2025 MLB Season Swinging Away: Key Highlights and Early Surprises

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is underway, offering fans a mix of thrilling performances, unexpected challenges, and compelling narratives. Here's a comprehensive look at the key storylines shaping the early part of the season.​

Returning Stars

Mookie Betts' Triumphant Return

After a bout with a stomach illness that sidelined him during late spring training into the opening series in Tokyo, Mookie Betts made a remarkable comeback. In his first game back, Betts delivered a walk-off home run, showcasing his resilience and reaffirming his pivotal role in the Dodgers' lineup. His return has energized the team and fans alike, setting an inspiring tone for the season.​

Jacob deGrom's Comeback

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom is making a notable return after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2023. In his initial starts of the 2025 season, deGrom went 5 innings with no earned runs displaying the same elite command and velocity that have defined his career. His successful comeback is a significant boost for the Rangers as they aim to contend in the highly competitive American League West.​

Injury Report: Early Season Setbacks and Scares

The season has also already seen its share of mishaps affecting key players:

Mike Trout

The Angels' star outfielder was hit in his hand offering major worries to those who know his injury riddled past. Trout was able to remain in the game though after waiving off help, but what a scare it was to start the season.

Freddie Freeman

The Dodgers' first baseman experienced a freak accident, injuring his surgically repaired ankle after slipping while entering the shower. The incident caused swelling, leading him to miss a game against his former team, the Atlanta Braves. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Freeman's recovery, indicating the injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.

Yankees' Hot Start and the Torpedo Bats

The New York Yankees have burst out of the gates with an impressive start to the season. While going 3-0 they have put up and put out 15 home runs! Central to their success is Aaron Judge, whose powerful hitting has been complemented by the team's strategic use of the newly designed "torpedo bats", even while he does not use the new style. These bats, engineered for enhanced sweet spot precision tailored to players, have sparked lots of talk especially with the Yankees' offensive surge to begin the season. They essentially redistribute more of the wood and "sweet spot" down the bat closer to the logo instead of near the end of the bat.

MLB Home Run Leaders

Big Performances

Carson Kelly First Cycle

The Chicago cubs Carson Kelly completed the first cycle of 2025 yesterday 3/31/25. With his triple in the 8th he secured the accomplishment at the first MLB game at Sutter Health Park where the A's will call their home for the near future.

Garrett Crochet Secures Bag

With a strong opening day performance for the Red Sox after being traded for in the offseason from the White Sox, Boston has rewarded the star with a 9 figure deal. The $170 contract does not include any deferred money and kicks off in 2026 with an opt-out after 2030.

Los Angels Dodgers Hot Start

The Dodgers are 6-0 to start the season after a Tokyo stint and a strong series against the Brewers. This puts them one win from tying the 1933 Yankees for the best start to a season as a defending champion.

Pregame Like a Champion

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, fans are eager to engage with the excitement. Whether you're planning to join a bar crawl, participate in a pub crawl, or watch the games at your favorite sports bar, there's no shortage of opportunities to immerse yourself in the action. Gather with fellow enthusiasts, enjoy exclusive drink specials, and celebrate every home run and victory as teams vie for supremacy on the diamond.