Part of what elevates a good team into greatness or provides hope for fans of struggling franchises is the performance of players who exceed preseason expectations. In this analysis, Moneyline examines some of the best-kept secrets for each Major League Baseball team in the 2025 season. These could be young talents emerging into significant roles or seasoned veterans surpassing their career averages. This overview aims to provide insights into the most under-recognized players throughout the league.

For the New York Yankees, Fernando Cruz stands out. Currently recovering from right shoulder inflammation, Cruz posted an impressive 2.66 ERA across 21 appearances before his injury. Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Jose Trevino during the offseason, Cruz demonstrated a remarkable 13.3 K/9 rate over his first 23.2 innings with the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays witness José Caballero, who led the American League with 44 stolen bases last year but faced challenges with a league-high 16 caught stealing. This season, Caballero has improved significantly, successfully stealing 19 bases in 23 attempts while raising his OPS from .630 to .735.

For the Toronto Blue Jays, Addison Barger is emerging as a potential long-term asset. Drafted in the sixth round of 2018, Barger has made a notable impact early in the 2025 season, with 11 doubles and an .801 OPS over 37 games, while also providing defensive flexibility at third base and both corner outfield positions. In Boston, Brennan Bernardino is rebounding from a less-than-stellar 2024 season, where he posted a 4.06 ERA. Returning to form, he has demonstrated effectiveness in 27 games this season with a remarkable 1.27 ERA and a 3.34 FIP. Baltimore's Bryan Baker has provided a bright spot amid a challenging beginning to the season, compiling a 2.88 ERA over 26 outings thus far.

The Detroit Tigers see Will Vest stepping it up this year, evolving from an effective reliever into an even more dominant one. With a 2.00 ERA and eight saves across 25 appearances in 2025, Vest represents a bargain for the Tigers at just $1.4 million. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians traded away Andrés Giménez to the Toronto Blue Jays in the offseason, creating an opportunity for Daniel Schneemann to fill a critical role. In 46 games, Schneemann has seven home runs and a .779 OPS, while also showcasing defensive versatility by playing nearly every position aside from first base and catcher.

In Minnesota, Louis Varland has emerged as a reliable option for the Twins' pitching staff, posting a solid 2.73 ERA across an MLB-leading 29 appearances this season, a significant improvement over his career averages prior to 2025. The Kansas City Royals' rotation, already bolstered by Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Kris Bubic, and Michael Wacha, received an additional boost with the promotion of Noah Cameron, who has earned a 1.05 ERA in his first four starts since April. While metrics suggest that he could face regression, Cameron's performance thus far positions him as a potentially valuable contributor.

Mike Vasil of the Chicago White Sox stands out despite mixed underlying performance metrics. With a 2.10 ERA in 17 games, he has provided the team with quality innings even as his 4.54 FIP raises some concerns. Conversely, in Seattle, Gabe Speier has transitioned from a league-average reliever into a breakout star, showing a 2.01 ERA across 25 games this season alongside significant improvements in walk rate. For the Houston Astros, Bennett Sousa has added depth to their bullpen, boasting a 2.50 ERA in 15 appearances this year, with analytics indicating that his early-season success could be sustainable.

The Texas Rangers made a strategic acquisition in bringing Robert Garcia from the Washington Nationals, looking for the pitcher to return to his form from 2024. Garcia has delivered so far, maintaining a 2.25 ERA across 28 game appearances. The Los Angeles Angels, while facing team struggles, have seen José Soriano evolve into a dependable starter. After exclusively serving out of the bullpen in 2023, Soriano has transitioned effectively, sporting a 3.42 ERA across 181.2 innings since the start of the 2024 season.

In Oakland, Jacob Wilson has quietly become a standout amidst the struggles of the Athletics. With a .345 average, 12 doubles, and an .883 OPS, Wilson is making a strong case for the AL Rookie of the Year Award, even as his defensive metrics indicate room for improvement. The Philadelphia Phillies, largely composed of veterans, recognize left-handed reliever Tanner Banks, who has a 3.28 FIP this season as he takes on a more significant role in the bullpen. Reed Garrett of the New York Mets, who had a rocky start to his career with a 5.22 ERA, has emerged as a potential All-Star with a stellar 0.73 ERA over 25 appearances this season.

For the Washington Nationals, Cole Henry stands out with a 2.14 ERA over 18 games, providing much-needed stability for a bullpen struggling for consistent performance. The Atlanta Braves are seeing promising results from Daysbel Hernández, whose 2.25 ERA, although accompanied by control issues, suggests he could be a valuable back-end bullpen arm moving forward. Valente Bellozo of the Miami Marlins has also made notable contributions with a 2.89 ERA in 28 innings pitched, exemplifying a silver lining for the franchise's current struggles.

Caleb Thielbar of the Chicago Cubs provides veteran presence, showcasing a 2.29 ERA in his debut season with the team at age 38, while Kyle Leahy of the St. Louis Cardinals has filled the role of a crunch-time setup man, maintaining an impressive 2.08 ERA over 30.1 innings. The Milwaukee Brewers' Abner Uribe honors his namesake with a remarkable 1.65 ERA and a 12.2 K/9 across 28 appearances this year. Continuing the survey of the NL Central, Lyon Richardson of the Cincinnati Reds has also performed well within limited appearances this season, despite some underlying metrics suggesting future challenges.

After being designated for assignment by the Yankees, Dennis Santana has found his footing with the Pirates, boasting a 1.48 ERA in 25 games. With this performance, he emerges as not only a strong All-Star candidate but also as a potential trade asset before the July 31 deadline. The Los Angeles Dodgers' Jack Dreyer contributes to a struggling bullpen with a solid 2.97 ERA in 23 games, while Gavin Sheets of the San Diego Padres has rekindled his form after a change of scenery, hitting .269 with 11 home runs and an .822 OPS this season, up from a lackluster .230 average in prior years. Lastly, Randy Rodríguez of the San Francisco Giants has established himself as one of the league's elite relievers with a staggering 0.70 ERA in 24 appearances, while Shelby Miller of the Arizona Diamondbacks has returned to form with a 1.99 ERA over 23 games, providing an essential boost to the D-backs' bullpen amid injury struggles. Even in the midst of a challenging season as the Colorado Rockies continue to seek positives, Jordan Beck's eight home runs and .810 OPS offer a hopeful sign for fans looking for silver linings.