Finding 2025’s Breakout MLB Stars from 2024’s Standouts

MLB.com is gearing up for the 2025 season by spotlighting emerging talents who echoed the breakout performances of 2024’s top players. Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds’ dynamic shortstop, has impressed fans and analysts alike by combining power and speed — a feat that earned him cover athlete honors for MLB The Show 25 on January 28, 2025. His season, featuring at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases, positions him to follow in the footsteps of past stars like Bobby Witt Jr., rising from standout to superstar.

Other promising players include Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, who, following his 2024 debut and All-Star selection, signed a 9-year extension on April 2, 2025, underscoring his rapid ascent. Additionally, Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs has already made a significant impact early in his major league career, while James Wood of the Nationals remains on the radar as a key breakout candidate. As the 2025 season unfolds, these athletes are expected to redefine their roles and heavily influence the game.