Bold MLB 2025 Predictions: Cy Young Trifectas, Breakout Stars & Shocking MVP Contenders

Early Season MLB Hot Takes: Bold Predictions for 2025

Two weeks into the 2025 MLB season, our experts are ready with their boldest predictions. While small sample sizes abound, these hot takes could define the season:

Pitching Dominance: The Phillies' Historic Cy Young Sweep

Scorching Take: Philadelphia's rotation will make history with three pitchers finishing top-3 in NL Cy Young voting:

• Zack Wheeler (ace consistency)
• Cristopher Sanchez (breakout candidate)
• Aaron Nola (veteran presence)

Why it's bold: No team has ever achieved this feat in Cy Young voting history.

Breakout Stars Ready to Shine

Four potential breakout candidates:

1. Cristopher Sanchez (Top-3 NL Cy Young)
2. Spencer Schwellenbach (4.0+ WAR season)
3. Jack Leiter (Top-5 AL Rookie of Year)
4. Tyler Soderstrom (2.5+ WAR turnaround)

Analysis: These young players show all the signs of making significant leaps in 2025.

Surprise MVP Contenders

Unexpected names in the MVP conversation:

• Fernando Tatis Jr. (NL MVP top-3)

  • Improved plate discipline (45% OBP early)
  • Evolved approach at age 26

• Jung Hoo Lee (NL Batting Title + MVP top-5)

  • Luis Arraez-like contact skills
  • Added speed and extra-base power

AL West Shakeup: Angels Rise from Ashes

Scorching Division Prediction:

• Angels win AL West despite 99-loss 2024 season
• Key factors:
  • Healthy Mike Trout in RF
  • Improved bullpen
  • Weak division competition

Why it's bold: Would end MLB's longest active playoff drought (since 2014).

Historic Statistical Achievements

Records under threat:

• Aaron Judge (.500 OBP season)

  • Last achieved by Bonds (2004)
  • Judge posted .496 post-All Star break in 2024

• Luis Arraez (<20 Ks in 600+ PAs)

  • Last done by Ozzie Smith (1993)
  • Currently 0 Ks in 48 PAs

Rookie Phenom Alert

Nick Kurtz:

• Called up by April
• Top-10 OPS among qualifiers
• AL Rookie of Year favorite
• Jim Thome comps from scouts

Scouting Report: Elite power/patience combo from Wake Forest product.

Defensive Gold for Trout

Mike Trout wins first Gold Glove... in right field

• Position change preserves health
• Angels staff raves about transition
• Could follow Torii Hunter's late-career path

Why it's meaningful: The only major individual award eluding Trout's resume.

Power Outage in the Bronx?

Controversial Yankees Prediction:

• Finish outside top 10 in home runs
• Despite:
  • Leading MLB in 2024
  • Aaron Judge's presence
  • Torpedo bat trend

Counterpoint: Judge alone could carry them into top 10.

Final Thoughts

While some predictions may seem outrageous now, baseball history shows us that early season trends sometimes become full-season realities. Which of these bold calls will come true? The beauty of April predictions lies in their potential to surprise us all by October.