Explore the biggest MLB surprises from April 2025 — including the Royals’ rise, Yankees’ struggles, breakout rookie Chase Petty, and bullpen woes across the league.
A Chaotic Start to the 2025 MLB Season
The first month of the 2025 Major League Baseball season has been anything but predictable. From unexpected division leaders to struggling powerhouses and breakout rookies lighting up the stat sheets, April has shaken up expectations across the league.
Here’s a full breakdown of the most surprising stories from the opening month of the MLB season.
Kansas City Royals: From Rebuilding to AL Central Leaders
Arguably the biggest shock of the season’s first stretch has been the performance of the Kansas City Royals, who currently sit atop the AL Central with a 15–6 record. Once seen as a long-term rebuild project, the Royals are firing on all cylinders.
Bobby Witt Jr. has emerged as a legitimate MVP contender, batting .339 with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs through 21 games. The pitching staff, led by Brady Singer and a resurgent bullpen, ranks third in team ERA across the American League.
“We’re not trying to prove anyone wrong,” Witt Jr. told reporters. “We’re just playing our brand of baseball — aggressive, confident, and smart.”
New York Yankees: Offensive Power Missing in Action
One of the season’s most talked-about disappointments is the slow start of the Yankees’ offense. New York has opened 11–10 and ranks near the bottom of the AL in team batting average and slugging percentage.
Aaron Judge has just two home runs, while Giancarlo Stanton has struck out in 31% of his plate appearances. Injuries haven’t helped, with Anthony Rizzo missing five games due to a lower back issue.
Despite a solid pitching staff, the Yankees are struggling to turn base runners into runs — something they’ll need to fix quickly in the hyper-competitive AL East.
Chase Petty: The Reds’ Unexpected Ace
Few rookies have generated as much early-season buzz as Chase Petty of the Cincinnati Reds. The 21-year-old right-hander has posted a 1.75 ERA with 26 strikeouts in just 20.2 innings.
Petty’s composure, velocity, and command have made him a must-watch every fifth day — and he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite in Cincinnati.
“He pitches beyond his years,” said Reds manager David Bell. “We expected him to grow, but this is next-level stuff.”
San Diego Padres: Bullpen Meltdown in Prime Time
While many expected the Padres to compete for the NL West crown, early bullpen collapses have haunted them. San Diego has blown five save opportunities in the first month alone and holds the worst bullpen ERA in the majors.
Closer Robert Suarez has struggled with command, and setup men Luis García and Tom Cosgrove haven’t found their rhythm. Despite solid hitting from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, the Padres sit 9–12.
“We’ve got to find ways to close games,” Machado said postgame. “It’s not talent — it’s execution.”
Oakland A’s: Swinging for More Than the Fence
The Oakland Athletics, a team many expected to finish at the bottom of the standings, have shown surprising fight. Brent Rooker leads the team with 7 home runs, and Esteury Ruiz has already stolen 11 bases.
Oakland ranks in the top 3 in team slugging percentage — a far cry from last year’s bottom-barrel offense. The A’s are still under .500, but they’re competitive, entertaining, and no longer an easy win.
Honorable Mentions
- Detroit Tigers’ rotation has quietly been one of the most effective, with Tarik Skubal looking like an All-Star.
- Zach Neto (Angels rookie SS) is flashing elite defensive range and surprising pop.
- New York Mets have committed a league-high 17 errors — a defensive nightmare in Queens.
Looking Ahead
If April was any indication, the 2025 MLB season will be filled with surprises, storylines, and shake-ups. Some teams will fade, others will rise, but one thing’s clear — nothing is guaranteed in baseball.
Keep your eyes on the Royals, Chase Petty’s starts, and the Yankees’ bats. May is coming, and momentum matters.
