Major League Baseball’s 2025 Disappointment: Bullpen Blunders and Star Struggles

The 2025 MLB season has brought its fair share of storylines. Not all of them have been cause for celebration.

Several of baseball’s brightest stars and most promising teams have struggled to meet lofty expectations. Fans and analysts are left scratching their heads.

From underperforming superstars to entire teams collapsing under pressure, this season has been a reminder of baseball’s unpredictability. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest disappointments so far.

Stars Failing to Shine: Disappointing Starts for MLB’s Elite

When players sign massive contracts or carry hefty expectations, the spotlight only grows harsher when things go sideways. One of the most glaring examples in 2025 has been Juan Soto.

The star right fielder for the Mets has a lackluster .233/.361/.438 slash line with just 11 home runs. For a player of his caliber, that’s a big step back.

Is Bad Luck to Blame for Soto’s Struggles?

Advanced metrics tell a slightly different story. Soto’s expected batting average sits at a strong .299, with an expected slugging percentage of .590.

He’s hit a lot of balls hard, but they’ve just found gloves. Sometimes, luck—or the lack of it—really does matter in this game.

It’s not just Soto feeling the weight of expectations. High-profile free agents like Willy Adames and Anthony Santander have also stumbled.

Adames, now with the Giants, has underwhelmed both offensively and defensively. Santander’s production for the Blue Jays has been severely limited by recurring injuries.

These signings were supposed to elevate their teams. Instead, they’ve raised questions about long-term value.

Pitching Woes: When Aces and Relievers Struggle

On the mound, the disappointments keep piling up. Dodgers reliever Scott and Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara headline the list.

Scott’s alarming 4.55 ERA and diminished fastball velocity stand out. Once a dominant bullpen arm, he just doesn’t look the same in big moments anymore.

Alcantara’s Comeback Challenges

Alcantara’s comeback from Tommy John surgery has been rough. The Marlins’ ace is carrying a jaw-dropping 7.89 ERA and a -1.4 WAR.

His command issues, especially against left-handed hitters, have plagued his outings. Some underlying data hints at possible improvement, but it’s been tough to watch.

Teamwide Struggles: Orioles, Braves, and Rangers Disappoint

It’s not just individuals feeling the heat. Several teams have found themselves in trouble, with playoff hopes fading fast.

The Baltimore Orioles, who looked poised to contend after back-to-back strong seasons, have taken a big step back. Injuries in their starting rotation, slumping stars, and a failing bullpen have left the Orioles reeling.

A postseason berth now seems like a long shot. The frustration is real in Baltimore.

Offensive Issues in Atlanta and Texas

The Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers, two teams that seemed like heavyweights headed into 2025, have experienced offensive collapses. Despite solid pitching from their top hurlers, the Rangers’ bats have gone quiet, leaving the lineup looking flat most nights.

The Braves are barely hanging on, with playoff odds hovering around 50%. Their once-feared 2023 lineup just isn’t scaring anyone right now, and even the return of key players might not be enough to save their season.

Can These Slumps Be Reversed?

Baseball fans know the season drags on—it’s a marathon, not some quick dash. A slow start doesn’t always doom a team, but certain slumps just feel heavier.

For stars like Soto and Alcantara, maybe a little luck or better health can still flip the script. Teams like Atlanta and Texas have solid cores; if their lineups wake up, they might claw back into contention.

But for the Orioles, or free agents like Adames and Santander, the climb looks rough. The 2025 season’s already thrown plenty of curveballs, and turning things around will take more than luck.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A big bullpen bust in L.A.? Is Soto unlucky? Are the O’s cooked? An early verdict on 2025 disappointments