Surprise Contenders: MLB’s Underdog Teams Making a World Series Push in 2025

The 2025 MLB season has already delivered several compelling narratives of unexpected contenders, with initially overlooked teams rising to the challenge and rewriting the script. While preseason projections often predict a predictable order, the early part of the 2025 campaign has thrown a curveball, with several teams defying expectations. As May rolls on, clubs thought to be rebuilding or in a transitional phase are now positioning themselves as serious forces in the pennant races. Let’s look at some underdog teams that have emerged as surprise contenders.

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are among the most surprising teams of the 2025 season. For years, the Motor City faithful have waited for their team to return to playoff contention, and after a few seasons of rebuilding, the Tigers have made an unexpected leap. Sitting at 26-15, the Tigers are currently atop the competitive AL Central, outpacing favourites like the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians.

A revamped pitching staff has quietly become one of the team’s biggest assets, with emerging young arms stepping into key roles and veteran starters providing steady leadership. That kind of depth on the mound often proves crucial over the grind of a full season. On the offensive side, players who once showed only flashes are now delivering with consistency, creating a lineup that mixes youthful energy with seasoned poise. 

As this balance starts to translate into wins, it’s no surprise that the Odds to win the World Series are beginning to shift — a reflection of how quickly momentum can reshape expectations in a postseason race.

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are another team in the AL Central that has emerged as a surprise contender. After years of rebuilding, the Royals have begun to show the fruits of their labour. They are firmly in the mix with a 24-18 record, and their performance has surprised many.

The Royals’ offence, which has been inconsistent in recent seasons, has come alive with the emergence of young stars beginning to make an impact. Coupled with the steady presence of experienced veterans, the Royals’ lineup has proven capable of scoring runs against tough pitching. 

More importantly, their pitching staff has shown marked improvement, particularly in the starting rotation and bullpen, both have kept them in games and allowed them to win tight matchups. While the AL Central remains a tough division, the Royals have made it clear that they are no longer a bottom-feeder but a team to be reckoned with.

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have surprised many in the National League by performing far ahead of expectations. Armed with an exciting young core, the Reds were viewed as a team on the rise, but many assumed they would need another year or two to seriously contend. Instead, their young stars have delivered results much sooner than anticipated.

With a 20-22 record, the Reds are in the thick of the NL Central race, and their youthful lineup has been a major part of why. The team’s offence has been dynamic, with speed, power, and on-base ability. The key question for the Reds moving forward will be the consistency of their pitching. If the young arms continue to develop and the veteran pitchers maintain stability, the Reds could challenge a playoff spot soon. Their aggressive, exciting style of play has made them one of the most fun teams to watch this season.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners have quietly positioned themselves as a legitimate contender in the AL West. While most of the attention in the division has gone to the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, the Mariners have stayed under the radar and put together a solid season so far, with a 22-17 record.

Much of Seattle’s success has been rooted in its exceptional pitching staff. With a rotation anchored by a mix of established aces and promising young arms, the Mariners have consistently shut down opposing offences. The bullpen has also been solid, holding leads and securing victories in close games. 

While the Mariners’ offence has been good, their pitching has been the most impressive. If their bats can catch up and produce more consistently, the Mariners could challenge for the AL West crown. In a division with two recent World Series participants, their emergence as a legitimate contender is one of the season’s biggest surprises.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks, coming off a surprise playoff run in 2024, have again shown they can hang with the best in the NL West. Although the Dodgers remain the favourites in the division, the Diamondbacks have proven they are no fluke, and they are pushing to show that their postseason success last year was no one-time event.

With a record of 21-20, the Diamondbacks stay competitive in a tough division. MLB Matchup Insights and Forecasts from platforms and legit sources continue to shape fan expectations across the league, offering valuable perspective on how clubs like Arizona can navigate the postseason race. After their strong showing in 2024, the Diamondbacks have come into the 2025 season with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove they belong in the postseason conversation. Their early performance has kept them in the hunt for the playoffs, and they look poised to challenge for another strong finish.

The Bigger Picture

As the 2025 MLB season continues, several underdog teams have already reshaped the landscape of their respective divisions. The Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks have all exceeded expectations and brought excitement to a season that many thought the usual contenders would dominate.

While it’s still early, the rise of these teams serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that make MLB so compelling. With a long season ahead, it’s unclear whether these underdogs will be able to maintain their success and secure playoff spots. Still, their performances have injected fresh energy into the season. For fans, it’s a reminder that in baseball, anything is possible. Whether they continue their surprising runs or falter, these teams have already made their mark, and their stories are far from over.