Though the 2025 season is barely via the primary month, a number of groups have already exceeded expectations. Let’s check out the three greatest surprises so far.
1. Los Angeles Angels (8-5 coming into Saturday)
At finest, the Angels had been projected to complete fourth within the AL West. They had been an afterthought for the postseason; the Angels haven’t made the playoffs since 2014 and haven’t had a profitable season since 2015. Though the Angels signed veterans corresponding to pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and catcher Travis d’Arnaud, they didn’t seem to have the expertise wanted to contend within the AL West.
None of that has mattered so far. The Angels are the only major league team that has not misplaced a collection this 12 months. Supervisor Ron Washington has already changed the organization’s culture. A wholesome Mike Trout, who moved to proper discipline, actually helps. Nevertheless, the Angels consider in themselves; whereas this sizzling begin might not final, they could be higher than anticipated.
2. San Francisco Giants (10-3 coming into Saturday)
The NL West was anticipated to be the Dodgers’ playground. Whereas the Diamondbacks and Padres had been anticipated to contend for the postseason, the Dodgers’ spending spree led to Los Angeles being the prohibitive favorites to win the division. The Giants had been, at finest, anticipated to contend for the ultimate wild-card spot.
As a substitute, the Giants discover themselves only a half-game out of the division lead. The important thing has been their pitching workers — the Giants have a 2.74 ERA, the second-best mark within the majors. Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee has been a revelation in the midst of the lineup and leads the majors with seven doubles. The Giants are additionally not beating themselves, having made just three errors all season. Whereas it’s early, the Giants are exhibiting they may very well be a power to be reckoned with this season.
3. Miami Marlins (6-7 coming into Saturday)
The Marlins are within the midst of yet one more rebuilding course of, having traded away nearly each participant making a good wage. Regardless of president of baseball operations Peter Bendix downplaying rumors, the one query for the Marlins heading into the 2025 season was when, not if, pitcher Sandy Alcantara could be traded away.
Nevertheless, nobody informed the Marlins they weren’t imagined to be even respectable this season. Whereas a 6-7 document might not be nice, it is much better than expectations. Alcantara has been strong in his return from Tommy John surgical procedure. Pitcher Max Meyer is performing like the highest of the rotation arm he was anticipated to become. First baseman Matt Mervis not solely appears rejuvenated with constant taking part in time, however he has additionally been the Marlins’ finest hitter with a .899 OPS and three homers. The Marlins might not be a playoff group, however they don’t look like pushovers both.
*All stats as of Saturday, April 12
