In Major League Baseball (MLB), part of what differentiates a good team from a great one is the emergence of players who exceed their preseason expectations. This factor can instill hope in fans of struggling teams as well. An examination of notable players who have quietly yet significantly impacted their respective teams in 2025 reveals both emerging talent and seasoned veterans outperforming previous benchmarks.

For the New York Yankees, Fernando Cruz is a key player to watch. Currently recovering from right shoulder inflammation, Cruz managed to maintain a 2.66 ERA in 21 games prior to his injury. Acquired in a trade that sent Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds, he impressively registered a 13.3 K/9 rate across 23.2 innings pitched in his inaugural season with the Yankees.

The Tampa Bay Rays' José Caballero offers insight into the duality of performance. After leading the American League with 44 stolen bases last year, Caballero faced challenges with a league-high 16 caught stealing. However, this season, his success rate has improved, successfully stealing 19 out of 23 attempts, while also raising his OPS from .630 to a more respectable .735.