After weeks of preparation in Arizona, the Cactus League teams are ready to begin the 2025 MLB season Thursday. (Photo illustration by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – The reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs officially began the 2025 regular season last week in Tokyo, Japan. On Thursday, traditional Opening Day will be held for 28 MLB teams, including 14 Cactus League teams.
A team from the Cactus League has won the World Series the past two seasons: the Dodgers in 2024 and the Texas Rangers in 2023. According to ESPNBet, the Dodgers have the highest odds to win the Fall Classic in 2025, with the San Diego Padres at the eighth-highest as the second-best Cactus League team. The Arizona Diamondbacks are tied for the 10th-highest odds.
Fans flocked to Arizona’s Cactus League this spring to see superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Bobby Witt Jr., and Elly De La Cruz, as well as young emerging stars like Jackson Chourio and Jackson Merrill.
Diamondbacks fans saw their big free-agent signing, pitcher Corbin Burnes, in action, as he looks to lead them back to the postseason after a disappointing end to last year when they lost five of their last seven games and missed making the playoffs by one game.
For some teams, expectations are high, while for others, chances to make the playoffs are slim to none. But as the regular season begins with an even playing field, all fans have some hope that this year will be a season to remember.
Here’s a look at each team’s expectations heading into the 2025 season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor settles into his new team at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick during Cactus League action on March 19, 2025. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Cronkite News)
The Diamondbacks made it to the World Series in 2023 and won five more games in 2024, but found themselves outside the postseason. Their nemesis from LA got stronger during the offseason, but the Diamondbacks made improvements, too.
They added Burnes, one of the top free agent pitchers, who helps form an elite one-two punch with Zac Gallen.
“(I’m) really glad he’s on our side. It’s not a fun at-bat,” outfielder Corbin Carroll said about Burnes.
Christian Walker’s departure at first base hurts offensively and defensively, but the acquisition of Josh Naylor provides a similar hitter capable of replacing Walker’s production in the lineup.
Ketel Marte is coming off his best season, finishing third in National League MVP voting and winning his first Silver Slugger Award. Over the past two seasons, Marte has the highest fWAR among primary second basemen.
“Corbin Burnes, the best free agent pitcher on the market this past offseason, lands in Arizona. It was a dream come true,” manager Torey Lovullo said in February. “But dreams are made in one very special way. You’ve got to go out there and make something good happen, and we’re hoping to do that.”
Arizona’s window to make another run at the World Series is right now. According to Fangraphs, the Diamondbacks are projected to finish second in the NL West and make the playoffs as a wild-card team.
Notable additions: RHP Corbin Burnes, 1B Josh Naylor
Notable departures: 1B Christian Walker, RHP Paul Sewald, UTL Joc Pederson
2024 record: 89-73
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 86-76
Athletics
The Athletics gave an emotional goodbye to the Oakland Coliseum in September, leaving behind a stadium they had called home since 1968. Now, as they await construction of a stadium in Las Vegas, the A’s embark on a new chapter of their storied history with home games temporarily in Sacramento.
The Athletics made several big roster moves this offseason, including adding pitcher Luis Severino on the largest guaranteed free-agent contract in franchise history. They also acquired pitcher Jeffrey Springs from the Tampa Bay Rays. Springs has pitched just 49 innings over the past two seasons since his breakout campaign in 2022.
Fresh off a contract extension, Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler looks to build on his breakout 2024 season, where he hit 22 home runs and posted a 131 OPS+ in 125 games. (Photo by Anthony Chiu/Cronkite News)
Outfielders Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler, who inked five-year and seven-year extensions, respectively, remain underrated stars in the league. Both look to bring the Athletics back into relevance in a new home.
The Athletics also have a group of young players for fans to be excited about, including Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz and Colby Thomas. Wilson had a taste of the majors last year, playing in 28 games late in the season.
“Depth is important for us,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Depth comes from our development, and I think we’re in a better position than we’ve been in over the last three years.”
According to Fangraphs, the Athletics are projected to finish fourth in the American League West.
Notable additions: RHP Luis Severino, RHP Jeffrey Springs, INF Gio Urshela
Notable departures: INF Abraham Toro, RHP Austin Adams
2024 record: 69-93
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 76-86
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs had a busy offseason, making two big trades with the Houston Astros. First, they acquired three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith. Then, several weeks later, they acquired closer Ryan Pressly.
Tucker dealt with injuries last season, but when healthy he has proven to be one of the best outfielders in baseball. He replaces left-handed hitting outfielder Cody Bellinger, who was dealt to the Yankees.
The Cubs signed starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, a key addition that has flown under the radar. Boyd joins Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon in the starting rotation: a strong four-man group.
The NL Central is up for grabs this season and it feels like it is division-winner or bust for the Cubs in 2025.
Fangraphs projects the Cubs to finish first in the NL Central and to play in the Wild Card round.
Notable additions: OF Kyle Tucker, RHP Ryan Pressly, LHP Matthew Boyd, RHP Eli Morgan, INF Justin Turner
Notable departures: OF Cody Bellinger, INF Isaac Paredes
2024 record: 83-79
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 82-80
Chicago White Sox
The 2024 season had very few positives for the White Sox. They set the modern era record for losses (121) in a year and had only five players play at least 100 games with a positive WAR.
This offseason, the White Sox traded away their only All-Star from last season, Garrett Crochet, to the Red Sox. The return featured catcher Kyle Teel, MLB’s No. 25 prospect, and outfielder Braden Montgomery, MLB’s No. 54 prospect.
Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. will likely be in trade rumors until he either is dealt or the trade deadline passes. Robert Jr., 27, dealt with injuries last season, and if his production returns to where it was in 2023, he will be a wanted asset.
The 2025 season has low expectations for the South Siders, but considering their record-setting year last season, how much worse could it get?
The White Sox are projected to finish last in the AL Central, according to Fangraphs.
Notable additions: OF Mike Tauchman, INF Josh Rojas, OF Braden Montgomery, C Kyle Teel
Notable departures: LHP Garrett Crochet, UTL Gavin Sheets, INF Nicky Lopez
2024 record: 41-121
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 63-99
Cincinnati Reds
One of the biggest moves for the Reds this offseason was hiring Terry Francona as their new manager. The Reds have not made the playoffs since the 60-game season in 2020, with their last playoff appearance in a 162-game season coming in 2013.
“It’s been a lot of fun to work with Tito over the last couple of months,” Nick Krall, president of baseball operations, said in February. “He’s great to be around. He’s got an infectious personality and he connects people.”
The Reds remain one of the most promising young teams in the league. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz finished eighth in MVP voting last year at 22 years old. Second baseman Matt McLain is returning from injury, and the Reds added third baseman Gavin Lux in a trade with the Dodgers.
Starting pitcher Hunter Greene may not be a household name yet, but he should be. Greene finished eighth in Cy Young voting last year, and the Reds bolstered the pitching rotation by adding Brady Singer.
Other young names to watch include first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 25, and pitchers Rhett Lowder, 23, Andrew Abbott, 25, and Nick Lodolo, 27. Left-hander Lodolo, who made 21 starts last season, again earned a spot in the starting rotation.
The Reds are younger than the Cubs, so the playoff window may not be this year, but Cincinnati would love to see this young core get a taste of the postseason.
According to Fangraphs, Cincinnati is projected to finish fourth in the NL Central.
Notable additions: INF Gavin Lux, LHP Taylor Rogers, RHP Brady Singer, OF Austin Hays
Notable departures: INF Jonathan India, RHP Fernando Cruz, LHP Justin Wilson
2024 record: 77-85
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 78-84
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians are coming off a 92-win season and were three wins away from the World Series. Instead of going all in, the Guardians took a big step backward heading into 2025.
Cleveland traded away Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks and Andrés Gimenez to the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Manzardo and Carlos Santana will likely replace Naylor, but there doesn’t appear to be a strong replacement at second base for Gimenez.
Third baseman José Ramírez is coming off his fifth season finishing in the top five of MVP voting. At 32, he has shown no signs of slowing down.
The pitching remains strong for the Guardians. Last season, the team had an ERA of 3.61, the third-lowest in baseball. Luis Ortiz, acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates, slots into a starting rotation that hopes to see Shane Bieber return to action for the first time since April 2024.
Fangraphs projects Cleveland to finish fourth in the AL Central.
Notable additions: 1B Carlos Santana, RHP Luis Ortiz
Notable departures: 1B Josh Naylor, INF Andrés Gimenez, LHP Matthew Boyd
2024 record: 92-69
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 78-84
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are another team with little to look forward to in 2025. Last year marked the team’s sixth-straight losing season and second-straight 100-loss season.
Kris Bryant remains a relative unknown for Colorado. Since signing a seven-year contract with the Rockies in 2022, Bryant has averaged 53 games per season and holds a -1.3 WAR across those three years.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle, pictured during Cactus League play, enters 2025 as a two-time Gold Glove winner. Since 2010, Rockies players have won 20 Gold Gloves – more than any other team. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Cronkite News)
One positive is outfielder Brenton Doyle, who won his second-straight Gold Glove in as many big league seasons. He also batted .260 with 23 homers and 30 stolen bases.
If the Rockies choose to sell at the trade deadline, third baseman Ryan McMahon would be a prime candidate. McMahon, 30, has spent his entire eight-year career with Colorado and won’t be a free agent until 2028. He tallied his fourth-straight 20-home run campaign last season and could garner trade interest.
Two prospects for the Rockies to monitor in the minors are Chase Dollander, MLB’s No. 25 prospect, and Charlie Condon, No. 29. Playing home games in Coors Field makes pitching difficult to acquire, so Dollander is a key piece to develop. Condon batted .410 with 62 homers in two collegiate years with Georgia and has the tools to be a future star in Colorado.
The Rockies are projected to finish last in the NL West, according to Fangraphs.
Notable additions: INF Thairo Estrada, INF Kyle Farmer
Notable departures: OF Charlie Blackmon, RHP Dakota Hudson
2024 record: 61-101
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 65-97
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. preps for the 2025 season after leading the league in batting average (.332) last year – becoming just the third Royal to ever do so and the first since George Brett in 1990. (Photo by Dani Trujillo/Cronkite News)
The Royals went from a 56-106 record in 2023 to 86-76 in 2024. The season earned them a spot in the Wild Card round, where they defeated the Baltimore Orioles, before losing to the Yankees in the ALDS.
Kansas City made a few upgrades, including adding Carlos Estévez to the back end of the bullpen. Last season, Royals pitchers combined for the eighth-best ERA at 3.76.
Offensively, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. established himself as a superstar last year. Witt Jr., 24, finished second in AL MVP voting and won his first Gold Glove. The Royals still have the veteran presence of catcher Salvador Perez, who, at 34, is still one of the best offensive catchers in the league.
“Our guys come in with a belief in themselves that they can win. They know nothing is guaranteed,” manager Matt Quatraro said in February. “There’s definitely that expectation on their part that we’re going to do better than we did last year and continue to grow.”
If the Royals find themselves in the hunt for the playoffs at the trade deadline, the front office may consider making a splash to get back to the postseason.
According to Fangraphs, the Royals are projected to finish third in the AL Central.
Notable additions: RHP Michael Lorenzen, INF Jonathan India, RHP Carlos Estévez
Notable departures: RHP Brady Singer, Garrett Hampson
2024 record: 86-76
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 81-81
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels enter 2025 with the longest active playoff drought in MLB, missing the playoffs every year since 2014. A busy offseason signaled a possible attempt at breaking that streak.
Since 2021, Mike Trout has averaged just 67 games per season. When healthy, he’s continued to play at a high level, but injuries continue to plague his career, though a move to right field may keep him in the lineup more frequently.
After the Luka Dončić trade in the NBA, it no longer seems impossible that the Angels could trade Trout. If they do, his hometown Philadelphia Phillies would be a prime landing spot.
Anthony Rendon will again miss significant time, and his seven-year, $245 million deal adds to a list of several large contracts that have not worked out for the Halos.
Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout works out in Arizona as he prepares for a full-time transition to right field in 2025 – his first time playing the position since 2012. (Photo by Dani Trujillo/Cronkite News)
The rotation and bullpen also remain big questions. Former first-round pick Reid Detmers, 25, has been inconsistent at the major league level. On the other hand, José Soriano, 26, had a strong 2024 campaign before an injury in August prematurely ended his season.
The Angels brought in veteran closer Kenley Jansen and right-hander Kyle Hendricks. Manager Ron Washington spoke highly of Hendricks, who the Angels signed to a one-year deal after he spent 11 seasons with the Cubs.
“His presence is very important because his presence shows these young kids how you go about your business,” Washington said. “His presence speaks volumes. And that’s what he’s done for us in this camp.
Despite a busy offseason, it’s unlikely the Angels will overcome their playoff drought. The Angels are projected to finish last in the AL West, according to Fangraphs.
Notable additions: RHP Kenley Jansen, LHP Yusei Kikuchi, RHP Kyle Hendricks, OF Jorge Soler, INF Tim Anderson, INF Yoán Moncada
Notable departures: LHP Patrick Sandoval, RHP Griffin Canning
2024 record: 63-99
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 76-86
Los Angeles Dodgers
The New York Yankees have long been known as the “Evil Empire,” but that title may now belong to the Dodgers.
The reigning World Series champs only added to their roster ahead of the 2025 season. They added Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, two of the top free-agent starters on the market. They also added two of the best relievers on the market – Tanner Scott and veteran Kirby Yates.
They also have the best player in the world, Shohei Ohtani, who already hit his first home run of 2025 against the Cubs in Tokyo, and may make his first appearance on the mound in Dodger Blue this season.
The 2025 roster features four almost guaranteed Hall-of-Famers: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw and Ohtani. What’s more impressive is their depth of talent, making them the favorite to go back-to-back in the Fall Classic.
One player to keep an eye on is catcher Will Smith, who will turn 30 on March 28. He was limited due to injuries last year, playing 128 games.
In 2024, he batted .277 with an .825 OPS through his first 64 games. Over his final 64 games, he batted .218 with a .695 OPS. In the postseason, he batted just .143 in 16 games.
If Smith can be healthy and consistent for the 2025 season, the Dodgers have what it takes to break the regular season wins record, currently held by the 2001 Mariners and 1906 Cubs with 116.
Fangraphs projects the Dodgers to finish first in the NL West and receive a bye in the Wild Card round.
Notable additions: RHP Roki Sasaki, LHP Blake Snell, LHP Tanner Scott, RHP Kirby Yates, INF Hyeseong Kim
Notable departures: INF Gavin Lux, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP Walker Buehler
2024 record: 98-64
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 97-65
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers won the NL Central Division but took a major step back heading into 2025.
Shortstop Willy Adames finished 10th in NL MVP last season for the Brew Crew but left in free agency for the San Francisco Giants. They also traded closer and two-time Reliever of the Year Devin Williams to the Yankees for starter Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin.
Outfielder Jackson Chourio, 21, had a fantastic rookie season. It took some time for him to adjust to the big league level, but after the All-Star Game he batted .310 with 12 homers and 12 stolen bases. Outfielder Christian Yelich will be returning from injury, and William Contreras has proven to be one of the best-hitting catchers in the league.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras takes reps behind the plate during spring training. He remains the only catcher in Brewers history to win a Silver Slugger, having done so in both 2023 and 2024. (Photo by Dani Trujillo/Cronkite News)
The pitching rotation could be the difference for Milwaukee’s playoff hopes. Freddy Peralta has been a consistent starter, but since his All-Star Game appearance in 2021, he hasn’t been a bona fide ace. If the rotation can perform well, the Brewers could overachieve their projections again in 2025.
According to Fangraphs, Milwaukee is projected to finish second in the NL Central.
Notable additions: LHP José Quintana, Nestor Cortes, INF Caleb Durbin
Notable departures: SS Willy Adames, RHP Devin Williams, RHP Frankie Montas, LHP Hoby Milner
2024 record: 93-69
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 81-81
San Diego Padres
The Padres were one win away from defeating the Dodgers in the NLCS last year, an outcome that could have altered the course of baseball history. The losses of outfielder Jurickson Profar and infielder Ha-Seong Kim leave a few holes in the lineup. But the star power could still be enough to get the Padres to the playoffs.
Jackson Merrill finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, and Manny Machado remains a top third baseman in the league. If Fernando Tatis Jr. can stay healthy and Xander Bogaerts can bounce back in his second year away from Boston, the lineup remains strong.
In the rotation, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Nick Pivetta and Yu Darvish, who will be returning from injury, are a strong top four, but additional injuries to any of them would put a pitching staff with thin depth in a tough position.
Fangraphs projects San Diego to finish third in the NL West, but if the stars can stay healthy, the Padres could make back-to-back appearances in the postseason.
Notable additions: OF Jason Heyward, UTL Connor Joe, RHP Nick Pivetta
Notable departures: OF Jurickson Profar, Ha-Seong Kim, LHP Tanner Scott
2024 record: 93-69
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 82-80
San Francisco Giants
Giants ace Justin Verlander gets in work during Cactus League play. With a career WAR of 81, he leads all active pitchers and ranks 26th all-time among MLB pitchers. (Photo by Giuliano Moller/Cronkite News)
The Giants gave Matt Chapman a six-year contract extension last September. Over his final 81 games, Chapman batted .266 with 19 homers, 48 RBI, and 10 SB. His Gold Glove defense helped him finish the year with a 7.1 WAR.
“I’ve been with him forever, other than a couple of years in Toronto. So I’m really happy on a personal level that he’s accomplished a lot of the things he wanted to do. One, which was a long-term contract; two, to be here in the Bay Area,” manager Bob Melvin said.
Melvin managed Chapman with the Athletics from 2017 to 2021.
The Giants have an older core, posing a question about whether this offseason was filled with the right moves for their future. Big free-agent signing Willy Adames is 29 and Justin Verlander is 42. They join older everyday players like Robbie Ray, 33, LaMonte Wade Jr., 31, Logan Webb, 28, and Jordan Hicks, 28.
Jung Hoo Lee played just 37 games last season after the Giants signed him to a six-year deal out of the Korea Baseball Organization. San Francisco will need Lee to stay healthy if it wants any chance of making the playoffs.
The Giants are projected to finish fourth in the NL West, according to Fangraphs.
Notable additions: RHP Justin Verlander, SS Willy Adames
Notable departures: LHP Blake Snell, LHP Taylor Rogers
2024 record: 80-82
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 81-81
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners were running away with the AL West last year, holding a 44-31 record and a 10-game lead in the division on June 18. They proceeded to go 9-20 over their next 29 games, 41-46 overall, and missed the playoffs completely.
The Mariners had a quiet offseason and it seems they are content to enter 2025 with a similar roster to the one that was in place when the 2024 season ended.
The pitching staff remains one of the best in the league. Last season, the staff had a 3.49 ERA, tied for best in the majors. Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo are dominant. The Mariners just need some offensive consistency.
Their biggest offensive move came during last season when they traded for outfielder Randy Arozarena. He will play a full season in Seattle with Julio Rodriguez who enters his fourth MLB season at age 24. Last season, Rodriguez did not make the All-Star Game but still finished with a .273 batting average, 20 homers, and 24 stolen bases.
Seattle is projected to finish second in the AL West and make the playoffs as a wild-card team.
Notable additions: INF Donovan Solano
Notable departures: INF Josh Rojas, Ty France
2024 record: 85-77
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 84-78
Texas Rangers
The Rangers won the World Series in 2023 but an injury-riddled season led to a 78-84 record in 2024. Shortstop and World Series MVP Corey Seager played 123 games, and starter Jacob deGrom made just three starts, all in September.
On paper, the Rangers may be the best team in the AL West. Second-baseman Marcus Semien, 34, is still a well-above-average player, and outfielder Wyatt Langford, 23, had a strong rookie season.
The pitching staff let the Rangers down last season. Texas pitchers finished the 2024 season with the seventh-worst ERA in the league at 4.35. Fifteen different pitchers started games for the Rangers last year, the third-most in the American League.
Despite the struggles for the pitching staff, a healthy Texas team may be able to dethrone the Astros, who have won the AL West four years in a row.
Fangraphs projects the Rangers to finish first in the AL West and receive a bye in the Wild Card round.
Notable additions: UTL Joc Pederson, INF Jake Burger, RHP Chris Martin, LHP Patrick Corbin
Notable departures: RHP Kirby Yates, 1B Nathaniel Lowe
2024 record: 78-84
2025 FanGraphs projected record: 84-78
