Part of what distinguishes a great team from a good one—or provides hope to fans of struggling franchises—lies in the ability of players to exceed preseason expectations. This analysis examines the most underappreciated players across each MLB team as of 2025. These athletes could be young players emerging in their careers or seasoned veterans outpacing their historical performance. The aim is to shed light on the players who may not have received the recognition they deserve, particularly from a national perspective.

New York Yankees' Fernando Cruz is making a notable return from a stint of right shoulder inflammation after posting a commendable 2.66 ERA in 21 games prior to his sidelining. Acquired in the offseason trade that sent José Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds, Cruz has showcased an impressive strikeout rate of 13.3 K/9 over 23.2 innings pitched in his debut season with the Yankees.

For the Tampa Bay Rays, José Caballero continues to build on a solid season, having stolen an American League-best 44 bases last year, though he faced challenges with a league-high 16 caught stealing. In 2025, he has improved his success rate significantly, successfully stealing bases on 19 of 23 attempts while increasing his OPS from .630 to .735. Meanwhile, Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, a sixth-round draft pick in 2018, has emerged as a long-term asset for the team, accumulating 11 doubles and an .801 OPS over 37 games.

Boston Red Sox's Brennan Bernardino has rebounded effectively from a disappointing 2024 season. Previously effective in the bullpen, he has showcased his talent once again in 2025, posting a 1.27 ERA over 27 appearances. In Baltimore, Bryan Baker has been a pleasant surprise after a challenging start to the season for the Orioles, beginning with a 2.88 ERA in his initial 26 games.

The Detroit Tigers have benefited from the stellar performances of Will Vest, who has achieved a 2.00 ERA and secured eight saves in 2025, solidifying his role in the team's bullpen for the foreseeable future. Cleveland Guardians newcomer Daniel Schneemann has become an impactful bridge player following the trade of Andrés Giménez, demonstrating versatility by playing various positions and delivering seven home runs and a .779 OPS across 46 games.

For the Minnesota Twins, Louis Varland leads the team with a 2.73 ERA, a drastic contrast from previous seasons where he struggled with a 5.51 ERA. The Kansas City Royals have bolstered their rotation since the promotion of Noah Cameron, a seventh-round draft choice in 2021, who has delivered a remarkable 1.05 ERA through his first four starts.

Though Mike Vasil's 4.54 FIP raises concerns for the Chicago White Sox, his 2.10 ERA warrants attention as he has emerged as a solid contributor thus far. The Seattle Mariners' Gabe Speier has significantly improved in 2025, reducing his BB/9 from 5.3 to 1.6 while maintaining a strong 2.01 ERA in his first 25 games.

In the Houston Astros bullpen, Bennett Sousa is excelling with a 2.50 ERA in 15 games, suggesting his performance could be sustainable based on advanced metrics. The Texas Rangers' Robert Garcia, acquired from the Washington Nationals, has quickly made a name for himself with a 2.25 ERA, proving to be a crucial addition amid roster changes.

José Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels has transitioned into a dependable starter, developing into a quality option in the rotation after a debut season that saw him mainly as a reliever. Meanwhile, Jacob Wilson is making waves for the Athletics, boasting a .345 batting average and .883 OPS, though defensive metrics indicate room for improvement.

The Philadelphia Phillies' Tanner Banks, while part of a veteran-heavy roster, has emerged as a reliable left-handed option with a 3.28 FIP. For the New York Mets, Reed Garrett has made a significant impact in the bullpen with a compact 0.73 ERA this season, transforming his performance from previous years.

Cole Henry of the Washington Nationals has recorded a 2.14 ERA, demonstrating crucial value to a struggling bullpen. Atlanta Braves player Daysbel Hernández, though wild at times, has flashed potential with a 2.25 ERA despite high walk rates.

The Miami Marlins' Valente Bellozo has been a consistent performer this season with a 2.89 ERA, while the Chicago Cubs' Caleb Thielbar has shown resilience, achieving a 2.29 ERA at the age of 38. The St. Louis Cardinals have benefitted from the solid setup work of Kyle Leahy, maintaining a 2.08 ERA across 30.1 innings pitched.

Abner Uribe of the Milwaukee Brewers is making a name for himself with a striking 1.65 ERA and impressive strikeout rates. The Cincinnati Reds' Lyon Richardson has provided positive contributions despite limited appearances, while Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates has gained recognition with a 1.48 ERA, positioning himself as a potential trade target.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Jack Dreyer has stepped up in the absence of key bullpen arms, maintaining a 2.97 ERA, while Gavin Sheets has revitalized his career with the San Diego Padres, significantly improving his batting average and OPS. Finally, Randy Rodríguez has transformed into a standout reliever for the San Francisco Giants with a minimal 0.70 ERA this season, and Shelby Miller has provided the Arizona Diamondbacks with a dominant presence, showcasing a 1.99 ERA in his 13th season.