A central aspect of distinguishing a competitive team from a truly great one lies in the ability of players to surpass their preseason expectations. This notion also offers hope for fans supporting teams that may be facing challenges. In light of this, an examination has been conducted to identify the best-kept secrets from each Major League Baseball (MLB) team in 2025. These players include emerging young talents as well as seasoned veterans who are exceeding their historical performance levels.

For the New York Yankees, Fernando Cruz has emerged as a pivotal figure after returning from injury. Before being sidelined due to right shoulder inflammation, Cruz posted an impressive 2.66 ERA over 21 games, showcasing a notable 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings across 23.2 innings pitched. The Yankees acquired Cruz in a trade that sent José Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason. In the Tampa Bay Rays' camp, José Caballero, while known for his speed after stealing an American League-best 44 bases last season, is improving his success rate at stealing bases this year. He has successfully stolen 19 bases out of 23 attempts and is enhancing his offensive contributions with an OPS rising from .630 to .735.

The Toronto Blue Jays are observing positive developments from Addison Barger, a sixth-round pick from the 2018 draft. Barger has made an early impact during the season, achieving 11 doubles, an .801 OPS, and 1.2 WAR in 37 games, while also providing defensive versatility. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox’s Brennan Bernardino is bouncing back after a challenging 2024 season; he has demonstrated effectiveness with a 1.27 ERA over 27 games this year. Baltimore Orioles' Bryan Baker stands out amidst a tough start to the season for the team, contributing a solid 2.88 ERA across his first 26 games.

In the Detroit Tigers' bullpen, Will Vest continues to excel, posting a remarkable 2.00 ERA and eight saves in his first 25 appearances of the season. For the Cleveland Guardians, Daniel Schneemann is proving to be a valuable bridge while the team awaits the return of injured player Travis Bazzana. Schneemann has accrued seven home runs and a .779 OPS in 46 games, demonstrating his versatility across the infield and outfield.

The Minnesota Twins are benefitting from Louis Varland’s substantial improvement this season, recording a 2.73 ERA and 3.16 FIP over a league-leading number of 29 appearances. Kansas City Royals’ Noah Cameron is also making headlines since being promoted in April; he has posted a stellar 1.05 ERA in his first four starts, although his metrics suggest he might experience regression.

The Chicago White Sox's Mike Vasil has generated noteworthy attention with a solid 2.10 ERA over 17 games, despite indications of potential underlying issues. In the Seattle Mariners' bullpen, Gabe Speier has made a significant turnaround, yielding a 2.01 ERA and interim dominance in his first 25 games. The Houston Astros may have found an additional gem in Bennett Sousa, who has provided a 2.50 ERA across 15 outings, suggesting sustainability in his performance based on advanced statistics.

For the Texas Rangers, Robert Garcia is living up to expectations following his acquisition in the offseason, currently maintaining a 2.25 ERA in 28 games. José Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels has transformed from a reliever to a formidable starter, boasting a 3.42 ERA across 181.2 innings pitched since the 2024 season. Jacob Wilson of the Oakland Athletics is drawing attention with a .345 batting average and an impressive .883 OPS, positioning him as a frontrunner for the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

As the Philadelphia Phillies seek underappreciated talent amidst their veteran-heavy roster, Tanner Banks has emerged as a left-handed reliever with a 3.28 FIP in 25 appearances, filling a more prominent role after José Alvarado's suspension. Reed Garrett from the New York Mets represents a remarkable turnaround, transitioning from a 5.22 career ERA to a striking 0.73 this season over 25 games since joining the Mets in 2023.

In the Washington Nationals organization, Cole Henry has excelled with a 2.14 ERA over 18 games, providing valuable performance to a struggling bullpen. Daysbel Hernández of the Atlanta Braves showcases high potential despite some control issues, presenting a 2.25 ERA, while Valente Bellozo has contributed positively for the Miami Marlins with a 2.89 ERA across 28 innings. Chicago Cubs pitcher Caleb Thielbar has surpassed expectations in his debut season with the team, achieving a notable 2.29 ERA.

Kyle Leahy of the St. Louis Cardinals has been instrumental in their surprising performance, offering a 2.08 ERA across 30.1 innings of work. Abner Uribe of the Milwaukee Brewers has made his mark with a 1.65 ERA and 12.2 K/9 over 28 appearances, continuing the Brewers' tradition of strong bullpen performances. Lyon Richardson of the Cincinnati Reds has impressed in limited action, while Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates is gaining attention as a potential trade asset with a substantial 1.48 ERA in 25 games since being claimed off waivers.

Jack Dreyer of the Los Angeles Dodgers is proving vital in a depleted bullpen with a 2.97 ERA in his first 23 games, and Gavin Sheets of the San Diego Padres has rejuvenated his career with a .269 batting average and an .822 OPS. Lastly, Randy Rodríguez from the San Francisco Giants is showcasing excellence with a minuscule 0.70 ERA, while Shelby Miller of the Arizona Diamondbacks stands out with a 1.99 ERA in his 13th season. Amidst challenges for the Colorado Rockies, Jordan Beck is providing a glimmer of hope with eight home runs and an .810 OPS after two seasons in the league.