It’s easy to spot the superstars in baseball – the award winners, the All-Stars, the players everyone talks about. But in a sport with so many talented athletes, some players have great seasons that might not get as much attention as they deserve. This is a look at some of those players from the 2025 season, the ones who weren’t All-Stars but still had excellent years.
These players all have a few things in common. First, none of them were All-Stars in 2025. Second, most of them haven’t been All-Stars before in their careers. Despite this, they made significant contributions to their teams and deserve recognition.
Standout Players of 2025
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Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves (Catcher): In a tough year for the Braves, rookie catcher Drake Baldwin was a bright spot. Called into action early due to an injury to Sean Murphy, Baldwin impressed both offensively and defensively. He’s expected to be a key player for Atlanta in the future.
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Nick Kurtz, Oakland Athletics (First Base): Kurtz had a remarkable rookie season, quickly becoming one of baseball’s best. Despite the A’s not performing as expected, Kurtz stood out with his powerful hitting. He is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.
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Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers (Second Base): Turang’s unexpected offensive surge helped the Brewers to a successful season. Known for his speed, Turang added power to his game, becoming a key run producer.
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Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks (Shortstop): Perdomo transformed into an offensive force. His ability to get on base combined with increased run production made him a standout shortstop.
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Ernie Clement, Toronto Blue Jays (Third Base): Given the chance to play every day, Clement excelled. He hit for a high average, rarely struck out, and played excellent defense at third base.
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Andy Pages, Los Angeles Dodgers (Outfielder): In a lineup full of stars, Pages emerged as a consistent and reliable hitter for the Dodgers. He displayed both power and defensive skills.
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Wyatt Langford, Texas Rangers (Outfielder): Langford became a consistent presence in the Rangers’ lineup. He showcased his all-around abilities, contributing both offensively and defensively.
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Ceddane Rafaela, Boston Red Sox (Outfielder): Rafaela’s defensive skills in center field were exceptional. While his offense was impressive, his defense set him apart, making him one of baseball’s best defensive outfielders.
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Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies (Starting Pitcher): Sanchez had an outstanding season, leading the Phillies’ pitching staff. He lowered his ERA and increased his strikeout numbers, becoming a Cy Young Award candidate.
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Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia Phillies (Relief Pitcher): Duran’s arrival in Philadelphia solidified the Phillies’ bullpen. His dominant pitching and ability to close out games made him a key part of a World Series contender.
These players demonstrate that success in baseball isn’t always about being a big name. Sometimes, it’s about consistent performance, surprising contributions, and stepping up when the team needs it most. They might not have been All-Stars in 2025, but they certainly deserve recognition for their outstanding seasons.
