Oct 16, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Luis Severino (40) reacts after an out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Which MLB team will shock everyone in 2025?

Every season has its Cinderella story

According to a recent survey conducted by MLB.com during spring training, over 100 players anonymously shared their picks for the team most likely to exceed expectations in 2025. Every season, an underdog story emerges, surprising fans and analysts alike. Last year, the players correctly identified the Kansas City Royals, a team coming off a 106-loss season, as a breakout candidate. The Royals went on to finish 86-76 and clinched a postseason berth. Now, the question is: which team will shock everyone in 2025? Here’s what the players had to say.

1) Oakland Athletics

The overwhelming favorite among surveyed players, the Athletics received at least 10 more votes than any other team. Despite their struggles in recent years, many believe Oakland’s offense is poised to break out.

“I think the A’s are going to be able to swing it,” one American League starting pitcher said. “Their second half last year showed they were putting things together offensively. I’m not sure about their pitching depth, but their lineup should be solid.”

Another player, a National League reliever, pointed to the talent on the roster, particularly outfielder Lawrence Butler, who recently signed a seven-year, $65.5 million extension. The A’s also bolstered their roster with versatile infielders Luis Urías and Gio Urshela, former ace Luis Severino, a healthy Jeffrey Springs, and high-strikeout closer José Leclerc.

Lawrence Butler agrees to 7-year, $65.5M extension with the A's, per @JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/4WaP2NJkDH
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 7, 2025

Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism is the shift in clubhouse atmosphere. Oakland was a .500 team after the All-Star break last season, a stark improvement from their 37-61 first-half record. With Brent Rooker emerging as an unexpected power hitter, JJ Bleday proving his worth as an everyday player, and young stars like Zack Gelof, Tyler Soderstrom, and Jacob Wilson ready to take the next step, the A’s could be a team to watch in 2025.

ALSO READ: American League 2025: Projected MLB Opening Day lineups and rotations

“They’ve got a really good group of young guys who enjoy playing together,” an AL relief pitcher noted. “They also have players fighting for contracts and rookies trying to prove themselves. That’s a great mix. And moving to Sacramento could add even more motivation.”

2) Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox’s offseason moves earned praise from AL pitchers surveyed. Boston’s acquisition of Garrett Crochet in a blockbuster trade with the White Sox was a major talking point, but the Red Sox also retained top prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, signaling a focus on long-term success.

Everybody loves Alex Bregman pic.twitter.com/e2YbOuPc4e
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) March 1, 2025

Jarren Duran, a breakout performer last season, and Wilyer Abreu, now a Gold Glove outfielder, provide additional firepower. The late signing of Alex Bregman shores up an infield that has struggled defensively in recent years.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Rafael Devers practices at hot corner amid trade rumors

“On one projection, they were 82-80, and before they signed Bregman, they were picked to finish last in the AL East,” one AL starter said. “That team is too good to be last in the division.”

3) Cincinnati Reds

The Reds have been a popular breakout pick for two years running, and the sentiment hasn’t changed heading into 2025, especially with Terry Francona taking over as manager.

“I said it last year, but the Reds are built to be good,” an NL reliever said. “It all depends on their pitching staff. If their young starters perform, they could be really dangerous. If they don’t, who knows? But I think they’ll surprise people.”

ALSO READ: National League 2025: Projected MLB Opening Day lineups and rotations

Cincinnati’s rotation has promise, led by breakout ace Hunter Greene, along with Nick Martinez and Brady Singer. While there’s uncertainty surrounding Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Rhett Lowder, they all have the potential to contribute.

Offensively, the Reds’ aggressive, high-energy style remains a key talking point. Elly De La Cruz enters the season as MLB’s reigning stolen base leader, and if Matt McLain and TJ Friedl stay healthy, Cincinnati could make a serious push in the National League.

Elly De La Cruz is hitting .526 this spring.#Reds pic.twitter.com/a69jXaEbqk
— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) March 8, 2025

As the 2025 season approaches, these three teams have captured the attention of players around the league. Whether they can replicate the Royals’ surprising 2024 run remains to be seen, but the pieces are in place for a potential Cinderella story.

Boston Red Sox

Cincinnati Reds

Oakland Athletics

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.