The onset of each new Major League Baseball season presents a fresh slate of potential comeback stories, and the 2025 season is no different. This article highlights star-level players returning from significant injuries in the upcoming season. While this is not an all-encompassing list of every player on the mend, it does spotlight those with the greatest potential to bolster their teams, assuming they can regain their pre-injury performances.
In an effort to combat the weariness of ranking players, which this writer hopes to overcome by the 2026 season, the following athletes are presented in alphabetical order.
Ronald Acuña Jr.
Acuña has successfully returned from ACL surgeries on both knees, with the latest surgery addressing a tear in his left knee sustained last May. While he has been participating in baseball activities this spring, Acuña has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game. It is probable that he will embark on a minor league rehab assignment in April. A key indicator will be whether the Braves place him on the 60-day injured list, which would keep him sidelined until May, or the more likely standard 10-day injured list, allowing for an earlier debut. Despite not meeting his usual performance levels prior to his injury last season, Acuña is fresh off a legendary 2023 campaign that made him the first player in MLB history to achieve 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases, earning unanimous NL MVP honors.
Sandy Alcantara
Alcantara, known for his impressive endurance and knack for overpowering hitters, had a remarkable 2022 season but faced a downturn in 2023 before a UCL tear led to Tommy John surgery in October. Early indications from spring training suggest the 29-year-old may be primed for a strong return. If that is the case, Alcantara could become a sought-after trade asset as contenders seek reliable starting pitchers.
Yennier Cano
Cano has been a standout closer over his first two MLB seasons, maintaining a 1.85 ERA with 198 strikeouts across 126.2 innings. However, after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2023, he missed the entire 2024 season. As he aims for a comeback in 2025, his strong spring performance offers hope for Baltimore’s bullpen.
Jacob deGrom
DeGrom’s career has been characterized by both brilliance and injury struggles. With a career ERA+ of 156 and an impressive K/BB ratio, his performance has been remarkable, but concerns linger due to his limited innings pitched over the past four years. After returning from his second Tommy John surgery in 2024 for just three starts, the 2025 season will be pivotal for him. If he can pitch around 180 innings, he remains a strong contender for the Cy Young Award at age 36.
Shohei Ohtani
Though he powered the Dodgers to the World Series and achieved the first 50-50 season in MLB history, Ohtani’s situation is complicated due to his recovery from a Tommy John hybrid procedure on his pitching elbow last season. His return to the mound is eagerly anticipated, but the exact timing and extent of his participation remain uncertain. If he can regain his dominance as a pitcher, Ohtani may not only secure another MVP title but also contend for the Comeback Player of the Year in 2025.
Michael Trout
Trout has unfortunately become a familiar name in discussions about players recovering from injury. Despite previously having one of the best starts to a career in MLB history, he has struggled with various injuries, not surpassing 140 games since 2016. Limited to only 29 games in 2024 due to a knee injury that required surgery, Trout’s production when healthy remains noteworthy. As he transitions to right field in hopes of increasing his durability, a successful 2025 season at age 33 is a strong possibility.
Christian Yelich
Yelich was enjoying a successful season before needing surgery for a chronic back issue, which sidelined him for the Brewers’ push toward the playoffs. In 73 games, he batted .315 with 11 homers and 21 steals. Reports indicate that his recovery has progressed well, and with solid spring performances, he looks set to continue his production in 2025.
