The Big Bats and Live Arms Poised to Dictate the 2025 MLB Season
As the 2025 Major League Baseball season begins, fans are gearing up for six months of action, from Opening Day to the intense postseason battles. While baseball enthusiasts follow the drama on the field, many unwind with their favorite Mr Fog Vapes, enjoying the smooth hits while debating the season’s top contenders. With a packed schedule ahead, here are 10 players who could shape the year’s biggest storylines:
Shohei Ohtani, DH, Los Angeles Dodgers
Just because it’s expected doesn’t make it any less exciting. Ohtani is fresh off a historic 50-homer, 50-steal season (officially ending at a jaw-dropping 54-59) and is expected to return to the mound following Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers already boast one of the league’s top pitching rotations, but if Ohtani can contribute, they could be favorites for a consecutive World Series berth.
Elly De La Cruz, SS, Cincinnati Reds
Standing at 6-foot-5 with a blend of power and speed, De La Cruz is a must-watch player. Last year, he smashed 25 home runs and led the majors with 67 steals. His biggest challenge? Reducing his league-high 218 strikeouts. With continued improvement, he has the potential to become one of the most electrifying stars in the game.
Tarik Skubal, SP, Detroit Tigers
Last season, Skubal became just the eighth pitcher since 2000 to win the Triple Crown, leading the American League in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228). If he continues to improve, he could be the first AL pitcher in 25 years to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards.
Justin Verlander, SP, San Francisco Giants
At 42, Verlander is still going strong. With 262 career wins, he inches closer to the elite 300-win club. The Giants won’t need him to carry the rotation—Logan Webb and Robbie Ray will do the heavy lifting—but his experience could be the key to getting San Francisco out of a stacked NL West.
Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Skenes is on the opposite end of the spectrum from Verlander, representing the next generation of dominant pitchers. As a rookie last season, he led all NL pitchers (min. 130 innings) in strikeout rate and ERA, even earning the honor of starting in the All-Star Game. What’s next? A sophomore season that could match legends like Dwight Gooden’s 1985 campaign.
Luis Arraez, 2B, San Diego Padres
San Diego’s postseason hopes hinge on Fernando Tatís Jr.’s health, but Arraez’s consistent hitting could be just as crucial. Last year, he became the first player to win a third straight batting title with three different teams, Mr Fog Switch SW15000 finishing with a .314 average. If he does it again, he’ll join a legendary four-in-a-row club that includes Padres great Tony Gwynn.
Julio Rodríguez, OF, Seattle Mariners
At just 24, Rodríguez is still looking to take the next leap in his career. His numbers dipped slightly last season, but with Mariners legend Edgar Martínez now coaching him, 2025 could be the year he fulfills his immense potential.
Francisco Lindor, SS, New York Mets
With Juan Soto making headlines for his blockbuster move to the Mets, Lindor’s impact might fly under the radar. Yet his elite defense—ranked second by MLB.com—gives New York a huge advantage up the middle. If his bat can match his glove, he could be a key piece in a deep playoff run.
Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals
After a mixed debut in 31 big-league games last season, Crews enters 2025 with sky-high expectations. He’s widely regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects, and if he builds on his strong spring training, he could be the breakout star of the year.
Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels
Trout’s elite talent has never been in question, but injuries have plagued his recent seasons. The Angels haven’t made the postseason since 2009, two years before Trout’s debut. If he can stay healthy, his return could feel like a blockbuster addition for a franchise in dire need of a spark.
The Season Ahead
As these stars set the stage for an exciting year, baseball fans will be locked in, whether watching from the stands or enjoying a relaxing session with Mr Fog Double Strawberry. With plenty of talent and storylines to follow, the 2025 MLB season promises to be one of the most thrilling in years.
