than ever
Relief Pitcher: Emilio Pagan, Cincinnati Reds
Apr 12, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan (15) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Took over for Alexis Diaz and has not looked back
Relief Pitcher: Will Vest, Detroit Tigers
Apr 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest (19) pitches in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Has emerged as the closer in a talented Tigers bullpen
