Spring training is officially underway, and as teams shake off the offseason rust, several players wasted no time making an impact. With exciting plays, clutch hitting, and dominant pitching, these five MLB players stood out on February 23, 2025.
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1. Josh Kasevich – Toronto Blue JaysKasevich played the hero for the Blue Jays, delivering a clutch two-run single in the ninth inning to cap off a six-run rally against the Boston Red Sox. His late-game heroics led Toronto to a thrilling 8-7 comeback victory and showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.

2. Dillon Dingler – Detroit TigersDingler provided the biggest offensive spark for the Tigers, launching a two-run home run to help his team secure a 4-0 shutout win over the New York Yankees. As he looks to carve out a role in Detroit’s lineup, performances like this will certainly turn heads.

3. Spencer Jones – New York YankeesOne of the Yankees’ top prospects, Jones wasted no time making an impression in his spring debut. He blasted a home run, proving why he’s one of the most exciting young outfielders in the organization. Despite the Yankees’ loss, Jones’ power display gave fans plenty to look forward to.

4. Coby Mayo – Baltimore OriolesMayo contributed heavily to the Orioles’ 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. With strong at-bats and solid defensive work, he continues to build his case for a larger role with Baltimore this season.

5. Thomas Sacco – Houston AstrosSacco had a game-changing performance in Houston’s 11-6 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. His timely hits during a crucial inning helped the Astros pull away, proving that he’s a player to watch as the season approaches.

Looking AheadSpring training may not count in the standings, but for players fighting for roster spots and young prospects hoping to impress, these games mean everything. With many more matchups to come, baseball fans can expect plenty more breakout performances as the 2025 season nears.

Shohei Ohtani faced live pitching for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in November 2023. The Los Angeles Dodgers' star took 18 swings against Minor League right-hander Nicolas Cruz, hitting a sharp line-drive single to right field. Ohtani's return to live pitching marks a significant step in his recovery, as he aims to be ready for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki, MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect, threw about 30 pitches in his second bullpen session of the spring. Held in the indoor cages at Camelback Ranch, Sasaki's session was part of his preparation for his anticipated debut with the Dodgers.
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Sasaki's bullpen session showcased his impressive pitch arsenal, including his signature splitter. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior noted that the session was designed to get a baseline for Sasaki's pitches using advanced technology. Both Ohtani and Sasaki are gearing up for their Spring Training debuts, with Ohtani expected to make his first appearance later this week and Sasaki scheduled to pitch in a "hybrid B-game" against the White Sox. As the Dodgers prepare for the new season, the progress of these two talented players will be closely watched by fans and the organization alike.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. revealed on Saturday that he will consider all 30 teams, including the New York Yankees, when he reaches free agency this winter. This marks a significant departure from his previous stance, where he vowed never to play for the Yankees due to an experience involving his father. Guerrero emphasized that he has moved past those comments and is open to discussions with any team interested in signing him.
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In 2022, Guerrero made headlines by declaring, "I would never sign with the Yankees, not even when I'm dead," and had repeatedly expressed his refusal to join the team. He attributed his decision to family reasons. However, during his recent interview with the New York Post, Guerrero stated through an interpreter, "If I go to free agency, every team -- all 30 teams -- are going to have the opportunity to sit down with [me], to talk to me. I'm OK with everything. It's in the past." Guerrero's openness to new possibilities signals a potential shift in the free agency landscape as teams prepare to make their pitches.

Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara made a triumphant return to the mound, touching 99 mph and holding the New York Mets scoreless on Sunday. This outing marked his first pitching appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery late in 2023. Alcantara surrendered a hit to Mark Vientos and recorded a strikeout in an otherwise clean inning, throwing 17 pitches, most of them fastballs, with an average velocity above 98 mph. He generated three swings and misses, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters even after a lengthy recovery period.
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Alcantara, 29, had established himself as one of baseball's premier workhorses before tearing his ulnar collateral ligament. From 2021 to 2023, he posted a 3.14 ERA (137 ERA+) and maintained a 3.78 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 93 starts, averaging nearly 6 ⅔ innings per outing and 206 innings per season. His contributions were highly valued, with Baseball Reference estimating them to be worth 15.7 Wins Above Replacement. As Alcantara returns to form, speculation is already building that he could be on the trading block by the 2025 deadline, if not sooner.

The Texas Rangers have signed veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor league contract, with an invite to big league Spring Training. Pillar, 36, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent 12 seasons in the MLB. After being drafted by the Blue Jays in the 32nd round back in 2011, he made his major league debut in 2013 and established himself as a solid glove-first outfielder who can provide some offense against left-handed pitching.
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During his peak seasons from 2015 to 2018, Pillar served as Toronto’s everyday center fielder, posting impressive defensive and offensive stats. Though those peak years are behind him, Pillar has transitioned into a reliable fourth or fifth outfielder for various MLB clubs in recent years. His veteran presence and versatility will be valuable assets for the Rangers as they head into the new season.

Right-handed Rangers pitching prospect Alejandro Rosario is expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to an elbow injury, according to president of baseball operations Chris Young. Rosario will require surgery, although Young did not provide specific details on the procedure. The injury is believed to be related to Rosario's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), a common injury for pitchers that often necessitates Tommy John surgery.
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Young stated, "It's likely UCL. I don't want to officially say, but yeah, it's elbow and will probably require Tommy John." This unfortunate development is a significant setback for Rosario, who had been showing promise in the Rangers' farm system. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they will need to adjust their plans in light of Rosario's absence and the impact it may have on their pitching depth.

Rival clubs believe that the St. Louis Cardinals could entertain trade conversations surrounding right-hander Erick Fedde, as reported by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. While it’s uncertain if these discussions would take place later this spring or at some point during the season, Goold notes that the Cardinals are keen on maintaining their pitching depth. However, the organization is reportedly "open" to making a move that would lower payroll and create an opportunity in the rotation for young right-hander Michael McGreevy.
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Fedde, a former first-round pick, has shown promise but also faced inconsistencies during his career. The Cardinals' willingness to consider trading him highlights their strategic approach to managing their roster and financial flexibility. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these potential trade discussions unfold and the impact they may have on both Fedde and the Cardinals' pitching staff.