May 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) looks on in the dougout during the third inning of the game against the Athletics at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Each year, there are players who unexpectedly get off to disappointing starts that shock not only their coaching staff but the fans as well. Here is a list of early 2025 MLB disappointments. Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment and let us know.
Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles
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)
As of July 1st, Rutschman’s hitting .227 and sitting out with an oblique strain
First Base: Jake Burger, Texas Rangers
Apr 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) hits a three-run home run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Burger was supposed to provide power in the middle of the Rangers’ lineup; he only has 10 HRs thus far
Second Base: Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves
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)
Albies is hitting .224 and looks lost at the plate
Shortstop: Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees
Apr 5, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) hits a three run double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Volpe has struggled both at the plate and in the field this season.
Third Base: Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 04: Royce Lewis #23 of the Minnesota Twins hits a grand slam off Lucas Giolito #27 of the Cleveland Guardians during the second inning at Progressive Field on September 04, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
The best ability is availability, and Lewis always seems to be on the IL
Outfield: Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves
Jul 2, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Harris’ current OBP is a paltry .239
Outfield: Anthony Santander, Toronto Blue Jays
May 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Anthony Santander (25) hits a two-run home run against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Santander signed a $92.5 million contract in the off-season and is hitting .179 with 6 HRs
Outfield: Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox
May 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) singles against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
It’s going to be hard for the White Sox to trade a .185 hitter with a hamstring injury
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
His ERA is currently 5.45
Starting Pitcher: Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 30: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning on Opening Day at loanDepot park on March 30, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The current ERA is 6.98
Starting Pitcher: Roki Sasaki, Los Angeles Dodgers
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 4: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch in the fifth inning during a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch on March 4, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Sasaki was supposed to help lead Los Angeles to another World Series; he’s only been able to pitch 34 innings due to injury
Relief Pitcher: Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves
May 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Has converted one save in the last 30 days
Relief Pitcher: Ryan Walker, San Francisco Giants
May 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Ryan Walker (74) pitches in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Lost the closer’s role early in the season and is now buried in the bullpen
Relief Pitcher: Jordan Romano, Philadelphia Phillies
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jordan Romano (68) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Has an ERA of 7.28 and has not gotten a save in well over a month
