Mariners, Red Sox, Rangers: On the Verge of Big Breakthroughs in 2025
Each year brings renewed hope in Major League Baseball as teams dream of glory in October. Whether they’re rebuilding their squad or simply tweaking for optimization, every group has a vision of the finish line. Amidst the anticipation for the 2025 season, certain teams stand at pivotal junctures poised for forward momentum. This article spotlights six potential shocks of the forthcoming campaign – with an equal split from the American League and the National League.
The Seattle Mariners, with their remarkable pitching unit, have had to endure the disappointments of just missing out on the Wild Card hunt for two consecutive seasons. Despite boasting the best Major League stats in ERA, opponents’ batting figure, and strikeout-to-walk ratio last season, their underwhelming lineup couldn’t deliver, missing out by a meager two games. Recognizing the urgent need to improve a batting lineup that stood 21st and 22nd in scoring runs and OPS respectively, Seattle’s leadership knows that change is needed. Their challenge lies in aligning their offense to compliment an outstanding pitching team.
The Boston Red Sox are full of potential yet riddled with uncertainties. Their 2024 rotation did little to inspire confidence, with the outstanding Tanner Houck being their only spark. A bullpen troubled by inconsistency placed them 24th with a 4.39 ERA. However, the acquisition of proven names like Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler is an encouraging step towards reviving their starting rotation. With the recovery of Trevor Story, the infield will enjoy a sturdy presence, while prospects like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kristian Campbell add a layer of intrigue. Alex Bregman’s addition could be a game-changer for their offensive capability. The question is, can their young pitchers handle the pressure of a full season?
The Texas Rangers are yearning for redemption. Following their 2023 success, they stumbled to a disappointing 78-84 record last year, largely due to injuries and bullpen inefficiencies. However, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. Jacob deGrom will be back from Tommy John surgery and Corey Seager is anticipated to return fully fit. Add the power of Joc Pederson and Jake Burger along with Wyatt Langford set for a full season and you have a lineup with potential. The real test is to establish a reliable bullpen.
The Chicago Cubs seem closer to success than their consecutive 83-win campaigns would suggest. With expected win totals around 90 and 88 in the past two seasons, it looks like they’re teetering on significant progress. The addition of an exceptional hitter in Kyle Tucker and a solid rotation packs a promising base. Should they manage to bolster their bullpen, including a potential addition of Ryan Pressly, and with Justin Turner fortifying the batting lineup, they could well be the 2023 Diamondbacks of this year. Their Achilles heel to overcome is late-game mishaps, which saw them lose 12 games from leading positions after the seventh inning last year.
Do not dismiss the Pittsburgh Pirates. If they exceed expectations, credit will largely lie with Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, two potential superstar pitchers. Bolstered by the likes of Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter, they possess an exciting young starter rotation. With healthy seasons from these players, combined with the potential breakout of Oneil Cruz, the Pirates have the ability to compete at the highest level. However, their depth, or lack thereof, in experienced top-flight contributors could prove to be their biggest stumbling block.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are yearning for a return to their 2023 glory days. Falling just short of the postseason last year, they suffered a significant dip caused by a weakening rotation beyond Zac Gallen. Their major signing of 2024, Jordan Montgomery, disappointed with a 6.23 ERA, and closer Paul Sewald couldn’t sustain his form. The loss of Christian Walker and Joc Pederson adds to their worries, but an MVP comeback from Corbin Carroll could be the catalyst for a turnaround. If they can supplement their power hitting effectively, they might still contend for Wild Card.
Cinderella may well be personified by the Oakland (now Sacramento) A’s in the 2025 season. Years of struggle appear to be fading, with promising signs of progress glimpsed in the latter half of 2024. Their offense, fueled by the likes of Brent Rooker and Zack Gelof and ranking eighth in home run standings, looks promising. New assets Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs are set to reinforce the rotation. If teams such as the Yankees or Astros show signs of decline, the A’s might end up being the talk of the season. The query remains, however, whether they are ready for contention or if it’s still a distant dream.
Each year brings unexpected stories. In 2023, it was the Diamondbacks’ run, followed by a 101-game winning exploits of Orioles in 2024. Looking forward, the Mariners, Red Sox, and Rangers are primed to break through in the AL, while the Cubs, Pirates, and D-backs could make waves in the NL. One thing is for sure: the journey to October always packs a punch with unexpected turns, and this year will be no exception.