And just like that, baseball is back. The 2025 MLB season got off to a great start, with all 30 teams taking the field this weekend. To say that there’s a lot to sort out would be an understatement. One of the great things about baseball is that you never know where the conversation will land. Did anyone think we would be talking about the New York Yankees and torpedoes in the same sentence? But after nine home runs on Saturday, that’s all anyone could talk about. While we likely could go on indefinitely as I empty my notepad of thoughts and observations, the thought process is to limit it to 10. Based on the state of the closers across baseball, we likely could fill that real estate with just bullpen news, but do we really want the frustration of a bullpen roundup? There’s a lot to consider, and the great news is that we’re just getting started.
The Torpedoes Have Landed in the Bronx
To be clear, not every New York Yankee has switched to the new torpedo bat, but it’s certainly gained some attention this weekend. From a scientific standpoint, it makes sense that the weight and focus of the bat would be in the barrel where contact is most frequent. However, it’s unconventional, and after hitting nine home runs and the Yankees putting a 20 spot on the scoreboard, its sure to generate attention. If the Yankees continue to hit at these levels, some chatter might continue, but what’s more interesting, is to see what other teams do. Ryan Jeffers was spotted using a similar bat on Sunday and Rhys Hoskins was one, of a few, Milwaukee players who planned to order some new lumber. I’m not sure we need to overreact, or really react, but things could be interesting.
It’s Still Early in the Season
As we go into April, the overarching theme will continue to be that it’s early in the season. The sample sizes are small, etc., and whatever other cliches you want to throw at the wall. But you still have to react to what’s in front of you. The results on the field matter and count just the same as a three or four-game stretch in July. We have to treat them the same while putting them in the proper context. But at the same time, some real stuff did happen between the white lines, and our attention was required.
Did the Yankees and Aaron Judge Really Need Juan Soto?
Based on what Aaron Judge did this weekend, that didn’t appear to be the case. Juan Soto did hit a resounding home run in his first weekend with the New York Mets, but Judge deserves all of our attention. Over the last three games, though, the outfielder wasn’t alone. Judge has already gone deep four times this year and takes a .545 average and 11 RBI into the first full week of the season. Jazz Chisholm looks increasingly comfortable in his first full year with the Yankees. Not to be overshadowed, he looks good at second base and has three home runs to begin the season while forming a prolific double-play duo with Anthony Volpe, who has two home runs as well. While unconventional, both Austin Wells and Paul Goldschmidt had success at the top of the order for New York. That simply set the tone for the rest of the lineup.
Fernando Tatis is Healthy
There has been no disputing of Fernando Tatis’ talent, but health hasn’t consistently been on his side as of late. Not only is he healthy and in the lineup to begin the year, but he’s been keen on showing that off in all aspects of his game. Through four games, Tatis is hitting .467 with a home run and five runs scored, but that’s burying the lead. After stealing just 11 bases in 102 games last year, Tatis is already up to three on the young season. That is a very encouraging sign.
Is Rafael Devers Healthy?
Not only were there issues with Rafael Devers’ shoulders in the offseason, but there was controversy as to where he would, or wouldn’t play in the field. After some potential issues were resolved, or maybe pushed aside, Devers began the season as Boston’s DH. It was an abbreviated Spring Training, and while there are no outward signs of any issues, it’s only natural to have concerns. Through four games, Devers is hitless in 18 plate appearances with a staggering 66.7% strikeout rate.
Should we Worry About the Atlanta Braves?
Things couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start for the Atlanta Braves as they left San Diego with an 0-4 record. In the four games, the Braves hit .148 while scoring only seven runs. It goes without saying that nothing went according to plan for the Braves despite being healthy aside from the continuing rehab of Ronald Acuna. While there were some issues in the bullpen, we are looking at you, Hector Neris, the Atlanta pitching staff could have been worse. They allowed a total of 17 runs in four games but simply didn’t hit. That’s not to say Dylan Cease and Michael King don’t deserve our respect, but Randy Vasquez and Nick Pivetta should have been hittable. It wasn’t an ideal first weekend, but don’t read too much into Atlanta’s struggles yet.
Enjoy Jacob deGrom While We Can
The track record doesn’t support it, but Jacob deGrom could win the AL Cy Young this year. To be clear, we need to separate his performance from his health over the past few years. When his body allows him to be on the mound, deGrom can deliver the results. He got off to a great start on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox. deGrom threw five innings of scoreless baseball. Boston managed just two runs and two hits off deGrom as he struck out six. With just 73 pitches, efficiency was also there as we were allowed to dream of a full season of success from the right-hander.
How Much More Will We See of David Bednar
When it comes to closers, a sure thing doesn’t exist. While previously an All-Star, we can’t consider David Bednar to be secure in his role. After emerging on the scene, Bednar struggled on his way to 23 saves last year while recording a 5.77 ERA. It did come with a 4.37 xERA, and the thought was that Bednar would be in the role again in 2025. Despite a rough Spring Training, Pittsburgh is certainly trying, but Bednar isn’t cooperating. In three games, Bednar has one save and two losses. Even in the game in which he was “successful”, Bednar still allowed a two-run homer. At this point, Bednar’s time in the role has to be numbered, with Colin Holderman a name to keep in mind.
Eugenio Suarez Can Hit
When it comes to batting average, Eugenio Suarez doesn’t stand out from the pack. He’s a career .249 hitter, but Suarez is also a legit run producer and power hitter. To begin the season, he’s picked up where he left off with four home runs and seven RBI as part of a solid Arizona lineup.
Don’t Sleep on Tyler Soderstrom
Just because the Athletics don’t have a real home and they play most of their games when a lot of baseball fans are already asleep, it doesn’t mean Tyler Soderstrom should be ignored. There’s some real power in play with Soderstrom, and he’s gotten what could be a breakout season off to a good start. Strikeouts will always be something to keep an eye on, but we can’t dispute the power. Soderstrom has three home runs in four games to begin the season, and there’s a clear path to a 30-home-run season.
