Even though the 2025 season is only in its first month, several teams have already exceeded expectations. Let’s look at the three biggest surprises so far.
- Los Angeles Angels (8-5 entering Saturday)
At best, the Angels were expected to finish fourth in the AL West. The Angels were an afterthought in the postseason; they haven’t made the playoffs since 2014 and haven’t won a season since 2015. Despite signing veterans such as pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and catcher Travis d’Arnaud, the Angels did not appear to have enough talent to compete in the AL West.
So far, none of this has mattered. The Angels are the only major league team that has yet to lose a series this season. Manager Ron Washington has already transformed the organization’s culture. A healthy Mike Trout, who has moved to right field, certainly helps. However, the Angels believe in themselves; while their hot start may not last, they may outperform expectations.
- San Francisco Giants (10-3 entering Saturday)
The Dodgers were expected to dominate the National League West. While the Diamondbacks and Padres were expected to compete for the postseason, the Dodgers’ spending spree made Los Angeles the overwhelming favorite to win the division. The Giants were expected to compete for the final wild card spot.
Instead, the Giants are only a half-game out of the division lead. The Giants’ pitching staff has been instrumental, with a 2.74 ERA, the second-best in the majors.
Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee has been a revelation in the middle of the lineup, leading the majors with seven doubles. The Giants are also not beating themselves up, having made only three errors this season. While it is early in the season, the Giants are demonstrating that they have the potential to be a formidable opponent.
- Miami Marlins (6-7 entering Saturday)
The Marlins are in the midst of yet another rebuilding process, having traded almost every player with a respectable salary. Despite president of baseball operations Peter Bendix dismissing rumors, the Marlins’ only question heading into the 2025 season was when, not if, pitcher Sandy Alcantara would be traded.
Nobody told the Marlins that they weren’t supposed to be respectable this season. A 6-7 record may not be ideal, but it is far superior to expectations. Alcantara has made a solid recovery from Tommy John surgery. Pitcher Max Meyer is performing like the top-tier rotation arm he was expected to become.
Matt Mervis, the Marlins’ first baseman, not only appears rejuvenated after receiving consistent playing time, but he has also been the team’s best hitter, with a.899 OPS and three home runs. The Marlins may not be in the playoffs, but they do not appear to be pushovers.
