Though the 2025 season is barely by the primary month, a number of groups have already exceeded expectations. Let’s check out the three largest surprises up to now.
1. Los Angeles Angels (8-5 coming into Saturday)
At greatest, the Angels have been projected to complete fourth within the AL West. They have 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 reminiscent of 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 up to now. The Angels are the only major league team that has not misplaced a sequence this yr. 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 might 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 have 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 have been, at greatest, anticipated to contend for the ultimate wild-card spot.
As an alternative, 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 could possibly be a pressure 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 can be traded away.
Nevertheless, nobody instructed the Marlins they weren’t presupposed to be even respectable this season. Whereas a 6-7 report will 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 turn into. First baseman Matt Mervis not solely seems to be rejuvenated with constant enjoying time, however he has additionally been the Marlins’ greatest hitter with a .899 OPS and three homers. The Marlins will not be a playoff group, however they don’t seem like pushovers both.
*All stats as of Saturday, April 12
