Even great players can go through performance slumps due to various reasons. Hence, writers from Major League Baseball’s official website identified ten players who could turn their struggles around.
They identified Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette who slashed .225/.277/.322 in 336 plate appearances last season. Sadly, he was already struggling before his injury, having a .629 OPS before landing on the injured list. Returning to full health could help Bichette regain his All-Star form.
Meanwhile, Austin Riley showed why he was a constant National League MVP candidate when he wasn’t dealing with injuries on his oblique and his right hand. Without those limitations, he could earn votes for NL MVP again.
There’s also Paul Goldschmidt, who had his least productive season with the St. Louis Cardinals last season. The former NL MVP will now play for the New York Yankees, a team with a hitter-friendly ballpark.
Finally, going on the pitchers’ side, Justin Verlander will play for the San Francisco Giants at age 42. Neck and shoulder injuries led to his worst season in MLB. However, he had a 3.22 ERA over 162 1/3 innings not long ago. Staying healthy could help him deliver another spectacular season to cement his case for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Here’s the complete list compiled by MLB.com.
These veterans are primed for a successful 2025 pic.twitter.com/qRBhlM1Bvs
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 26, 2025
-Lance Fernandez