The 2025 season is just around the corner and Spring Training is offering us a preview of what’s to come. The offseason moves have some of baseball’s top stars in new locations and perhaps better prepared to make a postseason run. Legends on Deck writers decided to offer their analysis of what players will make the biggest impact on each team this year. Agree or disagree, here’s our takes on 2025 MLB Team MVPs.
David Conde, Founder, Co-Owner and Co-Host of the LOD Podcast
Mets – Juan Soto was the biggest purchase for the New York Mets in the offseason, and he will become a huge star in Queens for years to come. The 2025 season will be a productive season for Soto as he will put up big numbers, and battle for the National League MVP.
Phillies – Zack Wheeler won 16 games in 2024 and was one of the best pitchers in the league. With the Phillies returning basically the same lineup from 2024, and looking to battle for another NL division crown, Wheeler will once again be the Ace of the staff and be in the running for NL Cy Young award.
Braves – The Atlanta Braves opened the 2024 season with their star studded lineup, but for a good portion of the season, the lineup was not intact, which affected the lineup as a whole. Without the big guns like Ronald Acuna Jr and Austin Riley to help protect Matt Olson, the lefty power hitter’s numbers took a decline from his 54 homer season in 2023. But with Riley back and Acuna Jr expected soon, Olson will be that threat again to opposing pitchers.
Marlins – Jesus Sanchez has been a productive player in limited time on the field, but in 2024 he played in 149 games and increased his power numbers. He finished the season with 25 doubles, 18 home runs and 64 RBIs and with the Marlins still a young group, Sanchez will be the guy to lead the squad and keep improving in his past seasons.
Nationals – Luis Garcia Jr. has slowly worked his way to appearing in more games and it showed in 2024 when he played in 140 games and also his productivity made a huge jump as he had career highs in doubles (25), home runs (18), RBIs (70), Stolen Bases (22) and batting average (.282). With some added veterans on the team, Garcia Jr. will have a much better season nd improve on 2024 putting him as one of the top leaders on the squad.
Padres – Jackson Merrill was the top offensive rookie in 2024 and if not for RHP Paul Skenes winning the Rookie of the Year award, Merrill was a sure winner. On a team full of superstars, there is always one player that stirs the straw and Merrill is that bat for the Padres. He may not improve by much in his offensive numbers from 2024, when he recorded 31 doubles, six triples, 24 home runs and 90 RBIs, but his all around game will help the Padres win ball games and stay in contention in the NL West.
Brian Koss, Co-Owner and Co-Host of the LOD Podcast
Tigers – The Detroit Tigers were among the biggest surprise teams in baseball last year. Riley Greene is an emerging superstar poised for a breakout season. If Greene stays healthy, look for 35 homers and 100 RBIs and a top five finish in the AL MVP vote.
Royals – Bobby Witt Jr. is arguably the best overall player in baseball. Expect another big season from the young shortstop. That includes being named the American League MVP.
Guardians – Steven Kwan started out hot in 2024 and then cooled off. However, his postseason hitting was the difference maker in Cleveland’s postseason run. Kwan will likely carry that momentum into the 2025 season.
Twins – The Twins are consistently competitive every year, even without a full season from Byron Buxton. His injuries have his career potential. If Buxton plays a full season, it could be the difference maker that propels the Twins into the postseason.
White Sox – Andrew Vaughn has been a consistently good player who has played on a bad team. The soon to be 27 year old first baseman is entering his prime and puts up 20+ home runs and close to 80 RBIs per year. Look for him to have a breakout season in 2025.
Diamondbacks – Corbin Burnes was perhaps the biggest pitching pickup of the off-season. The DBacks rotation was already strong, Burns makes it elite. Expect him to compete for a National League Cy Young Award this season.
Dylan Spaulding, Associate Editor
Angels – After a strong 2024 campaign, Zach Neto is poised to make a push towards being one of the top stars of the Angels. With Mike Trout getting older and the team in need of another strong bat in their lineup, Neto may be a bright spot this season for a young Angels team.
Astros – Jeremy Pena seems like an obvious choice but the 2022 World Series MVP has had a strong spring and is coming into 2025 with a lot of momentum. With a .444 AVG this spring, Pena should be one of the top bats within a retooled Astros lineup.
Athletics -The over 100 MPH flamethrower, Mason Miller had a sensational 2024 campaign complete with an AL All-Star selection. A sub-2.00 ERA to start the spring, Miller should provide a valuable arm out of the pen and be a strong point for the team this year.
Mariners – After a bit of a down year for the Mariners superstar, J-Rod has the makings of getting back in order this year in 2025. While Randy Arozarena will also be a big contributor for the M’s in his first full season, Julio Rodriguez has the makings of having an MVP season.
Rangers -The former Florida Gator, Wyatt Langford is looking to be a big contributor for the 2023 World Series champions. After a strong rookie campaign, Langford has the makings of being one of the best all around players for the Rangers in 2025.
Rockies – Zac Veen has potential to be a dark horse Gold Glove candidate and headline for a Rockies team with no true direction. Veen showed last season why he can be the face of the Rockies in the years to come.
Jeremy Cerone, Editor
Yankees – Aaron Judge continues to be the cornerstone of the Yankees’ offense, consistently delivering towering home runs and maintaining a high on-base percentage. His leadership on and off the field, combined with his defensive prowess in right field, solidifies his role as the team’s most valuable player. Especially with so many key injuries on the team, the Yankees will depend upon Judge as much as ever.
Orioles – Gunnar Henderson‘s emergence as a dynamic infielder has been a revelation for the Orioles. His combination of power and speed, along with a keen eye at the plate, has made him a catalyst for Baltimore’s offense. Defensively, his versatility across the infield positions adds significant value to the team’s roster.
Red Sox – Since joining the Red Sox, Alex Bregman has seamlessly integrated into the lineup, providing consistent offensive production and clutch performances. His playoff experience and baseball IQ have been instrumental in mentoring younger players, and his defensive skills at third base have bolstered Boston’s infield stability.
Blue Jays – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is Major League Baseball’s next $700 million dollar man and in his contract year before the sweet reward of free agency. He has matured into one of the most feared hitters in the league. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him the linchpin of the Blue Jays’ offense. His improved defensive play at first base has also contributed positively to Toronto’s overall team defense.
Rays – Shane McClanahan is a very good player on an otherwise very mediocre roster, so he’s clearly the favorite for team MVP. He has established himself as the ace of the Rays’ pitching staff. His electric fastball and sharp breaking pitches have consistently stymied opposing hitters. His durability and consistency on the mound provide the Rays with a reliable presence every fifth day.
Dodgers – Despite uncertainties surrounding his pitching availability in 2025, Shohei Ohtani‘s exceptional hitting and running abilities continue to make a monumental impact. His recent home run in the Tokyo Dome exemplifies his offensive prowess, highlighting his value to the Dodgers as a true superstar.
Aaron Reale, Editor
Giants – It may seem like the obvious answer, but Willy Adames; Justin Verlander and a hopefully healthy Robbie Ray were just as valid of options, but when the last Giant to hit 30 or more Home Runs was Barry Bonds in 2004, and Adames has the ability to change that, I have to go with him.
Cubs – Kyle Tucker is the new shiny toy for the Cubs, and with good reason; especially after the trade of Cody Bellinger, the most potential pop in that lineup will come from the former Astro, as they rely on him to lead their offense.
Cardinals -This roster is a mess, and the true MVP will be the General Manager if he can use his tradable assets at the deadline to acquire prospects who will hopefully become future mainstays on the roster. But in terms of a player, we will go with Jordan Walker, who can do a lot of good for this should he finally break out.
Reds – Elly De La Cruz and the rest of the offense should bounce back and/or take steps forward this year, so the true MVP of the team in my estimation will be Hunter Greene; if he can continue to become the CY Young caliber pitcher his talent suggests he is, the Reds have a real shot.
Pirates – Paul Skenes. Who else could it be? The Pirates didn’t do much to upgrade their middling offense this off-season, so they will rely on their big three pitchers and potentially top prospect Bubba Chandler; but if Skenes doesn’t have a great Sophomore year, they have no shot.
Brewers – The Brew Crew almost never seems to have an impressive roster on paper, yet they often defy the experts. So to an extent, it’s hard to pick a singular MVP of the team; which is why I will exercise Yankee bias and pick Nestor Cortes. He is a former All-Star, a fan favorite, and has a World Series chip on his shoulder. I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a big-time piece for this team.
