Six weeks into the 2025 MLB season, it’s time to analyze the surprises and trends of the moment. Pete Alonso has re-emerged as an MVP contender, while in the American League, only one team from the competitive East has a winning record. In addition, some of the most outstanding closers like Devin Williams, Alexis Díaz, Ryan Pressly and Emmanuel Clase, are not performing as expected.
Here are five notable surprises of the season:
Spencer Torkelson: The Hitter Everyone Was Waiting For
In 2020, Spencer Torkelson was the first draft pick of the Detroit Tigers, with great potential. However, his performance in 2024 led him to the minor leagues.
Manager A.J. Hinch kept in constant contact with Torkelson, showing him his support. Torkelson needed to see the team’s success without him to motivate himself to change.
“When I left university, I felt I had everything figured out, that I was the best hitter of all time. And I was humbled.”
Spencer Torkelson
After a 2024 season with a .669 OPS and 10 home runs, Torkelson entered 2025 without a guaranteed position. Now, at 25, he looks like the feared hitter that was expected. In 36 games, he matched last year’s home run total, improving his walk percentage and his OPS to .879, in addition to ranking among the best in expected slugging percentage.
Observers do not consider their success a coincidence, but rather the result of important adjustments. Torkelson has improved his stance and rhythm, drawing inspiration from Mike Trout to focus on the pitches that allow him to connect.
The arrival of Gleyber Torres and the shift of Colt Keith to first base opened the way for Torkelson, who is now a starter in 31 of 36 games. His performance, along with that of Javier Báez, has propelled the Tigers to the top of the American League Central Division.
“I am seeing the ball better and feel dangerous at the plate. As a hitter, that’s all you can ask for.”
Spencer Torkelson
Los Angels: On the way to a negative record
The Los Angeles Angels, who were hoping to be competitive in 2025, are underperforming. Currently, they lead the majors in fewest walks allowed (81) and are third in strikeouts (338).
His walk and strikeout average is one of the worst in MLB history. Since April 10, the team ranks 29th in batting average, 27th in slugging percentage, and last in on-base percentage, strikeout rate, and runs per game.
The return of Yoan Moncada and the possible incorporation of Mike Trout could help, but the team faces challenges with players like Jo Adell, Logan O’Hoppe, Jorge Soler, and Kyren Paris.
“When you have guys who can hit the ball out of the park, it’s hard to tell them to shorten their swing because they don’t know what that is.”
Ron Washington, Angels manager
Washington, who was previously the Braves’ coach, is adapting to a young and inexperienced team, which requires patience.
The Brewers’ Rotation, Defying Adversity
The Milwaukee Brewers have faced issues in their starting rotation, with injuries affecting DL Hall, Tobias Myers, Aaron Ashby, Aaron Civale, and Nestor Cortes. Despite this, the team has achieved a notable performance.
From April 6 to 22, Freddy Peralta, Chad Patrick, Jose Quintana, and Quinn Priester combined for a 1.55 ERA in 63⅔ innings. Although Peralta is an established starter, Quintana, at 36, and Patrick, a rookie, have performed above expectations.
The Brewers focus on developing and acquiring pitchers who adapt to their environment, especially those who benefit from good defense. The return of Brandon Woodruff, although with less velocity, could further strengthen the rotation.
Jonathan Aranda, the new Rays star
Jonathan Aranda, a 26-year-old left-handed hitter, has excelled this season, ranking third in runs created with 182, behind Aaron Judge and Alonso. His batting average is .317, with an on-base percentage of .417 and a slugging percentage of .554.
The Rays discovered Aranda during a scouting trip in 2015, and now he is showing his potential. Although his OPS of .971 is significantly higher than his career average, people close to him believe his success is real.
Aranda has found a place on the team as part of a designated hitter duo, and is expected to hit more than 20 home runs. After overcoming an injury in 2024, he has made adjustments that have allowed him to thrive in 2025.
Max Muncy and the Home Run Drought
Max Muncy took 106 at-bats to hit his first home run of 2025, the longest streak of his career. His main problem is related to the way he hits the ball.
Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates explained that Muncy is getting out in front too much, losing his balance. Muncy has tried to adjust his swing, but the process has been slow.
Although he only has one home run, his OPS has slightly improved since April 28. Bates is confident that the home runs will come in greater quantity.
