Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, who made three starts last September following a long recovery from his second Tommy John surgery, could provide a huge lift to a starting staff that posted a 21st-ranked 4.35 ERA in 2024. His sparkling track record -- and his 1.69 ERA with 14 strikeouts to one walk over his three starts last year -- suggest that he is poised for a return to dominance.
On the position-player side, superstar shortstop Corey Seager is looking to play a full season for the first time since 2022, as hamstring, thumb, wrist and hip injuries have hampered him the past couple of years. Given his production when he was in the lineup over that span -- he slashed .303/.371/.567 and averaged 32 homers -- he could put up eye-popping numbers if healthy in '25. Other returning players looking for healthy seasons this year include 2023 All-Star third baseman Josh Jung and '23 postseason hero Evan Carter.