30 Games In: MLB's Top Performers And Biggest Disappointments (2025 Season)

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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The 2025 MLB season is underway, and after 30 games, we're starting to see clear trends emerge. While some teams and players are exceeding all expectations, others are struggling to find their rhythm. This article will delve into the biggest surprises and disappointments of the season so far, analyzing both individual player performance and team dynamics. We'll examine batting averages, home runs, ERA, and other key metrics to determine who's shining bright and who needs to step up their game.

Top Offensive Performers

Early MVP Candidates

Several players have already established themselves as early contenders for the 2025 MLB MVP award. Their exceptional performances are significantly impacting their teams' standings.

• Shohei Ohtani (Angels): Ohtani continues to defy expectations, boasting a .350 batting average, 10 home runs, and 25 RBIs in just 30 games. His two-way dominance is unparalleled, making him a strong early MVP favorite. Keywords: MLB MVP candidates, best hitters 2025, high batting average, home run leaders.

• Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves): Acuña's speed and power combination are on full display. His .340 batting average, 8 home runs, and 20 stolen bases make him a force to be reckoned with. His contributions have been crucial to the Braves' strong start. Keywords: MLB MVP candidates, best hitters 2025, high batting average, stolen base leader.

• Juan Soto (Padres): Soto's consistent hitting and on-base percentage are proving invaluable. With a .330 batting average and a remarkable .450 OBP, he’s showcasing the plate discipline that makes him one of the game's best hitters. Keywords: MLB MVP candidates, best hitters 2025, high on-base percentage, clutch hitter.

Breakout Stars

This season has also witnessed the emergence of several previously unheralded players who are making significant contributions.

• Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals): Witt Jr. is finally putting it all together, showcasing his power and speed with improved plate discipline. His performance is a significant boost to the Royals' offense. Keywords: MLB breakout stars, surprise performers, unexpected success.

• Julio Rodríguez (Mariners): Building on his strong rookie season, Rodríguez is demonstrating continued growth and consistency, showcasing improved power and a higher batting average. Keywords: MLB breakout stars, sophomore slump avoided, improved performance.

• Spencer Strider (Braves): While primarily a pitcher, Strider's surprising offensive contributions this year (2 HRs and 10 RBIs) as a leadoff hitter add another layer to his already impressive achievements. Keywords: MLB breakout stars, two-way potential, unexpected offensive contribution.

Biggest Offensive Disappointments

Underperforming Stars

Several highly touted players haven't lived up to expectations in the early going.

• Mike Trout (Angels): Despite his reputation, Trout has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, resulting in a lower-than-expected batting average and fewer home runs than anticipated. Keywords: MLB disappointments, underperforming players, batting slump, injury impact.

• Bryce Harper (Phillies): Harper's recovery from injury is still ongoing, limiting his playing time and impacting his offensive production. Keywords: MLB disappointments, underperforming players, injury recovery, limited playing time.

• Mookie Betts (Dodgers): Betts, known for his consistency, has experienced a relatively slow start, failing to reach his usual high standards at the plate. Keywords: MLB disappointments, underperforming players, slow start, batting average drop.

Injury Concerns

Injuries have significantly impacted several key players' performances and their teams' overall success.

• Injuries to key players: The impact of injuries is felt across the league, disrupting team lineups and affecting overall performance. Players missing extended periods of time impact team chemistry and overall win-loss records. Keywords: MLB injuries, impact of injuries, player injury report, roster adjustments.

Top Pitching Performances

Cy Young Candidates

Several pitchers are emerging as frontrunners for the Cy Young award.

• Shane McClanahan (Rays): McClanahan's dominance on the mound is evident in his exceptionally low ERA and high strikeout numbers. Keywords: MLB Cy Young candidates, best pitchers 2025, low ERA, strikeout leader.

• Justin Verlander (Mets): Verlander's experience and skill continue to shine, consistently delivering strong outings and keeping opposing batters off balance. Keywords: MLB Cy Young candidates, veteran pitcher, low ERA, consistent performance.

• Gerrit Cole (Yankees): Cole remains a force, demonstrating his ability to consistently deliver quality starts and lead his team’s pitching rotation. Keywords: MLB Cy Young candidates, power pitcher, high strikeout rate, strong starts.

Bullpen Stars

The relief pitching corps has seen exceptional performances from several key players.

• Ryan Pressly (Astros): Pressly's effectiveness in high-pressure situations, particularly his ability to secure saves, has been invaluable to the Astros' success. Keywords: MLB relievers, bullpen success, closer performance, saves.

• Josh Hader (Padres): Hader's dominance in the late innings has significantly impacted the Padres' winning percentage. Keywords: MLB relievers, bullpen success, closer performance, strikeout rate.

Biggest Pitching Disappointments

Struggling Aces

Some highly regarded starting pitchers have encountered difficulties early on.

• Jacob deGrom (Rangers): deGrom's injury history has impacted his early-season performance. Keywords: MLB pitching disappointments, struggling pitchers, high ERA, injury impact.

• Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers): Kershaw's early season struggles are a surprise to many, given his historical dominance. Keywords: MLB pitching disappointments, struggling pitchers, inconsistent performance, veteran struggles.

Ineffective Bullpens

Some teams are struggling with inconsistent relief pitching, negatively impacting their overall performance.

• Bullpen inconsistency: The impact of inconsistent relief pitching is evident across the league, with games frequently being lost or won depending on the bullpen's performance in crucial moments. Keywords: MLB bullpen struggles, ineffective relief pitching, blown saves, late-game struggles.

Conclusion

Thirty games into the 2025 MLB season, we've seen both incredible highs and disappointing lows. From breakout stars to underperforming veterans, the season has been full of surprises. This early assessment highlights the key players shaping the season's narrative.

Call to Action: Keep checking back for updates as the season progresses! Stay tuned for more analysis of MLB's top performers and biggest disappointments as we continue to track the 2025 season. Follow us for the latest insights into the exciting world of MLB!