The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is just around the corner, starting on March 27, and as teams finalize their rosters for Opening Day, fans are buzzing with excitement about the upcoming performances. With pitchers preparing to take the mound, strong favorites for strikeout leaders have emerged, and young prospects are making headlines across the league.
DraftKings Sportsbook has named Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' ace, as the favorite to lead the league with the most strikeouts, with odds currently set at +400. Last season, Skenes showcased impressive talent with 170 strikeouts over 133 innings, achieving an 11.5 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate and earning All-Star and NL Rookie of the Year honors along the way.
Trailing Skenes on the odds board is Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, who led the league last season with 228 strikeouts and captured the AL Cy Young award. The competition for the top spot is expected to be fierce, drawing attention to other strong candidates like Garrett Crochet, Dylan Cease, and Blake Snell.
One of the most intriguing players to watch this season is Jacob Wilson, the Athletics' top prospect who is anticipated to make significant strides after facing injury challenges last year. After being drafted sixth overall by the Athletics, Wilson made his debut less than 400 days later but struggled with injuries, which sidelined him during his first few games. “I’m feeling a lot stronger,” Wilson commented during the team’s Spring Training, recalling how the offseason focused on strength and flexibility training has positively impacted his game. Manager Mark Kotsay remarked on Wilson's added physicality, noting, “He definitely looks a little more physical.” With new dietary changes and dedicated training under the supervision of the Athletics' strength coach, Wilson is prepared for his first full season with the potential to be a table-setter for hitters like Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers.
Across the league, teams are setting up their lineups for the season. The Toronto Blue Jays have bolstered their lineup with the addition of two significant free-agent signings, including outfielder Santander and pitcher Scherzer. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees have made adjustments to their batting order, potentially placing Jasson Dominguez as their leadoff hitter to kick off the season.
Similarly, the Boston Red Sox are hoping to capitalize on the recent acquisition of Alex Bregman, who will take over second base, positioning Rafael Devers firmly at third base. The Red Sox aim to improve their rotation with Garrett Crochet and veteran pitcher Walker Buehler coming on board as strategic bolsters for the season's expected grueling schedule.
Even teams like the Kansas City Royals, with their dynamic new lineup featuring Jonathan India, are setting ambitious goals, eyeing the playoffs as they gear up for the upcoming season. Manager Anne Rogers noted the importance of establishing dual positions for versatility among their bats.
Meanwhile, the National League is filled with its own competition. The Atlanta Braves are evaluating where Jose Altuve will primarily play, with discussions around whether his defensive presence is best suited for left field or second base. The Braves' management anticipates former Cy Young winner Chris Sale's return to form, positioned to contribute significantly to their rotation.
Adding anticipation to the season is the collective outlook involving rookie prospects and their ascent to the major leagues. Teams are keeping their eyes on first-round picks like Chase Dollander from the Rockies, whose pitching prowess might encourage the team to contend for the postseason. The Chicago Cubs are expecting immense potential from Matt Shaw, their gifted infielder, who is vying for the third-base position.
At the same time, the San Francisco Giants are optimistic about the health and performance of veteran pitchers, encouraged by the return of players from injuries sustained last season. Manager Maria Guardado emphasized the team’s hopes for Ray and Verlander to anchor the rotation effectively.
With spring training bringing these fundamental evaluations to the forefront, the importance of scouting and development remains clear. Each organization, through careful assessments and predictions, is laying the foundation for future success—a necessity as the competition heats up.
After many offseason maneuvers, opening day will kickstart the arduous 162-game stretch for every team involved, promising drama, suspense, and surprises at every turn. Fans eagerly await to see if the favorites will hold true or if the underdogs will challenge the norm, and how each prospect translates raw skill and potential intothe big leagues. Expectations are high, excitement is palpable, and hope flourishes will the onset of another MLB season!