We’ve made it past the quarter mark of the 2025 MLB season, and things are shaping up as expected. The American League is looking competitive, the Dodgers are still a force despite pitching injuries, and some teams are living up to expectations while others are struggling at the bottom of the standings. Amidst all this, let’s take a closer look at five teams that were projected to have less than a 50% chance of making the playoffs at the start of the season, according to Bradford Doolittle’s preseason projections on ESPN.
Detroit Tigers: A surprising standout in the AL, the Tigers have been on fire with a revamped lineup that has seen a significant increase in home runs and improved on-base percentage. Former underperformers like Spencer Torkelson and Casey Mize have stepped up, while Javier Baez has found new life in center field. With no clear weaknesses so far, the Tigers are exceeding expectations and could be on track to make history with their best season yet.
St. Louis Cardinals: After a shaky start, the Cardinals have turned things around with a dominant pitching staff that includes breakout performances from Brendan Donovan and Ivan Herrera. However, concerns linger over the rotation’s low strikeout rate and the team’s overall lack of power. While they’ve shown promise, it remains to be seen if they can sustain their success and compete in the NL Central race.
San Francisco Giants: The Giants have been a pleasant surprise this season, led by a lights-out bullpen and standout performances from Logan Webb and Wilmer Flores. Despite some areas of concern, such as an inconsistent offense and struggling pitchers like Jordan Hicks and Justin Verlander, the Giants have managed to stay competitive. With a strong bullpen and potential for improvement in key areas, they could be a real contender moving forward.
Cleveland Guardians: The Guardians have defied expectations with a winning record, but underlying statistics suggest they may have been lucky in some close games. While the bullpen has held up well, the rotation has been shaky, and the offense has struggled to pick up the slack. With key players underperforming and defensive issues arising, the Guardians may have a tough road ahead to maintain their position in the playoff race.
Oakland Athletics: The A’s started strong but faltered in a tough stretch against top teams, highlighting their lack of front-line pitching and defensive struggles. While players like Jacob Wilson have shined, others like Lawrence Butler and Nick Kurtz have failed to meet expectations. With pitching woes and a subpar defense, the A’s face an uphill battle to stay competitive in the AL West.
In a season full of surprises and standout performances, these five teams have defied the odds to varying degrees. While some look poised to continue their success, others may struggle to maintain their early momentum. As the season unfolds, only time will tell which teams are the real deal and which are just early-season flukes.
