A significant aspect of transforming a good team into a great one—or providing hope for fans of struggling teams—is the emergence of players who surpass preseason expectations. In this analysis, key under-the-radar players across each Major League Baseball (MLB) team are highlighted for the 2025 season. These individuals may include young players realizing their potential or veterans performing beyond their prior career metrics. This piece is crafted from a national viewpoint to help fans unfamiliar with their own team’s nuances.

New York Yankees' Fernando Cruz stands out as he continues his recovery from right shoulder inflammation. Before being sidelined, Cruz recorded a 2.66 ERA in 21 games. Acquired in the trade involving Jose Trevino and the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason, he boasts an impressive 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings pitched across 23.2 innings in his inaugural season with the Yankees.

For the Tampa Bay Rays, José Caballero, who led the American League in stolen bases last season with 44 swipes, is demonstrating an improved success rate. While he was caught stealing 16 times—the most in MLB—Caballero has converted 19 of 23 attempts this year, and his OPS has risen from .630 to a respectable .735. The Toronto Blue Jays feature Addison Barger, a sixth-round pick from the 2018 draft, who is showing promise with 11 doubles, an .801 OPS, and 1.2 WAR through 37 games, while providing valuable defensive versatility as well.

Brennan Bernardino of the Boston Red Sox has bounced back from an up-and-down previous season, having posted a 1.27 ERA over 27 games this year after a 4.06 ERA in 2024. Baltimore’s Bryan Baker has been a bright spot for the Orioles, showcasing a 2.88 ERA in his first 26 games despite a turbulent start to the season for the team. Meanwhile, Will Vest has outperformed expectations for the Detroit Tigers, putting together a 2.00 ERA and achieving eight saves across 25 appearances in 2025.

In Cleveland, Daniel Schneemann is making an impact following a trade that sent Andrés Giménez to the Blue Jays, hitting seven home runs and posting a .779 OPS in 46 games. For the Minnesota Twins, Louis Varland has transitioned from a challenging past into a stellar contributor this season, boasting a 2.73 ERA over a league-leading 29 appearances.

Noah Cameron has bolstered the Kansas City Royals' already solid rotation since his promotion, accumulating a 1.05 ERA in four starts. The Chicago White Sox’s Mike Vasil, while showing concerns with a 4.54 FIP, has maintained a noteworthy 2.10 ERA and 1.1 WAR through 17 games. Over in Seattle, Gabe Speier has thrived in relief, posting remarkable numbers with a 2.01 ERA and drastically improved walk rate this year.

Bennett Sousa has emerged as a valuable asset for the Houston Astros bullpen, achieving a 2.50 ERA through 15 games. The Texas Rangers made a notable offseason acquisition in Robert Garcia, who has thrived with a 2.25 ERA in 28 games after a trade from the Washington Nationals. José Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels has adapted well into a starting role, holding a 3.42 ERA and 3.78 FIP across 181.2 innings since 2024. The Oakland Athletics' Jacob Wilson may be an unknown to many, but with a .345 batting average and an .883 OPS, he is on track to contend for the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

The Philadelphia Phillies, laden with veterans, feature left-handed reliever Tanner Banks, who has stepped up impressively with a 3.28 FIP in 25 appearances. Reed Garrett has transformed his performance since being claimed by the New York Mets, boasting a standout 0.73 ERA in 25 games this season after struggling in his previous seasons. For the Washington Nationals, Cole Henry is proving essential, holding a 2.14 ERA in 18 games, beneficial for a team struggling with a high bullpen ERA.

The Atlanta Braves' Daysbel Hernández shows promise with a 2.25 ERA, although consistency in controlling walks remains crucial. Valente Bellozo of the Miami Marlins has emerged with a 2.89 ERA, demonstrating potential as a starter through various outings. The Chicago Cubs’ Caleb Thielbar, at 38 years old, has rekindled form with a 2.29 ERA in 23 games, contributing valuable innings for the team. Kyle Leahy has also been instrumental for the St. Louis Cardinals, whose 2.08 ERA helps the team exceed pre-season expectations.

Abner Uribe of the Milwaukee Brewers continues the lineage of effective relief options, currently sporting a 1.65 ERA across 28 appearances. Lyon Richardson has impressed the Cincinnati Reds in his limited outings, maintaining a solid performance with only two earned runs in 14 innings. The Pittsburgh Pirates' Dennis Santana, once designated by the Yankees, has turned into a key reliever with a 1.48 ERA and All-Star candidacy in his first 25 games with the Pirates.

In the continuation of strong performances for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jack Dreyer has held his own with a 2.97 ERA as a rookie amidst a bullpen dealing with several injuries. Gavin Sheets, now with the San Diego Padres, has flourished in his new environment, showing a significant improvement in his hitting statistics. Meanwhile, Randy Rodríguez of the San Francisco Giants has emerged as a dominant force, posting an impressive 0.70 ERA in 24 games following a less favorable rookie campaign in 2024.

Lastly, Shelby Miller has managed to find his rhythm during his 13th season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, recording a 1.99 ERA that adds an essential boost to the bullpen while Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies, though in a challenging season, has demonstrated potential with eight home runs and an .810 OPS.