Nine MLB Players Set to Carry Teams in 2025

When a star player exits a team, the club often seeks replacements through free agency or trades. However, sometimes, the answer lies within. In 2025, nine players are poised to step up and assume greater responsibilities after their teams lost key contributors this offseason.

Jasson Domínguez, Outfielder, Yankees

The Yankees acquired outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Cubs, aiming to填补 the void left by Juan Soto’s departure. Bellinger’s recent performance suggests he may not fully replace Soto, who signed with the Mets for a $765 million, 15-year deal. Enter Jasson Domínguez, MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 overall prospect.

Domínguez made his Major League debut in September 2023, homering four times in his first seven games. His promising start was derailed by Tommy John surgery, limiting him to 67 plate appearances and a .179/.313/.304 slash line. The Yankees hope he can quickly recover and contribute meaningfully to their offense in 2025.

Jackson Holliday, Second Baseman, Orioles

Jackson Holliday, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, had a rocky start in the big leagues. He hit .059 with 18 strikeouts in his first 10 games before being sent back to the Minors. Returning in late July, Holliday improved his batting line to .218/.285/.365, but still has a long way to go.

The Orioles need Holliday to step up to replace Anthony Santander, a left-handed power hitter who signed with the Blue Jays. Tyler O’Neill, added to the outfield, bats right-handed, so the team depends on Holliday to provide left-handed pop.

Trevor Megill, Reliever, Brewers

Trevor Megill is set to become the Brewers closer following the trade of All-Star reliever Devin Williams. Known for his prowess, Williams posted a 1.70 ERA, 2.24 FIP, 40.8% strikeout rate, and .144 opponents’ batting average among pitchers with at least 200 innings since 2020.

Megill excelled in the closer role during Williams’s injury absence in 2024, posting a 2.41 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 20 saves over 35 games. He now gets a chance to solidify the role on a full-time basis.

Jose Miranda, First Baseman, Twins

Jose Miranda takes over first base duties for the Twins after Carlos Santana joined the Guardians. Santana was a crucial player in 2024, providing Gold Glove-level defense and hitting .749 OPS with 23 home runs. Miranda posted a 115 wRC+ over 429 plate appearances in 2024, making him a capable offensive replacement.

However, Miranda has struggled with defense, recording -16 Outs Above Average career-wide compared to Santana’s +14 OAA in 2024. The Twins will need him to improve in this area to fully fill his role.

Joey Ortiz, Shortstop, Brewers

Joey Ortiz excelled as the Brewers third baseman in 2024, accumulating 3.1 WAR with 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and a .726 OPS in 142 games. His responsibilities will intensify as he takes on the shortstop role vacated by Willy Adames. Adames, who signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Giants, hit 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, and .794 OPS in 2024.

While replicating Adames is a tall order, Ortiz needs to raise his offensive contributions to pave the way for the Brewers.

Grayson Rodriguez, Starting Pitcher, Orioles

The Orioles lost Corbin Burnes to the D-backs after his successful 2024 season, where he posted a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts, finishing fifth in the American League Cy Young Award voting. The team will hope Rodriguez can fill the void.

Rodriguez, entering his age-25 campaign, showed flashes of brilliance amid inconsistency and injury in his two seasons. He posted a 3.86 ERA with 127 strikeouts and 23 walks in 2024, pointing to potential growth. With newcomers and holdovers in the rotation, managers eyes will be on Rodriguez to anchor the staff.

Spencer Schwellenbach, Starting Pitcher, Braves

The Braves face rotation challenges after losing Max Fried, and to a lesser extent, Charlie Morton, to free agency. Schwellenbach will be key as the team tries to stabilize. Although Chris Sale and Reynaldo López are expected to help, issues surrounding injuries and regression could pose uncertainties.

With Spencer Strider out of commission due to right elbow surgery, and Grant Holmes and Ian Anderson potentially joining the rotation, Schwellenbach will need to build on his rookie-season success of 3.35 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 123.2 innings to keep Atlanta competitive.

Robbie Ray, Starting Pitcher, Giants

With Blake Snell’s departure to the Dodgers for a five-year, $182 million deal, the Giants turn to Robbie Ray to fill the gap in their rotation. Ray’s blend of a strong underlying performance, despite a 4.70 ERA in 2024, is encouraging. His strikeout rate (33.3%), walk rate (8.4%), and expected batting average (.180) suggest he could provide solid value.

Given the uncertainties surrounding Justin Verlander, Jordan Hicks, and Kyle Harrison, Ray’s ability to rebound could be critical to the Giants’ playoff aspirations.

Xander Bogaerts, Shortstop, Red Sox

Xander Bogaerts, considered one of baseball’s premier shortstops, joined the Red Sox from the Rockies after an injury-plagued period. Over his six seasons in Colorado, Bogaerts produced 158 home runs and a .863 OPS in 745 games. Since signing a six-year, $140 million deal with Boston in 2021, however, his health has been a concern.

With just 21 home runs and a .693 OPS in 163 games across parts of three seasons, Bogaerts will need to return to his peak form to provide offensive and defensive stability for the Red Sox.

These nine players represent a mix of fantastic prospects and experienced professionals, each expected to step into critical roles in 2025. As the Major League Baseball season unfolds, will any of these players rise to the occasion and transform their teams’ fortunes? Stay tuned to see how the predictions play out.

We invite you to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below. Join our conversation and be part of the excitement leading into the 2025 MLB season!