The 2025 Major League Baseball season is underway, shifting the focus to team success and standings, alongside the individual performances that are closely tied to these outcomes. While the MVP and Cy Young races dominate the spotlight, let’s not overlook the achievements of veteran players, some nearing the end of their careers, as they approach significant milestones this season.
Each MLB season introduces a new group of players aiming to etch their names in history, and the 2025 campaign is no different. Here, we assess some of the most significant milestones that could be reached throughout this season, presented in an exciting numerical sequence!
The Phenomenal Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani, who won the American League MVP award in 2023 as a member of the Angels, clinched the National League MVP title last season following his historic 50-50 performance—splitting his achievements between pitching and hitting. This season marks his return to the mound after sidelining in 2024 for elbow surgery, where he aims to continue delivering exceptional value both as a hitter and pitcher. If Ohtani secures his third consecutive MVP, he would join Barry Bonds (2001-2004) as one of only two players to achieve this feat.
Arraez’s Ambitious Goal
Luis Arraez has already made history by winning 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 only the seventh player to capture four or more batting titles in a row, joining greats such as Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb. With a career batting average of .323 and turning 28 in April, Arraez’s chances appear promising.
300 Home Runs: A Competitive Race
(Kyle Schwarber, Phillies; Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Marcell Ozuna, Braves; Salvador Perez, Royals; Mookie Betts, Dodgers)
This year’s race for 300 home runs is tightly contested. Below is a closer breakdown:
|
Schwarber |
284 |
16 |
38 |
|
Suárez |
276 |
24 |
30 |
|
Ozuna |
275 |
25 |
39 |
|
Perez |
273 |
27 |
27 |
|
Betts |
271 |
29 |
19 |
With all these players poised to hit the 300 mark, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them reach this milestone. Notably, Perez would become the eighth primary catcher to achieve 300 home runs, contributing to the overall count of 162 players who have hit 300 or more.
400 Home Runs: The Challenge for Mike Trout
Mike Trout, who has faced health challenges since 2017, needs just 22 more homers to reach 400, despite appearing in only 29 games in 2024 due to a knee injury requiring surgery. Should he maintain good health, he has the potential to cross this threshold, joining the ranks of 58 other players with 400 home runs.
1,000 RBI Milestone: Opportunities for Harper and Trout
Bryce Harper is merely 24 RBIs away from hitting 1,000, which appears highly achievable considering his past performances. On the other hand, Trout has faced more significant health hurdles; he needs 46 RBIs for 1,000 but hasn’t reached that mark in the last two seasons. Currently, there are 305 players in the 1,000 RBI club.
2,000 Managerial Wins: Terry Francona
This marks Terry Francona’s inaugural season as manager of the Reds, as he approaches 2,000 managerial wins. With only 50 wins needed to join this elite group, it would require a massive failure from the team for Francona not to achieve this goal. His impending accomplishment appears to solidify his path toward the Hall of Fame.
The Dodger icon, sitting at 2,968 strikeouts, needs just 32 more to join the elite company of pitchers who have reached 3,000 career strikeouts. Health is critical for this 37-year-old lefty, especially after recovering from surgeries last year. However, the expectation is that he will likely reach this milestone if he can maintain adequate playing time.
