One Must-Watch Player from Every Team for the 2025 MLB Season.

Breakout stars, key contributors, and rising talents to watch in 2025. This list highlights top prospects, underrated gems, and household names poised to take their biggest leap yet.

Jonathan Aranda (Tampa Bay Rays)

Jonathan Aranda’s 2024 was impressive, showcasing his high-upside left-handed power bat. His ability to consistently drive the ball was evident in his metrics:

• 91.9 MPH EV

• 16.5% Barrel%

• 48.5% Hard Hit%

His Brls/PA% (11.2%) ranked 6th in all of MLB (min. 50 PA), highlighting his elite bat-to-barrel skills. With improved plate discipline and consistent at-bats, Aranda could become a major force in Tampa Bay’s lineup in 2025.

Addison Barger (Toronto Blue Jays)

Barger’s quick, compact uppercut swing generates elite power, allowing him to punish pitches with authority. His 2024 AAA metrics placed him in the top 20%, showcasing his advanced bat speed and ability to barrel the ball:

.376 wOBA

.389 xwOBA

90.1 MPH EV

113.2 MPH Max EV

47.7% Hard-Hit%

46.4% LA Sweet Spot%

With his strong plate approach and power potential, Barger is primed to make an impact in Toronto’s lineup in 2025, potentially forcing his way into an everyday role.

Kristian Campbell (Boston Red Sox)

Campbell stands out in so many ways, showcasing a rare blend of power, speed, and contact skills. He was the only MiLB player in 2024 to achieve:

20+ HR

20+ SB

.300+ Batting Average

He paired this elite production with a 180 wRC+, demonstrating his advanced approach and all-around offensive impact. With his dynamic skill set and ability to contribute in multiple facets, Campbell is primed to make a big impact for the Red Sox in 2025, potentially carving out a key role in Boston’s lineup.

Jasson Domínguez (New York Yankees)

One of the league’s top prospects for years, Jasson Domínguez, is set for a full-time role in New York’s lineup in 2025. His blend of power, speed, and plate discipline gives him the potential to be a dynamic force for the Yankees.

Fangraphs 2025 Projection:

141 G, 609 PA

21 HR, 70 RBI, 21 SB

.249/.326/.417, .324 wOBA, 112 wRC+

With above-average power and speed, Domínguez has the tools to be a legitimate impact player in New York’s outfield, potentially adding much-needed athleticism and versatility to the Yankees' lineup. If he continues developing his approach, he could emerge as a key offensive weapon for the Bronx Bombers.

Keegan Akin (Baltimore Orioles)

Akin quietly put together an impressive 2024, posting a 3.22 ERA over 78.2 IP, backed by elite expected stats (2.45 xERA, .184 xBA), both ranking in the top 3% of all MLB pitchers.

His ability to miss bats was a key factor in his success, generating a 30.0% whiff rate and 31.0% K% (Top 18%), making him a valuable weapon out of Baltimore’s bullpen.

With his elite command, swing-and-miss stuff, and ability to limit hard contact, Akin could play a major high-leverage role for the Orioles in 2025, giving them a dominant left-handed option in their relief corps.

Bryan Woo (Seattle Mariners)

Woo’s electric fastball and elite command make him a key piece of one of MLB’s top rotations. He posted a 2.72 xERA, walked just 2.8% of batters faced (100th percentile), and excelled at limiting hard contact with a 4.8% Barrel% and 25.2% Hard-Hit%.

His fastball’s life and movement allow him to dominate hitters despite a lower velocity, while his ability to pound the zone without sacrificing effectiveness makes him one of baseball’s most efficient young arms.

With continued development, Woo has the potential to be a breakout star in 2025, solidifying himself as a top-tier starter in Seattle’s already elite rotation.

Wyatt Langford (Texas Rangers)

Langford has the potential to be one of the most dynamic bats in 2025, with the tools to solidify himself as a premium player. His elite late-season surge in 2024 showcased his star potential:

Last Month of 2024:

114 PA, 30 H, 8 HR, 7 2B, 20 RBI, 25 R

.300/.386/.610, .422 wOBA, 180 wRC+

1.6 fWAR (2nd highest in MLB over this span)

His advanced approach, power, and ability to drive the ball to all fields make him a major weapon in an already stacked Rangers lineup. With a full season ahead, Langford could emerge as one of the most feared hitters in the American League, potentially putting himself in the conversation for All-Star honors and beyond.

Jeffrey Springs (Oakland A’s)

Former Rays standout Jeffrey Springs was traded to the A’s, bringing a high-upside lefty arm to their rotation. Before his 2023 injury, he looked like one of the top LHPs in baseball, and his last fully healthy season in 2022 was nothing short of dominant:

135 IP, 144 K

2.46 ERA, 1.07 WHIP

149 ERA+

Springs combines elite command, a deceptive changeup, and strong swing-and-miss stuff, making him a prime bounce-back candidate in 2025. If he returns to form, he could anchor Oakland’s staff and become one of the biggest steals of the offseason.

Jack Kochanowicz (Los Angeles Angels)

Kochanowicz may not be a big swing-and-miss pitcher (bottom 1% in whiff + K%), but he excels at inducing weak contact and keeping the ball on the ground. His elite 56.5% GB% and ability to limit barrels make him an effective, low-risk arm in the Angels' rotation.

Impeccable command: 3.8% BB%

Heavy sinker at 95.8 MPH

With his ability to pound the zone, control hard contact, and keep hitters off balance, Kochanowicz could be a key innings-eater for the Angels. If he refines his secondary stuff, he has the potential for a big breakout in 2025.

Hunter Brown (Houston Astros)

After a rocky start in 2024, Hunter Brown found his groove once adding a sinker, transforming into one of baseball’s most dominant arms. From May 5th to September 6th, he was elite:

11-3, 130 IP

2.28 ERA, 3.24 FIP

9.48 K/9, 2.84 BB/9

3.0 fWAR (7th best in MLB during that span)

Brown’s electric fastball, refined command, and improved pitch mix give him legitimate ace potential. If he carries this momentum into 2025, he could emerge as the next frontline starter in Houston’s rotation, helping anchor an already talented Astros staff.

Joe Ryan (Minnesota Twins)

Joe Ryan’s year-to-year improvements have been nothing short of remarkable, refining his command, limiting hard contact, and attacking the zone more effectively. His 2024 adjustments made him a more efficient and dominant pitcher:

EV: 90.0 MPH 📉 88.3 MPH

LA: 20.4° 📉 18.5°

Hard-Hit%: 41.6% 📉 36.6%

First Pitch Strike%: 67.3% 📈 70.4%

In-Zone%: 53.8% 📈 55.0%

His 2.90 xERA, 3.44 FIP, 3.44 xFIP, and 0.99 WHIP highlight his elite efficiency, while his career-high 3.1 fWAR underscores his growth into a top-tier starter.

With his elite fastball shape, improved pitch sequencing, and continued command gains, Ryan is poised to take another step forward in 2025, further solidifying himself as a frontline arm for the Twins.

Vinnie Pasquantino (Kansas City Royals)

Pasquantino continues to refine his approach, making key improvements that showcase his elite bat-to-ball skills and power potential. His compact, fluid left-handed swing and quick hands allow him to generate consistent hard contact while improving his plate discipline.

EV: 89.3 MPH 📈 91.0 MPH

Hard-Hit%: 40.3% 📈 46.5%

O-Swing%: 32.4% 📉 30.7%

IPA% (Ideal Plate Approach%): 30.7% (93rd percentile)

His improved power, discipline, and elite swing decisions make him a prime breakout candidate in 2025. If he stays healthy, Pasquantino could anchor the Royals' lineup, bringing a blend of power, patience, and contact ability that makes him one of the most underrated hitters in the league.

Reese Olson (Detroit Tigers)

Olson has been refining his pitch shapes this offseason, looking to build on his already impressive ability to generate weak contact and swings-and-misses. His mix of filthy movement and command make him one of the most intriguing young arms in Detroit’s rotation.

28.7% Whiff% – Generates plenty of swing-and-miss

32.2% Chase% – Forces hitters into bad swings

5.5% Barrel% – Limits hard contact exceptionally well

51.4% GB% – Induces tons of ground balls

With his improved pitch design, elite chase rates, and ability to induce weak contact, Olson has the tools to take a big step forward in 2025. If he continues developing, he could emerge as a frontline starter for the Tigers and one of the biggest breakout pitchers in the AL.

Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians)

Bieber makes this list because of his return from Tommy John surgery and the potential to reclaim his ace form. His cleaner mechanics in 2024 helped him gain nearly two ticks of fastball velocity, a promising sign for his recovery and future effectiveness.

In just 12 IP with revamped stuff, he showed elite swing-and-miss ability and pinpoint control:

36.7% Whiff% – Missing bats at an elite rate

44.4% K% – Striking out nearly half of the batters faced

2.2% BB% – Absolute command of the zone

If Bieber sustains these gains over a full 2025 season, he could quickly reestablish himself as one of baseball’s premier arms. His ability to adapt post-injury will be key, but if his velocity and command hold up, he could be a massive difference-maker for Cleveland.

Drew Thorpe (Chicago White Sox)

Thorpe has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young arms in the White Sox system, thanks in large part to his elite changeup—one of the best-graded CHs in baseball. His ability to deceive hitters and limit quality contact makes him a major breakout candidate in 2025.

His changeup dominance in 2024:

.164 BA, .174 xBA, .311 SLG – Nearly unhittable

37.9% Whiff% – A true swing-and-miss weapon

Beyond his changeup, Thorpe also excels at limiting damage:

87.4 MPH Avg EV – Keeps hitters from making hard contact

7.0% Barrel% – Rarely squared up

37.3% Hard-Hit% – Keeps balls off the sweet spot

With a plus arsenal, pinpoint command, and elite ability to manage contact, Thorpe has the potential to be a major force in the White Sox rotation. If his secondary offerings continue to develop, he could become one of Chicago’s most reliable starters in 2025 and beyond.

Spencer Schwellenbach (Atlanta Braves)

Schwellenbach emerged as a top-15 pitcher in the second half of 2024, showcasing his elite command, strikeout ability, and run prevention. His 1.8 fWAR ranked 12th in all of baseball, proving he has the potential to be a frontline starter for the Braves.

Second Half 2024 Rankings:

79.0 IP (8th) – Durable and effective

9.80 K/9 (18th) – Generates plenty of swing-and-miss

1.48 BB/9 (7th) – Elite command, rarely walks hitters

2.73 ERA (12th) – Consistently limits runs

3.20 FIP (15th), 3.03 xFIP (10th) – Underlying numbers back up his success

With a deep pitch mix, excellent control, and a knack for generating weak contact, Schwellenbach has all the tools to take another step forward in 2025. If he sustains his second-half dominance, he could be a key weapon in Atlanta’s elite rotation for years to come.

James Wood (Washington Nationals)

One of the most electrifying young hitters in baseball, James Wood combines elite raw power with improved batted-ball distribution, making him a must-watch breakout candidate for 2025. His batted-ball metrics already place him among the game’s best:

2024 Batted Ball Percentiles:

92.8 Avg EV (95th) – Generates elite exit velocity

10.6% Barrel% (79th) – Solid ability to square up the ball

52.0% Hard-Hit% (94th) – Consistently makes loud contact

47.0% ICR (97th) – Crushes the ball when he connects

27.7% IPA% (70th) – Strong approach at the plate

2nd Half Adjustments:

FB%: 15.2% 📈 23.6% – Elevating the ball more

GB%: 72.7% 📉 52.1% – Significantly reducing ground balls

LD%: 12.1% 📈 24.2% – Making more solid line-drive contact

These swing adjustments signal the massive potential for increased power production in 2025. If Wood continues refining his approach and plate discipline, he could establish himself as a cornerstone player for the Nationals, with All-Star upside and some of the best raw power in the league.

Mark Vientos (New York Mets)

Vientos made significant strides at the plate from 2023 to 2024, refining his approach while improving both power and plate discipline. His ability to barrel baseballs more consistently and cut down on chase swings led to a higher walk rate and an overall offensive boost.

Year-to-Year Improvements (2023 → 2024):

Barrel%: 10.7% 📈 14.2% – More consistent hard contact

LA Sweet-Spot%: 24.2% 📈 34.6% – Optimizing launch angle for better results

BB%: 4.3% 📈 7.3% – Improved patience at the plate

Out of Zone Swing%: 34.6% 📉 32.3% – More disciplined approach

With his raw power, refined plate approach, and increased ability to elevate the ball, Vientos is positioned for a breakout in 2025. If he continues these trends, he could become a key power bat in the heart of the Mets’ lineup, giving them much-needed middle-of-the-order production.

Max Kepler (Philadelphia Phillies)

Kepler was a great pickup for the Phillies, bringing power, plate discipline, and defensive versatility to their outfield. Just one year removed from an elite offensive profile, he remains a high-upside bat capable of making a significant impact in Philadelphia’s lineup.

2023 Advanced Metrics:

.271 xBA (77th percentile) – Strong expected batting average

91.9 MPH Avg EV (89th percentile) – Consistently makes loud contact

12.2% Barrel% (79th percentile) – Above-average ability to drive the ball

47.9% Hard-Hit% (83rd percentile) – Strong power profile

Kepler’s ability to hit for power while maintaining solid contact rates makes him an ideal fit for the Phillies’ offensive approach. If he regains his peak form, he could thrive in Citizens Bank Park, adding another left-handed power threat to an already dangerous lineup.

Ryan Weathers (Miami Marlins)

Weathers showed notable velocity gains in 2024, averaging 95.6 MPH (up from 95.1 MPH), and flashed the potential to be a frontline arm. His arsenal gives him the tools to miss bats, and his command and ground-ball ability make him a high-upside pitcher in Miami’s rotation.

Key 2024 Metrics:

95.6 MPH Fastball Velo 📈 – Trending in the right direction

6.5% BB% – Excellent control, limits free passes

47.6% GB% – Keeps the ball on the ground and limits damage

If Weathers can refine his secondary pitches and increase his swing-and-miss rates, he has the potential to take a big step forward in 2025. With the Marlins’ strong pitching development, he could become a key rotation piece and unlock his ace potential.

Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Cruz put together an impressive second half in 2024, showcasing his elite raw power, improved discipline, and all-around offensive potential. His massive upside was on full display, proving he can be a game-changing presence in the Pirates' lineup.

2nd Half 2024 Production:

61 G, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 31 R

.277/.357/.464, .353 wOBA, 125 wRC+

10.6% BB% – Improved patience at the plate

2.1 fWAR – One of the most valuable Pirates in that stretch

56.1% Hard-Hit% (3rd best in MLB) – Among the game's elite power hitters

Cruz has light-tower power and elite athleticism, but the key to his 2025 breakout will be limiting swing and miss. If he improves his approach and makes more consistent contact, he has superstar potential, with the tools to become a cornerstone player for Pittsburgh.

Andre Pallante (St. Louis Cardinals)

Pallante may not overpower hitters with elite strikeout stuff, but he excels at limiting damage and inducing weak contact. His ability to keep the ball on the ground makes him a valuable weapon in the Cardinals' pitching staff.

2024 Key Metrics:

3.3% Barrel% – Among the best in MLB at limiting quality contact

87.4 MPH Avg EV – Keeps hitters from making hard contact

61.6% GB% – Elite ground-ball rate

Pallante thrives on weak contact and grounders, making him a perfect fit for a strong infield defense. If he can fine-tune his command and sequencing, he could become a reliable, high-leverage arm or an effective back-end starter for St. Louis in 2025.

Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs)

Suzuki has steadily improved his power and contact quality each year, and his rolling year-over-year data suggests he's trending toward becoming an elite offensive force. His increasing exit velocity, max EV, and hard-hit rate indicate he's hitting the ball harder and more consistently than ever.

Year-Over-Year Power Growth:

Max EV: 111.3 MPH 📈 114.6 MPH 📈 115.5 MPH – Trending toward elite power

Exit Velocity: 89.6 MPH 📈 91.4 MPH 📈 91.7 MPH – Making louder contact

Hard-Hit%: 41.3% 📈 48.0% 📈 49.2% – More consistent hard contact

With his improved power profile, refined approach, and ability to drive the ball to all fields, Suzuki is poised for a monster 2025 season. If he continues this trajectory, he could establish himself as one of the best all-around hitters in the Cubs’ lineup, providing middle-of-the-order production and potential All-Star upside.

Gavin Lux (Cincinnati Reds)

Lux bounced back in a big way during the second half of 2024, posting a 152 wRC+, the 13th-highest in MLB. Now part of a high-powered Reds offense, he has a prime opportunity to build on that success and reach his full potential in 2025.

2nd Half 2024 Improvements:

152 wRC+ (13th in MLB) – Elite offensive production

23.1% Chase% – Maintains strong plate discipline

Increased hard contact and more efficient swing decisions

With a refined approach, improved contact quality, and a strong lineup around him, Lux has huge breakout potential in Cincinnati. If he continues to limit chase and drive the ball consistently, he could be a key impact bat in the Reds’ infield and a high-upside offensive weapon in 2025.

Garrett Mitchell (Milwaukee Brewers)

Entering his age-26 season, Mitchell has everything to prove, and the Brewers are banking on him to break out in 2025. A freak athlete with elite bat speed (75.7 MPH), he has the physical tools to be a game-changer if he puts it all together.

Key 2024 Metrics:

75.7 MPH Bat Speed – Among the fastest in MLB

17.6% Chase% – Disciplined approach, rarely expands the zone

11.2% BB% – Strong on-base skills

Mitchell’s combination of power, speed, and discipline gives him huge upside, especially if he can stay healthy and refine his approach. If he can tap into more consistent power while maintaining his elite athleticism, he could emerge as a key piece in Milwaukee’s lineup and a legitimate breakout star in 2025.

Michael Toglia (Colorado Rockies)

Toglia’s effortless raw power makes him a high-upside bat in Colorado’s lineup, and his elite batted-ball metrics suggest he’s on the verge of a breakout. With his ability to drive the ball with authority, he profiles as a legitimate power threat at Coors Field.

Elite Power Metrics (Percentiles):

Avg EV: 92.1 MPH (93rd) – Generates high-end exit velocity

Barrel%: 17.3% (98th) – Among the best in MLB at squaring up the ball

Hard-Hit%: 50.2% (94th) – Consistently makes loud contact

Toglia’s natural power, improved plate discipline, and Coors Field advantage give him massive breakout potential in 2025. If he refines his swing decisions and consistency, he could become a key middle-of-the-order bat for the Rockies and a sneaky breakout slugger to watch.

Justin Martinez (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Martinez has some of the nastiest pure stuff in baseball, with a triple-digit fastball and elite run prevention metrics that make him a prime candidate to take over as the Diamondbacks' closer in 2025. His ability to miss bats, limit hard contact, and generate ground balls gives him top-tier reliever potential.

2024 Elite Metrics:

3.03 xERA – Elite run prevention

.220 xBA – Tough to square up

100.3 MPH Fastball Velo – Electric velocity

86.4 MPH Avg EV – Limits hard contact

34.3% Whiff%, 29.5% K% – Generates tons of swing-and-miss

2.8% Barrel% – Among the best in MLB at avoiding barrels

31.8% Hard-Hit% – Keeps hitters from making solid contact

60.3% GB% – Keeps the ball on the ground

With his elite velocity, swing-and-miss ability, and ground-ball dominance, Martinez has the ceiling of a top-3 reliever in baseball. If given the closer role, he could anchor the D-backs' bullpen, potentially becoming one of the most dominant shutdown arms in MLB.

Alex Vesia (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Vesia was quietly one of the most dominant relievers in MLB, using his elite fastball shape and swing-and-miss ability to overpower hitters. His 2.72 xERA, .157 xBA, and elite strikeout metrics suggest he could be in for another lights-out season in 2025.

2024 Key Metrics:

2.72 xERA – Among the best relievers in baseball

.157 xBA – Nearly unhittable against opposing batters

31.3% Whiff%, 33.1% K% – Generates tons of swing-and-miss

35.0% Hard-Hit% – Limits damage effectively

20.3 in'' iVB (Induced Vertical Break) on his Four-Seam – Best in MLB

His elite vertical movement on the four-seamer makes it one of the most deceptive fastballs in baseball, allowing him to dominate hitters up in the zone. If he continues pounding the zone and missing bats, Vesia could solidify himself as one of the premier late-inning weapons for the Dodgers' bullpen in 2025.

Ryan Walker (San Francisco Giants)

Walker quietly emerged as one of MLB’s most dominant relievers in 2024, excelling in strikeout ability, soft contact suppression, and overall run prevention. His well-rounded profile makes him a top-end bullpen arm heading into 2025.

2024 Elite Metrics:

32.1% K% – Misses bats at an elite level

30.2% Hard-Hit% – Limits dangerous contact

86.4 MPH Avg EV – Keeps hitters from squaring him up

2.71 xERA, .203 xBA – Advanced metrics support his dominance

Walker’s ability to consistently induce weak contact while racking up strikeouts makes him a high-leverage weapon for the Giants. If he continues this dominance, he could be a shutdown late-inning arm, potentially even a closer option in 2025.

Adrián Morejón (San Diego Padres)

Morejón possesses a rare and electric arsenal, featuring a triple-digit fastball from the left side, paired with an elite slider and splitter that makes him a nightmare for hitters. His ability to generate ground balls, limit hard contact, and induce chases gives him the tools to be a dominant high-leverage arm for the Padres.

2024 Key Metrics:

100+ MPH Fastball – Rare velocity for a lefty

Elite SL & SPL – Two devastating secondary pitches

51.4% GB% – Consistently keeps the ball on the ground

32.4% Hard-Hit% – Suppresses quality contact

31.6% Chase% – Gets hitters to expand the zone

If Morejón can stay healthy and refine his command, he has elite bullpen potential, with the stuff to develop into a late-inning weapon or even a closer. With his elite velocity and swing-and-miss arsenal, 2025 could be the year he fully breaks out for San Diego.

Thank you so much for reading!

I cannot express enough gratitude for an unbelievable 10 months covering baseball. This community's support, engagement, and passion have made this journey truly special.

With the MLB season finally here, I couldn’t be more excited to continue bringing you in-depth analysis, insights, and everything about baseball. Let’s enjoy another incredible season together!