2025 MLB Season Preview: Key Factors for Each American League Team
The 2025 Major League Baseball season is set to launch on Thursday, March 27th, after the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs kicked things off in Tokyo. The New York Yankees, reigning American League champions, aim to replicate their success and secure their first World Series title since 2009. However, the road ahead is paved with challenges and fierce competition.
The Yankees endured a tumultuous offseason. Despite missing out on the highly sought-after Juan Soto, they bolstered their roster with a substantial $218 million ace, two former MVPs, and arguably the league’s premier closer. This aggressive approach aimed to solidify their position as AL favorites. Unfortunately, a major blow struck during spring training when ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined with Tommy John surgery, significantly impacting their pitching depth.
Beyond the Yankees, a host of teams are poised to contend for the AL crown. The Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and Cleveland Guardians all present formidable challenges and will be vying for playoff berths.
Let’s delve into the critical factors that will determine the fate of each American League team in the 2025 season:
Baltimore Orioles:
The Orioles, fresh off a successful regular season, face mounting pressure to translate that success into playoff triumphs. However, they’ve experienced some setbacks. The loss of Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks is a significant blow. To offset this loss, they’ve acquired veteran Charlie Morton, hoping he can contribute valuable innings. The additions of catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Tyler O’Neill are intended to boost the offense, potentially displacing Anthony Santander.
Injury I: Gunnar Henderson’s health is paramount. The All-Star shortstop’s availability for opening day is uncertain due to a mild right intercostal strain sustained in spring training. Losing Henderson for any extended period would severely impact the Orioles’ offense, as he has been their most valuable hitter for the past two seasons.
Injury II: Grayson Rodriguez will start the season on the injured list with an elbow issue. The setback requires him to restart his throwing program entirely, effectively undergoing a second spring training. Rodriguez’s return to the rotation is delayed. When healthy, the 25-year-old possesses the potential to be a frontline ace, a role the Orioles desperately need him to fill given the departures of Burnes and John Means.
Payoffs? Ultimately, the Orioles’ success hinges on catcher Adley Rutschman. The two-time All-Star needs to rediscover the offensive form he displayed before the All-Star break last July.
Boston Red Sox:
The Red Sox face a daunting task in a highly competitive AL East. Their season’s trajectory may depend on their ability to navigate a series of early pitching injuries.
Enough arms to go around: The Red Sox begin the year with three starters – Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford – on the injured list. While Giolito’s hamstring issue is relatively minor, it adds to the concerns surrounding his durability following flexor tendon surgery. The acquisition of Garrett Crochet is expected to provide a significant boost to the bullpen. Walker Buehler, who closed out the World Series for the Dodgers last year, needs to provide consistent performance for the Red Sox.
Raffy on a rampage: While Alex Bregman’s production at the plate is expected, the focus will be on Rafael Devers. They need him healthy and productive throughout the season after a shoulder injury hampered him at the end of the previous campaign.
The terrific trio touches down: The potential impact of infielders Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer and outfielder Roman Anthony remains uncertain. Campbell has the clearest path to a job, especially if Bregman remains at third base.
Houston Astros:
The Astros are always contenders, but several factors could determine their success.
No rain on the Paredes: The departure of Alex Bregman and the acquisition of Isaac Paredes puts pressure on the latter to deliver at third base. Paredes, also acquired in exchange for Kyle Tucker, needs to contribute significantly on both offense and defense.
Forward march: With Justin Verlander gone and Framber Valdez potentially leaving after the season, the development of young pitchers like Hunter Brown and Spencer Arrighetti is crucial to the Astros’ long-term success. Arrighetti demonstrated improvement in pitch usage and consistency towards the end of the previous season.
An MVP campaign: Yordan Alvarez, still only 27, has the potential to elevate his game even further. With Bregman gone, the Astros need Alvarez to step up and lead the offense.
Los Angeles Angels:
The Angels’ success hinges almost entirely on the health and performance of one player.
Trout’s health: Mike Trout, the three-time MVP, has been plagued by injuries in recent years. If the Angels are to contend, they need Trout to stay healthy and return to his dominant form.
Is Moncada the answer at third base? With Anthony Rendon out for the season, the Angels are hoping that Yoan Moncada can revitalize his career. If Moncada struggles, the Angels may turn to utilityman Kevin Newman.
A lethal bullpen? The Angels have added firepower to their bullpen with the signing of veteran closer Kenley Jansen and the emergence of Ben Joyce.
Kansas City Royals:
The Royals aim to build on their improved performance from last season.
Witt stays healthy: Bobby Witt Jr.’s health is critical to the Royals’ success. He took a major step forward last season, winning the AL batting title and earning Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.
India adds offense: The acquisition of Jonathan India is expected to improve the Royals’ offense. His .352 career OBP should provide a significant boost in the leadoff spot.
Mound stability: The signings of Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, coupled with the midseason acquisition of Lucas Erceg, greatly improved the Royals’ pitching staff.
Cleveland Guardians:
The Guardians will rely on their pitching and a familiar face.
Filling offensive gaps: Replacing Josh Naylor’s production will be a challenge, but the Guardians are confident in Kyle Manzardo. The return of Carlos Santana could also provide a boost to the offense, particularly against left-handed pitching.
Starters stepping up: The Guardians’ starting pitching rotation has question marks beyond Tanner Bibee. The return of Shane Bieber, expected in June, will be a welcome addition.
Bullpen dominance: The Guardians’ dominant bullpen, led by Emmanuel Clase, should continue to be a strength.
Detroit Tigers:
The Tigers hope that their manager and pitching can lead them to success.
Hinch wins at chess: Manager A.J. Hinch’s ability to utilize the entire roster to exploit matchups will be crucial.
Leading the rotation: The Tigers are returning to a traditional five-man rotation, led by Tarik Skubal. Skubal’s performance will be central to their success.
Unlocking upside: Parker Meadows has the potential to be a significant contributor to the Tigers’ offense and defense.
Minnesota Twins:
The Twins hope for good health for their starters.
Solid relief: The Twins boast one of the best bullpens in baseball, anchored by Jhoan Duran and bolstered by the addition of Danny Coulombe.
Formidable three: The Twins have a solid trio of starting pitchers in Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober.
A healthy Buxton: For the first time in several years, Byron Buxton had a normal offseason. If he can stay healthy, he can make a huge impact.
New York Yankees:
The Yankees are under pressure to win it all.
Another MVP-type season: With Juan Soto gone, Aaron Judge may face more intentional walks. The additions of Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt should provide more balance to the lineup.
No more pitching injuries: The loss of Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery puts more pressure on Max Fried and Carlos Rodon to stay healthy and productive.
Better defense: The additions of Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt should improve the Yankees’ defense.
Oakland Athletics:
The Athletics face numerous challenges both on and off the field.
Commanding home field: The Athletics will spend the next three seasons at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
Butler becoming a star: Lawrence Butler emerged as a key player last season and was rewarded with a contract extension.
Leading a young pitching staff: The Athletics are relying on Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs to lead a young pitching rotation.
Seattle Mariners:
The Mariners need their stars to return to form.
Who’s on third? The Mariners are hoping that Jorge Polanco can successfully transition to third base.
Bounce-back from J.P. Crawford: J.P. Crawford needs to return to his 2023 form to bolster the Mariners’ offense.
Healthy starting pitching: The Mariners need to avoid injuries to their starting pitchers.
Tampa Bay Rays:
The Rays have to hope that their young talent can elevate their game.
Take it easy on Shane McClanahan: The Rays need to manage Shane McClanahan’s workload carefully as he returns from Tommy John surgery.
Let Junior Caminero cook: The Rays are expecting big things from Junior Caminero in his first full MLB season.
Get Carson Williams to the majors: The Rays should bring Carson Williams to the majors early in the season.
Texas Rangers:
The Rangers hope to repeat as World Series champions.
Rotation, rotation, rotation: The Rangers boast a strong rotation. The Rangers need Jackon DeGrom and Tyler Mahle back.
Closing time: The Rangers will need to find a replacement for Kirby Yates.
Adding pop: The acquisitions of Jake Burger and Joc Pederson should increase the Rangers’ power.
Toronto Blue Jays:
The Blue Jays hope that their key players can return to form.
A voracious Vladdy: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. needs to have a monster season.
Maximize the rotation: The Blue Jays need Max Scherzer to provide stability to their rotation.
To heck with it all: The Blue Jays need to embrace a loose and nothing-to-lose attitude.
Chicago White Sox:
The White Sox are undergoing a rebuild.
New face as manager: The White Sox hired Will Venable as their new manager.
No trade deficits: The White Sox hope that the prospects acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade will contribute soon.
Next bargaining chip: Luis Robert Jr. could be the White Sox’s best remaining trade chip.
