10 MLB Players Seeking a 2025 Comeback

Spring Training Surge: Players Ready for Redemption in 2025

As the sun rises on spring training and a new baseball season beckons, excitement buzzes through stadiums across America. Fans, analysts, and players alike are poised for what could be transformative years for several athletes looking to bounce back from disappointing campaigns.

The Big Comeback: Notable Players to Watch

Every season in Major League Baseball, we witness players who, following uncharacteristic seasons fraught with challenges, emerge rejuvenated. In 2025, a group of standouts is seemingly primed for resurgence, promising thrilling storylines as the season unfolds.

Bo Bichette: Aiming for Consistency

The Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop Bo Bichette captivated fans with an OPS of 126 from 2019 to 2023. However, 2024 was a year to forget, marred by injuries and an OPS of a dismal 71. After struggling to find his groove, Bichette is now under pressure to deliver as he enters his 27-year-old season.

The upcoming offseason is critical for Bichette, especially with free agency looming. His track record hints at rediscovery; between 2021 and 2023, he was among the elite, hitting over .298 and cranking at least 20 home runs per season. As he approaches his peak years, fans hope for a rekindled spark in his game. Will 2025 see him reclaim what was lost?

Austin Riley: Battling Through Adversity

For Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves, 2024 was marked by promise juxtaposed against significant health struggles. After three consecutive seasons of All-Star caliber performance, including OPS+ figures soaring above 130, Riley’s numbers plummeted amidst injury woes.

Yet, glimpses of brilliance remain: a notable OPS of .824 following his return in late May showcases his potential. As he enters his 28-year-old season, Riley’s trajectory is steep, with expectations resting upon him to bounce back and solidify his status as an MVP contender once more.

Paul Goldschmidt: Time for a Turnaround

The Yankees’ veteran first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt, experienced an uncharacteristically poor season in 2024, ending with an OPS below league average for the first time in his storied career. However, impressive metrics from his final games suggest that the 37-year-old still possesses the latent power to impact games significantly.

With a change of scenery from Busch Stadium to Yankee Stadium—known for its hitter-friendly dimensions—Goldschmidt’s potential resurgence could be the spark that reignites this baseball titan’s waning fire.

Luis Robert Jr.: Ready to Shine

Luis Robert Jr., a central figure for the Chicago White Sox, confronts a critical juncture after injury troubles limited him to just 100 games last season. Yet, the raw talent is undeniable: 38 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 2023 proved he can be a dual threat. The question lingering for Robert is whether he can maintain his health and capitalize on his elite skills in 2025.

As one of the few runners with the credentials to mix power with speed and elite defense, Robert’s healthy return promises excitement for White Sox fans and a key element in their hopes for a successful campaign.

Gleyber Torres: A New Dawn

Now with the Detroit Tigers, Gleyber Torres enters a fresh chapter in his career, hoping for a rebirth after facing challenges with the Yankees. Despite a lackluster 2024 season, his strong closing performance shows that Torres’ potential is still intact. With the mental reset of a new environment, 2025 might be the year he returns to his All-Star form.

Fans will be watching closely as he moves from the Bronx to Detroit, eager to see if the “change of scenery” theory holds water in his case.

Pitchers Poised for a Comeback

The narrative of recovery isn’t confined to position players; several pitchers are also on the cusp of reclaiming their once-prominent forms.

Walker Buehler: Rebuilding His Legacy

After enduring a harrowing recovery from major arm surgeries, Walker Buehler stepped back onto the mound for the Boston Red Sox, his tenure shadowed by diminished performance. Yet, a strong postseason display hints at his potential return to elite form. With a powerful fastball and a refined curve, Buehler must harness these strengths to validate the Sox’s investment in him.

Luis Castillo: Overcoming Expectations

Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo enters 2025 under scrutiny following a season of mixed results. Recognized for his durability, Castillo’s 3.64 ERA in 2024 indicates reliability; however, persistent whispers of trade rumors suggest that the Mariners may not be confident in his future with the club. Still, his enduring fastball velocity signals that fans should expect a resurgence from this capable right-hander.

Justin Verlander: The Hall of Famer in Transition

At 42, Justin Verlander’s 2024 campaign with the San Francisco Giants bore the scars of age and wear. His battle with injury has made headlines, but amid the setbacks, hope remains vibrant. Having previously posted stellar numbers in 2023, Verlander possesses the skill set to bolster the partnership between aging veteran expertise and youthful talent, as he approaches his twentieth season with expectations to exceed last year’s disappointments.

Kevin Gausman: Striving for Consistency

Kevin Gausman, the Toronto Blue Jays’ ace, faces the uphill battle of bouncing back from a year of slightly deteriorating stats. Renowned for his lethal splitter, Gausman must adapt and refine his pitching as aging and competition stiffens. Observers are keen to see if he can replicate previous success and prove he’s still a top-tier pitcher in 2025.

Chris Bassitt: The Resilient Veteran

Toronto’s Chris Bassitt teeters at a crossroads in his career. After experiencing peaks and troughs in 2024, there’s uncertainty regarding his capabilities moving into 2025. Yet, his recent performances indicate that he can still dominate at times, which leaves hope for a revamp of his contributions to the Blue Jays’ rotation.

Keys to Redemption in 2025

The road to recovery for these players will hinge on a multitude of factors. Fundamental to their success is health; injuries can derail even the most talented prospects. Also critical is their mental approach—a resurgence is as much emotional as it is physical. Teams will need to adopt strategies that foster resilience, nurturing environments that support mental wellbeing.

Health Management: Key to Performance

Teams are evolving how they handle player health in the offseason. Enhanced training regimens, preventative strategies, and comprehensive recovery plans are pivotal for those returning from injuries. Teams like the Blue Jays and Braves are already leading the charge, investing in technology to monitor player health and performance trends—revealing a proactive attitude that could revolutionize player recovery. This approach not only protects players but maximizes potential output when they return to the field.

The Importance of Mental Fortitude

On the psychological side, fostering mental resilience is becoming increasingly prevalent in professional sports. Organizations are now recognizing the mental pressures that accompany performance expectations. Calculation and strategy are critical; preparing players mentally can mean the difference between success and despair. Access to sports psychologists and mental health resources is imperative as players adapt to setbacks or injuries.

Fan Engagement and Anticipation

As we gear up for the season, player narratives are just beginning to unfold. Fans will rally behind these potential comeback stories, bringing ready-made excitement to the stadiums. Storylines like those of Bo Bichette, Austin Riley, and Walker Buehler not only enhance interest in their respective teams but stimulate broader discussions around player performance and recovery.

The Excitement of Spring

What’s clear is the magical allure of spring training, where hope reigns and dreams are reborn. Every pitch, every hit, and every fielding play could very well signal a revival. This season, watch closely as these athletes attempt to rewrite their narratives—because in baseball, anything can happen, and every game offers a chance at newfound glory.

FAQs: Players to Watch in 2025

Who is most likely to have a standout season in 2025?

Bo Bichette and Austin Riley top the list, as both have proven track records and are under significant pressure to bounce back from disappointing seasons.

How important is mental health in a player’s performance?

Mental health significantly impacts performance; organized teams are beginning to integrate psychological support to enhance player resilience and output.

What role does injury prevention play in a player’s comeback?

Preventative strategies are critical as they can extend a player’s career and enhance their ability to perform at optimal levels. Tracking technology has become essential in modern athlete management.

Redemption Season? Experts Weigh in on MLB Players Primed for 2025 Comebacks

Time.news: Spring training is in full swing, and baseball fans are buzzing about potential comeback stories. We sat down with sports performance expert, Dr. Anya Sharma, to delve into which players are poised for a resurgence and the key factors driving their pursuit of glory.Dr. Sharma, thanks for joining us.

Dr. Sharma: It’s my pleasure to be here. This is an exciting time of year!

Time.news: Our article highlights several MLB players, including Bo Bichette, Austin Riley, and Paul Goldschmidt, looking to rebound after challenging 2024 seasons.From your viewpoint,Dr. Sharma, what are the biggest hurdles these players face?

Dr. Sharma: That’s a great leadoff question.Each player faces unique obstacles, but fundamentally, it boils down to three key areas: physical recovery, mental fortitude, and adaptation. We’re talking about players who’ve experienced injuries (Riley, Robert Jr., Verlander), performance slumps (Bichette, Goldschmidt), or a change of scenery (Torres). For those recovering from injuries, it’s about progressively rebuilding strength and regaining confidence in their bodies. For those who had statistical outliers,it’s about a holistic review to see what may have contributed to the lackluster performance and working to get back on track regarding training and mindset.

Time.news: The article mentions the Blue Jays and Braves are investing in technology to monitor player health. How important is this trend of using data analytics in injury prevention for baseball players and performance enhancement?

Dr. Sharma: It’s absolutely revolutionary.We’ve long had subjective observations on player performances (eg “he looks tired”). Now, we can use biomechanical sensors, sleep trackers, and force plates to gather objective data to identify potential injury risks before they even manifest into symptoms or a diagnosis. Then, the real magic is creating personalized training programs based on that data. This allows for optimized workloads to reduce the risks for injury and enhance the effectiveness of training. This proactive approach is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for teams vying for championships.This level of data is also useful in determining what type of recovery strategies may best benefit the athlete, and monitor their effectiveness.

Time.news: The article also emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports. How are teams addressing the psychological challenges players face,and what advice would you give players struggling with performance anxiety or self-doubt?

Dr. Sharma: It’s fantastic to see teams finally prioritizing mental wellbeing. From a player’s perspective,it’s about developing coping mechanisms for managing pressure,building resilience in the face of adversity,and cultivating a positive self-image. Seeking support from a qualified sports psychologist is crucial. Another key component is being able to effectively communicate their needs with their coaches and the training/medical staff. I advise players to focus on the process – the daily preparation, the small wins – rather than solely on the outcome. Remember why you play the game, visualize success, and practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment. Don’t be afraid (or ashamed) to ask for help.It is indeed a sign of strength to seek guidance, not weakness.

Time.news: Let’s talk specifics. The article highlights Bo Bichette’s inconsistency and the pressure he faces. What key factors will determine whether he can return to his elite form in 2025 and what advice would you give a player in his position?

Dr. Sharma: For Bichette, it’s about regaining confidence at the plate and trusting his abilities. 2024 was a clear outlier on his otherwise-prosperous career,so focusing on the underlying factors that contributed to that statistical anomaly will be crucial (eg physical,mental,or technical contributions). From my view, it’s not solely about mechanics. It’s about the approach to training and competing, understanding the why behind the what, getting enough recovery, and reestablishing the mental preparation that made him successful. This requires a solid understanding of both self and the process.

Time.news: Another name mentioned is Justin Verlander. At 42, how can he leverage his experience and adapt his game to overcome the challenges of age and injury?

Dr. Sharma: Verlander’s experience is his greatest asset. He knows his body better than anyone. The key for him (and other veterans) is intelligent training. That means focusing on quality over quantity, prioritizing recovery, and adapting his mechanics to minimize stress on his joints. He must be honest about his limitations and embrace a role of mentor and leader to help his pitching staff improve.

Time.news: for fans eager to follow these MLB comeback stories in 2025, what should they be watching for during spring training and the early season?

Dr.Sharma: Pay attention to body language! Does that player seem confident and relaxed? see a renewed work ethic? Also, look beyond the box score. Note improvements in mechanics, pitch selection, and plate discipline. Are they making adjustments when things aren’t easy, or are they just repeating the same mistakes? Early indicators of a positive trajectory are almost always seen well before the numbers are there. And remember, patience is key. It takes time to rebuild, and setbacks are part of the process. So, support players through the ups and downs, and celebrate their resilience.

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers.

Dr. Sharma: Thank you! it’s been a pleasure.