BREAKING NEWS: 2024’s Most Shocking Player from Every MLB Team

Arizona expected to get a quality left-handed hitter when they signed Pederson for $12.5 million. What they got was a bona fide star in the middle of the order, with Pederson even exceeding the huge All-Star campaign he produced with the Giants in 2022. Pederson’s OPS was above .900 for most of the season, which should lead to another nice payday in the offseason.

Sale couldn’t stay healthy over the last five years in Boston, so the Braves hoped he would slot in as a middle-of-the-rotation option when healthy. They got much more after acquiring the lefty for Vaughn Grissom, as he was clearly the best pitcher in the NL for most of the season and will likely win his first Cy Young Award. The Braves have the left-hander signed for at least next season, with a team option for 2026.

An unknown coming into this season, Suarez last pitched in MLB in 2017 prior to this season but opened eyes in spring training. He’s been a godsend for the Orioles, pitching in a variety of roles and keeping his ERA near 3.00 for most of the season. Rotation injuries could create a spot for Suarez in the playoff rotation.

Houck was a top prospect, but failed to reach his potential until this season. Some mechanical adjustments and the addition of pitching coach Andrew Bailey helped Houck put together a career year, with a 3.12 ERA through 30 starts.

The Cubs obviously believed in Imanaga when they signed him to a two-year, $22.5 million contract out of Japan with multiple club options, but even they had to be surprised about his high degree of success. The lefty’s riding fastball was tremendous, helping him go 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA through his first 29 career starts.

There wasn’t much good to speak of for the White Sox this season, but Crochet was an exception. He showed off ace ability while returning from Tommy John surgery, with a 3.68 ERA and K/9 of nearly 13.0 over his first 31 starts this season.

The Reds didn’t have many pleasant surprises in a disappointing 2024 campaign, but Farmer was one of them. He emerged as a key setup man, with an ERA hovering near 3.00 for much of the season.

Fry was a key player for Cleveland early in the year when the offense was clicking. The minor league veteran raked against lefties, and his OPS has been around .800 for most of the season. The promotion of top prospect Kyle Manzardo in September did push Fry to the bench against right-handers, but the Cleveland wouldn’t have been as good without him.

The Rockies discovered Doyle’s elite defense last season, but his great offense came almost out of nowhere this year. After reworking his swing, Doyle emerge as a superstar as a 20/20 man with an OPS near .800.

Carpenter missed much of 2024 due to injury, but his offensive progress is clear. He looks like a building block for the offense, with an OPS above .900 through mid-September as his power continues to ascend.

Blanco was a viable swingman last season, but it’s unclear where the Astros would be without him in the rotation this year. He threw a no-hitter early in the season and kept his ERA below 3.00 for much of the season.

The Royals gave Lugo a lucrative contract in the offseason, but even they got more than they bargained from him. He was a Cy Young candidate for much of the season, and made his first All-Star appearance.

Anderson struggled mightily in the first season of a three-year deal last year, with a 5.43 ERA. It looked like another bad contract for the Angels, but the lefty was able to right the ship this season. He pitched like an ace for much of the year, and had a 3.70 ERA through 30 starts.

Hudson was never right physically after returning from knee surgery last season, so the prospect of a rebound at age 37 looked bleak. The right-hander overcame the odds, serving as closer for part of the season and posting a 3.10 ERA through his first 63 appearances.

A strong minor league performer, Edwards has emerged as Miami’s clear shortstop of the future after a great 2024 season. He eventually replaced Tim Anderson, hitting .311/.378/.378 with 30 steals in his first 64 games.

Myers had long shown strong strikeout rates in the minors with his elusive fastball, but never saw success in the majors. That changed this season, as Myers was Milwaukee’s most effective pitcher with a 3.05 ERA over his first 25 appearances.

Miranda wasn’t a major part of Minnesota’s plans after struggling last season, but he forced his way into playing time. He didn’t show much home run power, though Miranda hit near .300 through mid-September and crushed lefties.

The Mets opened the season with Brett Baty at the hot corner, and Vientos’ roster was sacrificed due to J.D. Martinez. Baty’s struggles opened the door for Vientos, who has been one of the team’s most potent hitters. He posted an .842 OPS through 106 games, launching 25 home runs.

Coming off Tommy John surgery, Gil forced his way into the starting rotation and never turned back. The hard-throwing right-hander posted a 3.27 ERA through 28 starts with an elite strikeout rate.

Butler was one of several intriguing outfielders for the A’s entering the season, but has become a key player. His breakout included 22 home runs over his first 120 games, helping him exceed even his upper minors production.

Suarez has been a reliable starter for the Phillies in recent seasons, but looked like a Cy Young candidate early in the year. The lefty missed significant time to injury in the second half, though he still had a strong 3.15 ERA in his first 26 starts with great control.

A former top pick with the Giants, Bart was never able to become San Francisco’s long-term catcher. A change of scenery apparently helped, as Bart was a middle-of-the-order hitter with an OPS above .800 for most of the season.

The Padres had multiple surprise hitters emerge in 2024, but none more surprising than Profar. The veteran returned to San Diego for only $1 million after struggling offensively last season, but was a key contributor this season. He hit .285-24-85 through his first 153 games, making his first All-Star appearance at age 31.

Moving on from Brandon Crawford, the Giants opened the season with veteran Nick Ahmed at shortstop. Fitzgerald forced his way onto the field in the second half with a great hot streak, and looks like the team’s long-term answer hitting .284-14-31 with 17 steals through his first 91 games.

Robles was a top prospect in Washington, but the organization gave up on him in June after another slow start. He’s turned around his season and career after signing in Seattle, hitting .314-4-25 with 32 steals in his first 73 games as a Mariner.

Burleson didn’t have a starting spot to begin the 2024 season, but his progress offensively helped him become a regular part of the Cardinals lineup. He was the team’s most potent bat for much of the year, hitting .267-21-73 through his first 147 games.

The Rays seem to find relief help anywhere they look, and Uceta is the newest example. The journeyman has become a key part of the team’s pen, with a 1.55 ERA through his first 29 appearances while also gaining closer experience down the stretch.

Yates had significant closing experience prior to this season, but he wasn’t expected to be the Rangers’ closer after Jose Leclerc pitched well down the stretch last year. Leclerc’s regression early this year allowed Yates an opportunity, and he never looked back with 31 saves and a 1.21 ERA through his first 59 appearances.

Horwitz was an on-base machine in the minors, but it was unclear if he’d get a shot with Toronto. That changed in the second half of this season when Horwitz was promoted to take over at second base and add a spark to the lineup. He had a .808 OPS through 93 games, continuing to show his on-base skills.

Washington’s lack of pitching development has been holding them back lately, but the emergence of Herz is a great sign. The lefty acquired from the Cubs last season has been great since his promotion, with a 3.70 ERA and 11.0 K/9 in his first 17 starts.