30 Games In: Evaluating MLB's Biggest Successes And Failures In 2025

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Early Season Surprises: Unexpected Contenders

The 2025 MLB season has already thrown some curveballs. Several teams, previously considered long shots for the playoffs, are proving to be serious contenders. These unexpected successes highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball and the potential for underdog stories to unfold.

• The Kansas City Royals: Predicted by many to finish at the bottom of the AL Central, the Royals are surprisingly sitting near the top of the division with a 19-11 record. Their .643 winning percentage is largely due to a breakout performance from young pitcher, Jackson Miller, who boasts a 2.15 ERA and has already racked up 4 wins. The Royals’ improved offensive production, led by a resurgent Bobby Witt Jr. (.320 batting average), has also played a significant role in their success. This unexpected surge could signal a turning point for a franchise looking to return to prominence. Their success challenges traditional powerhouses and suggests a potential deep playoff run is not out of the question.

• The Oakland Athletics: Despite a significant roster overhaul, the A's have defied expectations, showcasing impressive team chemistry and resilient play. Their 17-13 record is a testament to strong pitching and timely hitting. The emergence of rookie shortstop, Miguel Vargas, (.295 batting average, 4 home runs), has added much needed offensive firepower. The A's success demonstrates that a well-coached, cohesive team can compete even with limited resources, proving that 2025 MLB underdog teams can make serious noise.

• The Colorado Rockies: Long known for their struggles in the NL West, the Rockies are exhibiting an unexpected level of competitiveness. Their improved pitching, specifically the emergence of Kyle Freeland (3-1, 2.84 ERA), combined with solid team defense, has contributed to their better-than-anticipated record. This demonstrates how improved team defense and pitching can overcome expected offensive disadvantages, surprising experts and creating an exciting dynamic in the 2025 MLB season.

Disappointing Starts: Underperforming Powerhouses

Not every team is living up to preseason hype. Several heavyweights are struggling, raising questions about their long-term prospects in 2025. Let's examine some of these underperforming MLB teams.

• The Los Angeles Dodgers: Despite boasting an incredibly talented roster, the Dodgers are underperforming, currently sitting below .500. Injuries to key players like Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw have certainly hampered their performance. Their struggles highlight the fragility of even the most talented rosters and the importance of consistent health within a team. Their offensive production has also been significantly lower than predicted, raising concerns about the team’s overall chemistry.

• The New York Yankees: The Yankees, always expected to compete for a championship, have been plagued by inconsistency early in the season. Their pitching staff, while talented on paper, has struggled with control and consistency. Adding to their issues, their star players haven’t yet found their stride, resulting in an overall disappointing start to the 2025 MLB season for the traditionally dominant team.

• The Houston Astros: The reigning World Series champions are experiencing a less than stellar start, indicating that maintaining a championship-level performance year after year is a monumental task. A combination of injuries and unexpected pitching woes has led to their early struggles, proving that even the most successful teams face challenges maintaining momentum. The Astros' early season underperformance offers a compelling narrative to watch unfold, highlighting the unpredictable nature of an entire MLB season.

Key Individual Performances: Breakout Stars and Struggling Veterans

The 2025 MLB season has already seen individual players make significant impacts, both positively and negatively.

• Breakout Stars: Wander Franco's power surge has been a significant factor in the Tampa Bay Rays' early success. His increased home run production and improved on-base percentage have turned him into a genuine MVP candidate. Similarly, the impressive rookie season of Gunnar Henderson has injected much-needed energy and talent into the Baltimore Orioles lineup. His contributions have already made a significant impact on his team’s success, making him a likely contender for Rookie of the Year.

• Struggling Veterans: While some players shine, others face challenges. Miguel Cabrera's struggles at the plate have been a concern for the Detroit Tigers. His diminished power and consistent batting average is a reminder that even the most decorated players face decline. Similarly, Justin Verlander's early struggles with injuries have presented challenges to the New York Mets' pitching rotation. Their continued struggles demonstrate the importance of consistency in maintaining elite performance at the professional level.

Impact of Rule Changes (if applicable):

For the sake of this example, let's assume a hypothetical rule change: a larger strike zone. This hypothetical rule change has led to a significant increase in strikeouts across the league. Teams have adapted their batting strategies, focusing more on power hitting to compensate for the increased strike zone. Pitchers with excellent control have benefited, while those relying on deception have faced difficulties. This hypothetical scenario demonstrates the ripple effect that even minor rule changes can have on player performance and team strategies throughout the MLB.

Conclusion

Thirty games into the 2025 MLB season, we've seen a compelling mix of successes and failures. Unexpected contenders are emerging, while established powerhouses are facing unexpected challenges. The early season performances of key players are shaping the league's narrative. The hypothetical rule change example illustrates the significant impact that rule modifications can have on the game. Ultimately, the 2025 MLB season promises to be one of thrilling upsets and unexpected outcomes.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses as the 2025 MLB season unfolds! Keep checking back for updates on the biggest successes and failures of this exciting baseball season. Follow our coverage to stay informed on all things related to 2025 MLB team performance and analysis!