Although the 2025 season is barely through the first month, several teams have already exceeded expectations. Let’s take a look at the three biggest surprises thus far.
1. Los Angeles Angels (8-5 entering Saturday)
At best, the Angels were projected to finish fourth in the AL West. They were an afterthought for the postseason; the Angels have not made the playoffs since 2014 and have not had a winning season since 2015. Although the Angels signed veterans such as pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and catcher Travis d’Arnaud, they did not appear to have the talent needed to contend in the AL West.
None of that has mattered thus far. The Angels are the only major league team that has not lost a series this year. Manager Ron Washington has already changed the organization’s culture. A healthy Mike Trout, who moved to right field, certainly helps. However, the Angels believe in themselves; while this hot start may not last, they may be better than expected.
2. San Francisco Giants (10-3 entering Saturday)
The NL West was expected to be the Dodgers’ playground. While the Diamondbacks and Padres were expected to contend for the postseason, the Dodgers’ spending spree led to Los Angeles being the prohibitive favorites to win the division. The Giants were, at best, expected to contend for the final wild-card spot.
Instead, the Giants find themselves just a half-game out of the division lead. The key has been their pitching staff — the Giants have a 2.74 ERA, the second-best mark in the majors. Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee has been a revelation in the middle of the lineup and leads the majors with seven doubles. The Giants are also not beating themselves, having made just three errors all season. While it is early, the Giants are showing they could be a force to be reckoned with this season.
3. Miami Marlins (6-7 entering Saturday)
The Marlins are in the midst of yet another rebuilding process, having traded away virtually every player making a respectable salary. Despite president of baseball operations Peter Bendix downplaying rumors, the only question for the Marlins heading into the 2025 season was when, not if, pitcher Sandy Alcantara would be traded away.
However, no one told the Marlins they were not supposed to be even respectable this season. While a 6-7 record may not be great, it is far better than expectations. Alcantara has been solid in his return from Tommy John surgery. Pitcher Max Meyer is performing like the top of the rotation arm he was expected to develop into. First baseman Matt Mervis not only looks rejuvenated with consistent playing time, but he has also been the Marlins’ best hitter with a .899 OPS and three homers. The Marlins may not be a playoff team, but they do not appear to be pushovers either.
*All stats as of Saturday, April 12
