It’s nearly time to place 2025 within the rearview mirror.
For a number of of the sport’s stars, that’s factor. The brand new yr provides plenty of gamers the chance to rebound from underwhelming performances final season, and an opportunity to appear to be themselves once more.
With an help from all 30 MLB.com beat writers, here is a take a look at one bounceback candidate from every crew.
Blue Jays: OF Anthony SantanderThe excellent news? The bar is low. Santander’s Blue Jays debut was a multitude, sadly, as his gradual begin finally snowballed with a left shoulder damage he couldn’t shake. The top consequence was a .175 common and .565 OPS over simply 54 video games. The Blue Jays want Santander to rebound, although, and present them flashes of the hitter who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal final offseason. That’s nonetheless in there, in fact, however he’ll want to remain wholesome and discover a method to soften the gradual begins he’s develop into identified for in his profession. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: C Adley RutschmanRutschman’s powerful second half of the 2024 season carried over into ‘25, which additionally introduced his first two stints on the injured checklist throughout his four-year MLB profession. The 27-year-old catcher was restricted to 90 video games as a result of a pair of indirect strains (one on all sides) and hit .220 with 9 house runs and a .673 OPS. The O’s are relying on Rutschman returning to the shape he confirmed in ‘23 and the primary half of ‘24, his two All-Star seasons. If the 2019 No. 1 total Draft choose can achieve this, it will make Baltimore’s lineup — which seems poised for fulfillment following the additions of Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward — much more harmful. — Jake Rill
Rays: OF Josh LoweThis is the second straight offseason that Lowe has led an extended checklist of bounceback candidates for the Rays. Accidents derailed his 2024 season, and he missed time amid one other step again this previous season. Lowe hit simply .220/.283/.366 (81 OPS+) with 0.1 bWAR in 108 video games, a far cry from the excellent 2023 marketing campaign during which he hit .292/.335/.500 with 20 homers, 32 steals and 83 RBIs. The Rays will use their outfield surplus to create Spring Coaching competitors, and as president of baseball operations Erik Neander mentioned on the Winter Conferences, Lowe “simply appreciates the urgency” of his scenario. — Adam Berry
Purple Sox: INF/OF Kristian CampbellAfter successful the second-base job out of Spring Coaching, agreeing to an eight-year contract extension lower than per week into his MLB profession and being named American League Rookie of the Month in April, issues went quickly downhill for Campbell, who spent over half of the season in Triple-A. However he has the work ethic and expertise to make the changes essential to succeed on the highest stage. Campbell is taking part in Winter Ball in Puerto Rico this offseason, engaged on a brand new setup in his stance and specializing in taking part in left discipline fairly than transferring round like he did final yr. — Ian Browne
Yankees: SS Anthony VolpeVolpe performed by means of a left labrum tear that required offseason surgical procedure, limiting him each offensively and defensively after a stable begin to the season. Even so, Volpe has been a relentless presence, logging at the least 153 video games in every of his three Main League seasons whereas offering worth on the bases and within the discipline. Supervisor Aaron Boone acknowledges he’d wish to see Volpe get on base extra persistently, however the Yankees level to his age, work ethic and postseason résumé — together with a World Sequence grand slam in 2024 — as indicators that brighter days are nonetheless forward. — Bryan Hoch
Guardians: C/DH David FryFry had a tricky 2025 on the plate, albeit amid some distinctive circumstances. He was restricted to DH and pinch-hitting duties coming off offseason Tommy John surgical procedure and slashed .171/.229/.363 with eight homers in 157 plate appearances over 66 video games. His season ended after a daunting second during which he was struck within the face by a Tarik Skubal pitch on Sept. 21, which later required surgical procedure. He’s set to have a standard Spring Coaching, and a rebound offensively could possibly be in retailer for the 2024 All-Star, whom the Guardians can envision serving to at catcher and across the diamond defensively. — Tim Stebbins
Royals: 2B Jonathan IndiaIndia had a tricky first season with the Royals after they acquired him to be their leadoff man in a commerce with the Reds following the 2024 season. His stats throughout the board have been down, slashing .233/.323/.346 with an 89 wRC+. Nonetheless, his strikeout charge decreased a bit, from 19.6% to 18.7%, and his chase, whiff and total swing choices have been constant along with his efficiency in Cincinnati. That provides the Royals optimism that India may carry out extra just like the participant they have been hoping to amass, now that he’s settled in Kansas Metropolis and understands the larger ballpark that’s Kauffman Stadium. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: CF Parker MeadowsMeadows entered 2025 using the momentum of a powerful postseason efficiency, till a nerve problem in his higher proper arm ended his Spring Coaching after his first exhibition recreation. He made it again in June, however then a proper quad pressure value him all of August. When he did play, he struggled to supply, posting a .215 common and .621 OPS whereas experiencing a slight drop in his defensive metrics. With prospect Max Clark doubtlessly knocking on the door by subsequent season’s finish, this could possibly be an enormous yr for Meadows to show he can put all of it collectively. — Jason Beck
Twins: 3B Royce LewisVery little has gone proper for Lewis since early in 2024, with accidents marring the previous season and a half for one of many recreation’s most gifted gamers. Lewis largely stayed wholesome within the second half of ‘25, and defensively he appeared athletic and pure on the scorching nook once more. Now, he simply wants to search out his confidence and his stroke on the plate. The Twins hope that new supervisor Derek Shelton and hitting coach Keith Beauregard can unlock Lewis’ immense potential and restore him to the middle-of-the-order slugger he’s proven the power to be. — Matthew Leach
White Sox: RHP Jonathan CannonThe right-hander’s struggles all through the 2025 season will make him a greater pitcher for an extended time period, or so Cannon believes. He was the crew’s second-most efficient starter through the ‘24 marketing campaign, after which took the roughest hits on the mound final yr and nonetheless got here out able to go for ‘26. He made some changes to his mechanics and pitch sequencing throughout the season, speaking to coaches and teammates alike about issues needing to alter. Supervisor Will Venable strongly backed Cannon as a starter when requested on the Winter Conferences, and Cannon feels the identical. — Scott Merkin
Angels: C Logan O’HoppeO’Hoppe had a stable yr in his first full season because the membership’s common catcher in 2024 however could not construct on it in ’25. He received off to a scorching begin however struggled the remainder of the best way each offensively — hitting .213/.258/.371 with a 30.8% strikeout charge — and defensively (-12 catching runs). However the Angels employed two of his former teammates this offseason, with Kurt Suzuki taking on as supervisor and Max Stassi as catching coach. The hope is the 2 former catchers will assist the 25-year-old bounce again. — Rhett Bollinger
Astros: DH Yordan AlvarezAlvarez missed 100 video games in 2025 with a proper hand damage after which suffered a freak left ankle damage that value him the ultimate 11 video games of the common season. He performed in solely 48 video games and slashed .273/.367/.430 with six house runs and 27 RBIs in 199 plate appearances. Astros supervisor Joe Espada mentioned he plans to DH Alvarez extra this season to restrict his possibilities of getting injured. He stays one of the crucial feared sluggers within the recreation and the Astros want a robust 2026 marketing campaign, which begins with him staying wholesome. — Brian McTaggart
Athletics: 2B Zack GelofWhat the A’s hoped could be a bounceback marketing campaign for Gelof in 2025 ended up as an injury-riddled yr, with a late begin after getting hit on the suitable hand by a pitch over the ultimate days of Spring Coaching and a untimely finish after he dislocated his left shoulder whereas diving for a ball in mid-September. When he did play, Gelof hit simply .174 with a .502 OPS in 30 video games for the A’s. The A’s nonetheless consider he can recapture the shape he confirmed as an thrilling breakout rookie in ‘23, however he’ll enter this spring doubtless having to earn a beginning spot in a contest. — Martín Gallegos
Mariners: RF Victor RoblesSeattle’s spark plug was regarded as misplaced for the season when he fractured his left shoulder when making an unbelievable diving catch into the foul-territory netting in San Francisco on April 7. That he returned by Aug. 23 was additionally exceptional, and he one way or the other one-upped himself when making a game-sealing catch in Houston on Sept. 20 that helped Seattle later lock up the division in what was their largest win of the season. It was additionally an extremely troublesome yr for Robles off the sector, who revealed on Instagram within the wake of his seven-game suspension for throwing a bat within the route of a pitcher throughout a Minor League rehab project that he unexpectedly misplaced his mom through the summer time. — Daniel Kramer
Rangers: 3B Josh JungJung has lengthy been seen as a cornerstone of the group. However accidents have plagued a lot of his profession earlier than a largely wholesome 2025 led to a career-high 131 video games. Nonetheless, in these video games, he hit simply .251/.294/.390 with all profession lows when you exclude his cup of espresso in September 2022 (26 video games). His ‘25 additionally included an choice again to Triple-A Spherical Rock for the primary time since his MLB debut. New supervisor Skip Schumaker has challenged all his gamers to return into camp making an attempt to win a job and never simply anticipating to have one. Jung ought to reply effectively to that problem and show he’s nonetheless a key participant for the Rangers. — Kennedi Landry
Braves: Michael Harris IIThe baseball world was launched to Harris when he was named the Nationwide League’s Rookie of the Yr in 2022. However we’re nonetheless ready to see his full potential. The 24-year-old middle fielder entered this yr’s All-Star break with MLB’s lowest OPS and nonetheless completed with a 20-20 season. This could possibly be the yr he lastly will get off to begin and exhibits why his Braves teammates consider he’ll sooner or later be an MVP candidate. — Mark Bowman
Marlins: INF Connor NorbyLeading as much as the 2025 season, the Marlins noticed Norby as a possible constructing block. In any case, it was Norby and never Kyle Stowers who confirmed promise throughout his preliminary stint with the membership in late 2024 following the Trevor Rogers commerce. In a disappointing 2025 marketing campaign, left indirect, left wrist and left quad accidents restricted Norby to only 88 video games and a 90 OPS+. Whereas Stowers’ breakout efficiency has since generated extension discussions, Norby’s struggles have drawn questions on his position with the crew. That can swimsuit Norby, who already performs with a chip on his shoulder, simply high quality. — Christina De Nicola
Mets: LHP Sean ManaeaIn retrospect, the three-year, $75 million contract the Mets gave Manaea final offseason doesn’t look so rosy. Manaea strained his proper indirect muscle in Spring Coaching, then found throughout his rehab that he was additionally coping with free our bodies in his left elbow. It took Manaea till July to make his season debut, and he largely struggled the remainder of the best way, ending with a 5.64 ERA. It’s a tricky spot for the Mets, who’ve an overcrowded rotation however are financially dedicated to Manaea in a big method. This offseason, at the least, Manaea has referred to as his elbow a non-issue, giving him motive to consider he can bounce again nearer to the career-year kind he confirmed in 2024. — Anthony DiComo
Nationals: 2B Luis García Jr.García is the Nationals’ longest-tenured participant at simply 25 years previous, and he has been by means of up-and-down seasons in Washington. He’s coming off a 2025 efficiency during which his manufacturing dipped and he posted a .252/.289/.412 slash line with a .701 OPS, 16 house runs, 66 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. His bWAR final season was 0.4 in comparison with 2.2 in 2024. In 2026, García will play for a brand new supervisor for the primary time in his profession. Blake Butera might give García some appears to be like at first base, the place he gained expertise final season and has been getting reps in through the Dominican Winter League. — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: 3B Alec BohmThe Phillies had Kyle Schwarber shield Bryce Harper within the lineup early final season. On the finish, Harper protected Schwarber. It means one among them will want any individual else to guard them in 2026. Bohm could possibly be the man. The Phillies suppose he’s going to be significantly better subsequent season. He batted .287 with 11 house runs, 59 RBIs and a .741 OPS in 2025. It was his lowest slugging proportion (.409) and OPS since 2021. However he additionally missed time due to a fractured left rib and irritation in his left shoulder. The Phillies suppose a wholesome Bohm will put up numbers like he did in 2024: .280 with 15 house runs, 97 RBIs, a .779 OPS and a 117 OPS+. — Todd Zolecki
Brewers: SS Joey OrtizThe Ortiz period started so effectively for the Brewers, who picked him up from the Orioles within the Corbin Burnes commerce in February 2024. Ortiz thrived in his first few months with Milwaukee, successful the NL Rookie of the Month Award in Might 2024 and ending the primary half with an OPS north of .800. One particularly enthusiastic teammate went as far as to name Ortiz “a generational participant.” However since then, he’s largely been a struggling participant — at the least on the plate. For the reason that ‘24 All-Star break, Ortiz’s .609 OPS ranks 228th of MLB’s 232 hitters with at the least 500 plate appearances throughout that span. The Brewers, nevertheless, nonetheless see offensive upside. And Ortiz’s elite protection will maintain him within the lineup. — Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: C Jimmy Crooks IIIAs is commonly the case with extremely touted rookies who get promoted to the large leagues in the midst of a season, Crooks — the Playing cards’ No. 6-ranked prospect — struggled mightily in 15 MLB video games in 2025. Nonetheless, the Cardinals love his poise mixed along with his distinctive defensive abilities. In 15 video games, Crooks went simply 6-for-45 (.133) and his first MLB hit was a homer on Aug. 31. He confirmed off a big-time arm within the Minor Leagues and he impressed the Playing cards along with his command of scouting stories and dealing with pitchers. The sturdy perception among the many teaching employees is that he may be the membership’s on a regular basis catcher. — John Denton
Cubs: RHP Porter HodgeThe Cubs headed into this winter with a number of bullpen vacancies, however one key for ‘26 can be having in-house arms step up, too. That features the 24-year-old Hodge, who emerged as a closing choice as a rookie two seasons in the past. In 39 video games, the hard-throwing righty spun a 1.88 ERA with 9 saves, 52 strikeouts, 19 walks and solely 19 hits allowed (two homers) in 43 innings. In ‘25, Hodge handled accidents and command woes, posting a 6.27 ERA in 33 innings between stints on the IL and at Triple-A Iowa. A bounceback from Hodge would go a good distance towards shoring up the reduction corps. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: CF Oneil CruzExpectations have been excessive for Cruz after a 20-20 season in 2024 and him being one other yr faraway from his 2023 left ankle damage. Whereas he was capable of put collectively one other 20-20 marketing campaign final season, his OPS dropped practically 100 factors to .676. He acknowledged on the finish of the season that he can produce extra, and the Pirates are going to wish a bounceback marketing campaign in the event that they wish to drastically enhance their offense, which completed final in far too many classes in 2025. On the very least, supervisor Don Kelly has been inspired by the work Cruz has finished within the Dominican Republic and stateside this offseason. — Alex Stumpf
Reds: 2B Matt McLainAfter a robust rookie yr in 2023, McLain’s total sophomore season was worn out by left shoulder surgical procedure after a Spring Coaching damage. Bouncing again proved troublesome in 2025 because the 26-year-old batted .220 with a .643 OPS, 15 house runs and 50 RBIs in 147 video games. That is in comparison with his .290 common with an .864 OPS over 89 video games in ’23. Supervisor Terry Francona believes being one other yr faraway from shoulder surgical procedure can be an enormous assist in getting McLain going once more on the plate. He can be counted on to spice up a Cincinnati lineup that lacked impression offense final season. — Mark Sheldon
D-backs: RHP Brandon PfaadtAfter signing a contract extension within the spring, Pfaadt suffered by means of an inconsistent season, however the identical traits that prompted the Diamondbacks to signal him to the deal — work ethic, psychological toughness and stuff — are the identical ones that make them really feel he’ll bounce again in an enormous method in 2026. Pfaadt had hassle discovering consistency with the sweeper, his greatest pitch, in 2025, so tightening that up will catch the attention of him this offseason and all through Spring Coaching. The event of a cutter final yr must also assist him going ahead as he will get increasingly comfy with it. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: LHP Tanner ScottThe Dodgers uncharacteristically splurged on a reliever within the 2024-25 offseason, signing Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal. For essentially the most half, that transfer didn’t significantly repay in Scott’s first season in L.A., during which he recorded a 4.74 ERA with an MLB-worst 10 blown saves and didn’t pitch within the postseason as a result of an abscess in his decrease physique. The Dodgers are optimistic that Scott can rebound transferring ahead and be a drive within the again finish of the bullpen as soon as extra, fairly than the query mark he was for a lot of 2025. — Sonja Chen
Giants: RHP Ryan WalkerWalker opened the 2025 marketing campaign because the Giants’ nearer, however he misplaced the job to Camilo Doval after struggling to keep up the identical stage of dominance he confirmed the earlier yr. He received one other shot at pitching the ninth after Doval was traded to the Yankees and Randy Rodríguez underwent season-ending Tommy John surgical procedure, however he nonetheless ended the yr with a career-high 4.11 ERA and 7 blown saves. Regardless of the down yr, the Giants consider Walker will be capable of return to kind and re-establish himself as a trusted back-end arm in 2026. — Maria Guardado
Padres: CF Jackson MerrillIt’s in all probability unfair to characterize Merrill’s 2025 season as a disappointment. He was stable defensively and above league common on offense. It’s simply that … after his sensible rookie marketing campaign in 2024, this wasn’t fairly as much as these requirements. It was all a bit too stop-start as Merrill handled a number of accidents, and he by no means appeared to discover a rhythm. Towards the tip of the season, he lastly did. And he was one of many Padres’ greatest hitters down the stretch and into the playoffs. They’re anticipating that model of Merrill in 2026. — AJ Cassavell
Rockies: SS Ezequiel TovarGiven his efficiency in 2024, when he earned his first Gold Glove Award and knocked 45 doubles and 26 house runs, Tovar is a secure guess to shake off a 2025 that noticed him miss prolonged time early with a left hip damage and a big chunk later with a left indirect pressure. Tovar, 24, will start the yr by representing Venezuela within the World Baseball Traditional and can be counted upon as a quiet chief for the Rockies, too. — Thomas Harding
