The 2025 Major League Baseball season is here, and with it comes the excitement of team standings and pennant races. Equally thrilling are the individual performances that could etch new names into the annals of baseball history.
This season, several veteran players are on the cusp of reaching significant milestones. From Shohei Ohtani’s quest for a third consecutive MVP award to Clayton Kershaw’s march toward 3,000 career strikeouts, here’s a detailed look at the historic achievements to watch for in the 2025 MLB season.
Shohei Ohtani: Aiming for a Third Straight MVP
The peerless Ohtani won the 2023 American League MVP award with the Angels and followed it up with the National League MVP in 2024 after a historic 50-50 season. This year, Ohtani returns to the mound after elbow surgery, aiming to become the second player ever to win three consecutive MVP awards, a feat only achieved by Barry Bonds from 2001-04.
His dual-threat capability as both a hitter and pitcher makes him a prime candidate for another MVP season.
Ohtani’s Path to History
Ohtani’s return to pitching adds another layer to his already impressive resume. His ability to dominate both at the plate and on the mound will be crucial for his bid to join Bonds in the MVP history books.
If he maintains his peak performance, Ohtani could solidify his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
LuÃs Arraez: Chasing Batting Title Records
Arraez has already made history by becoming the first batsman to win three consecutive batting titles with three different teams: the Marlins in 2022, the Twins in 2023, and the Padres in 2024. In 2025, he aims to become the seventh hitter ever to win at least four consecutive batting crowns. The illustrious list includes legends like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, and Tony Gwynn.
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Arraez’s Consistency at the Plate
With a career batting average of .323, Arraez turns 28 in April and is in his prime. His consistent performance makes him a strong contender to join the elite group of players with four consecutive batting titles. His ability to adapt and excel with different teams showcases his exceptional talent.
Chasing the 300 Home Run Club
Several sluggers are on the verge of joining the 300 home run club this season. Among them are:
- Kyle Schwarber: 284 career home runs, needs 16 more
- Eugenio Suárez: 276 career home runs, needs 24 more
- Marcell Ozuna: 275 career home runs, needs 25 more
- Salvador Perez: 273 career home runs, needs 27 more
- Mookie Betts: 271 career home runs, needs 29 more
Key Players to Watch
Each of these players has the potential to surpass the 300 home run mark this season. Perez, in particular, has the chance to become just the eighth primary catcher to reach this milestone. Betts will need to improve his power output from last season, but his track record suggests he can rise to the occasion.
Mike Trout: Health and Homers
Mike Trout’s career has been plagued by injuries, limiting his ability to reach certain milestones. In 2024, he played only 29 games due to a knee injury. However, if he can stay healthy in 2025, Trout needs just 22 home runs to reach 400 career homers, becoming the 59th player to do so.
Trout’s Quest for 400
Trout’s power at the plate is undeniable, but his health will be the deciding factor. If he manages to stay on the field, reaching 400 home runs is well within his grasp. This milestone would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest hitters of his generation.
Bryce Harper and Mike Trout: The 1,000 RBI Club
Bryce Harper needs just 24 RBIs to reach 1,000 for his career, a milestone that seems almost certain given his consistent performance. Trout, on the other hand, requires 46 RBIs to join the 1,000 RBI club but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
Harper’s Reliability vs. Trout’s Health Concerns
Harper’s durability makes him a safe bet to reach 1,000 RBIs this season. Trout’s ability to achieve the same milestone will depend heavily on his health. If both players reach this benchmark, they will join an exclusive group of 305 players who have achieved 1,000 career RBIs.
Manny Machado: Closing in on 2,000 Hits
Manny Machado is just 100 hits away from reaching 2,000 career hits. Given his average of 157 hits per season over the past three years, Machado is likely to achieve this milestone in the second half of the season. He also needs just nine more runs to score 1,000 in his career.
Machado’s Milestone Journey
Machado’s consistent performance at the plate has put him on the brink of joining the 298 players who have reached 2,000 career hits. His ability to stay healthy and maintain his form will be key to reaching this milestone.
Terry Francona: Managerial Milestone
Terry Francona, now managing the Cincinnati Reds, needs just 50 wins to become the 13th manager in MLB history to achieve 2,000 career wins. Given the Reds’ potential, Francona is almost certain to reach this milestone, further solidifying his Hall of Fame credentials.
Francona’s Impact on the Reds
Francona’s experience and leadership will be invaluable for the Reds. Achieving 2,000 career wins will be a testament to his long-standing success and adaptability as a manager.
Clayton Kershaw: The 3,000 Strikeout Club
Clayton Kershaw is on the cusp of reaching 3,000 career strikeouts, needing just 32 more. However, his recent health issues, including surgeries on his left toe and knee, make this milestone less certain. Kershaw has not pitched a qualifying number of innings since 2019, making his journey to 3,000 strikeouts a closely watched narrative.
Kershaw’s Health and Performance
If Kershaw can stay healthy, he is almost certain to join the 20 pitchers who have reached 3,000 career strikeouts. His ability to manage his health and continue performing at a high level will be crucial for reaching this milestone.
The 2025 MLB season promises to be a thrilling journey filled with historic milestones and individual achievements. From Ohtani’s MVP quest to Kershaw’s strikeout milestone, these storylines add another layer of excitement to an already captivating season.
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