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MLB: The Five Biggest Surprises This Season

Published

May 16, 2025

We are into mid-May, and the MLB season has provided us with plenty of surprises thus far. Whether it’s a team’s success or lack thereof, or a player who is exceeding or coming up short of expectations, there is a lot to break down. So, here are the five biggest surprises so far this season:

The Baltimore Orioles are In Last Place

BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 04: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles gets a lead-off hit in the first inning during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 4, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Just two seasons ago, the Orioles were a team on the rise, with an excellent young roster that was ready to be perennial contenders. Even last year, they contended for the AL East crown, made the playoffs for a 2nd straight season, and the optimism remained. Although the Yankees improved and the Red Sox have improved on paper, the Orioles should be contending with them, not battling with the White Sox for the worst record in the American League.

Minnesota Twins 13 Game Win Streak

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

Although it was snapped on Sunday in Milwaukee, the Twins going on a 13-game winning streak was not on my bingo card this year. They were an afterthought in the AL Central just two weeks ago, and now they are right there with the Guardians and Royals. Their starting pitching has been great, but their offense is still lacking.

Wilmer Flores NL RBI Leader

Mar 29, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores (41) at bat in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Flores is known mostly as a part-time player who excels against mostly left-handed pitching. This season, though, he has had some monster games and is making a huge impact for the Giants. If I gave you 50 guesses before the season began about who would be leading the NL in RBI in mid-May, Flores wouldn’t be one of them. His success is surprising, to say the least.

St. Louis Cardinals Contending In The NL Central

Apr 2, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera (48) tosses his bat after hitting a two run home run for his second home run of the game against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Entering the season, the Cardinals were considered to be in rebuild mode and the 4th or 5th best team in their division. Instead, they sit in 2nd place and have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past couple of weeks. They are getting great starting pitching, and young hitters like Herrera and Winn are exceeding expectations.

Diamondbacks SP Zac Gallen’s Struggles

Apr 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Gallen has been one of the best pitchers in the National League since he debuted in 2019 with the Marlins. He was traded to the D-Backs that same season and has been their ace, basically ever since. This season, however, Gallen has been anything but that. After his most recent outing, his ERA sits at 5.14 and his WHIP is 1.38. Furthermore, he has already allowed 10 HR this season after allowing just 13 all of last year.

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