PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 30: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on March 30, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
We are nearly a full month into the MLB season, and so far, there have been some big surprises. Here are the most surprising stories in the early going:
Trent Grisham Hitting Like Juan Soto
Apr 5, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) circles the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Besides Aaron Judge, Grisham has been the Yankees best hitter and they keep finding ways to get him into the lineup.
The Giants Are Playing Excellent Baseball
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 12: Jung Hoo Lee #51 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of the MLB spring game at Camelback Ranch on March 12, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Giants are sticking around with the Dodgers, Padres, and Diamondbacks in the early going.
The Braves Are Under .500
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the New York Mets during game one of a doubleheader at Citi Field on August 12, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The Braves are one of the best teams on paper, but have struggled early.
The Royals Can’t Hit
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 9: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates after hitting a walk-off single to defeat the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium on April 9, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
They were a playoff team last year and had a solid offense. This year, they are one of the worst lineups in the league.
The Cubs Are Hitting Everything
Mar 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Cubs lineup is beating up on everyone, and it’s why they sit in first place.
Devin Williams Is Struggling
TAMPA, FL – FEBRUARY 26: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees pitches during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
He has already allowed more runs this season than he did all of last year.
Junior Caminero Looks Like He’s A 10-Year Vet
Mar 29, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third base Junior Caminero (13) singles to right field against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images
He is the early favorite for AL Rookie Of The Year and looks poised.
Tyler Soderstrom Leads The League In HR
Apr 18, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Athletics first baseman Tyler Soderstrom (21) singles during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Soderstrom has taken the league by storm and is on pace for over 50 homers.
The Orioles Starting Pitching Is Terrible
Apr 20, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton (50) pitches during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Baltimore is struggling, and a lot of it has to do with their starting pitching getting knocked around.
Tyler Mahle Is The Rangers Best SP
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 06: Tyler Mahle #51 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Globe Life Field on August 06, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Mahle has been sensational in his first few starts for the Rangers and has been their ace.
