The Unpredictable 2025 MLB Season: A Roundup of Surprising Stories

As the 2025 MLB season enters its last month, the narratives have been both captivating and, in many instances, entirely unexpected. Featuring record-breaking individual achievements, unexpected team triumphs, and remarkable roster changes, here are some of the season's most significant surprises to date.

The Year of the Big Dumper

No one could have predicted the historic season being put together by Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. Known for his powerful nickname, "The Big Dumper," Raleigh has become a legitimate MVP candidate. He’s not only leading the majors in home runs, but he has also surpassed the single-season home run record for a primary catcher. He recently launched his 50th homer, joining Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners in history to reach that mark. His pace puts him on track to hit 61 home runs, just one shy of Aaron Judge’s American League record.

Milwaukee's Unlikely Dominance

After losing key players and starting the season with a brutal 0-4 record, the Milwaukee Brewers were not expected to contend. Yet, manager Pat Murphy has led them to the best record in the majors. Their success has come from unexpected places, including low-profile trade pickups and Minor League free agents. This magnificent run has positioned the Brew Crew as a top contender and could earn Murphy a rare back-to-back Manager of the Year award.

The Blue Jays' Resurgence

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the season with tempered expectations after a fifth-place finish in 2024. But after a sluggish start, they have surged to a commanding position atop the AL East. Their success is a product of a deep lineup that emphasizes high contact and smart baserunning, all without their biggest offseason acquisition, Anthony Santander, for a large chunk of the season. The addition of pitcher Shane Bieber has only added to the belief that this team could finally win in October.

The Dodgers' Unexpectedly Normal Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers were widely considered a Superteam, with many expecting them to challenge the all-time wins record. Instead, they’ve looked surprisingly human. Plagued by injuries and surprising regression from star players like Mookie Betts, the Dodgers have been a sub-.500 team since the start of July. They'll still make the playoffs, but their sleepwalking performance has been a massive surprise.

Kyle Schwarber's MVP Bid

Designated hitters aren't usually MVP contenders unless they have an exceptional all-around game like Shohei Ohtani. But Kyle Schwarber has made a case with his unusual combination of elite power and high on-base ability. At age 32, Schwarber is having a career-best year, and his unique skill set makes him a top contender in the NL.

Detroit’s Unconventional Dominance

After an inspiring playoff run in 2024, the Detroit Tigers were expected to be good, but not in the way they have been. Players who once looked like disappointments, such as Javier Báez, have become key contributors. The team has also found success with savvy pickups and breakouts from young players. While they had a mid-season slump, the Tigers have been firmly in first place in the AL Central for months.

The Bummer in Baltimore and Atlanta's Anguish

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves, both considered clear contenders entering the season, have instead been two of the biggest disappointments. The Orioles went through a managerial change, while the Braves, who had a 93.4% chance of making the playoffs, started the season 0-7. Both teams will spend the offseason searching for answers after their swift and stunning falls from grace.

Stunning Roster Moves

Two of the biggest surprises were star players switching teams. The Red Sox traded their best hitter, Rafael Devers, to the Giants. Despite the move being seen as a step back, the Red Sox have surprisingly played better without him. Meanwhile, Carlos Correa made a stunning return to the Astros after a midseason trade, a straightforward swap that shocked the baseball world.

The All-Star Swing-Off

Fans were treated to a unique and entertaining finish at the All-Star Game, as a tie after nine innings led to the first-ever Home Run Swing-Off. The National League prevailed, led by Kyle Schwarber's three heroic homers, in what was widely praised as a thrilling end to an exhibition game.

A Runaway Rookie Race

The AL Rookie of the Year race has been a runaway, thanks to Nick Kurtz, who was not even his own team’s top candidate at the start of the season. In a signature performance, Kurtz became only the 20th player in history to hit four home runs in a single game. He's been the clear leader in the rookie race ever since.

A Different Kind of Speed

In one of the most unexpected stories of the season, Josh Naylor, a player known more for his power than his speed, has emerged as a stolen base threat. He entered the season with just 25 career stolen bases but has already swiped 22 this year.

A Resurgent Closer

Finally, the resurgence of 37-year-old closer Aroldis Chapman has been a major surprise. Chapman is having a career-best year, putting up video-game numbers with a stellar 1.08 ERA and 0.70 WHIP. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball.