As winter transactions wind down, spring training is on the horizon, bringing a wave of high-profile players who switched teams during the offseason. While these arrivals are exciting, the return of familiar faces who were sidelined due to injuries is equally intriguing.
Let’s take a closer look at 20 players who missed a significant portion of the 2024 season and are now set to make a comeback in 2025. These players could have a major impact on their respective teams’ performance this year.
Read more: Grading every team’s offseason, from an A+ for the Dodgers to Fs for the Padres and Mariners
RHP Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Injury: Right elbow surgery in September 2023, left labrum surgery in November 2024
Among the injured Dodgers pitchers, Shohei Ohtani’s return stands out. After rewriting the record books as a designated hitter and winning the World Series and MVP award, Ohtani is set to make his debut as a two-way sensation for the Dodgers. His return from two major surgeries adds to the anticipation surrounding his comeback.
OF Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
Injury: Torn left ACL in May 2024
Despite suffering multiple ACL tears, Ronald Acuña Jr. is known for his exceptional talent. His return to the Braves lineup is eagerly awaited, with his batting prowess expected to boost the team’s performance.
RHP Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves
Injury: Elbow surgery (internal brace) in April 2024
Spencer Strider’s return to the Braves rotation is highly anticipated. His comeback, alongside other standout pitchers, could solidify the team’s pitching staff.
RHP Shane Bieber, Cleveland Guardians
Injury: Tommy John surgery in April 2024
Shane Bieber’s return to the Guardians’ rotation is a significant development. His comeback is expected to bolster the team’s pitching lineup.
2B Matt McLain, Cincinnati Reds
Injury: Left shoulder surgery in March 2024
Matt McLain’s return to the Reds lineup is eagerly awaited. His comeback could have a major impact on the team’s performance this season.
SS Javier Baez, Detroit Tigers
Injury: Hip surgery in September 2024
Javier Baez’s return to the Tigers’ lineup will be interesting to watch. His performance post-surgery will determine his role in the team’s infield mix.
OF Evan Carter, Texas Rangers
Injury: Back strain in May 2024, ablation procedure in October 2024
Evan Carter’s return to the Rangers lineup is highly anticipated. His comeback could see him recapture his previous form and contribute significantly to the team’s performance.
OF Jung Hoo Lee, San Francisco Giants
Injury: Shoulder surgery in June 2024
Jung Hoo Lee’s return to the Giants lineup is eagerly awaited. His comeback post-surgery will be crucial for the team’s success in the NL West.
LHP Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays
Injury: Tommy John surgery in August 2023
Shane McClanahan’s return to the Rays rotation is highly anticipated. His comeback post-surgery could play a significant role in the team’s performance this season.
RHP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
Injury: Tommy John surgery in October 2023
Sandy Alcantara’s return to the Marlins rotation is eagerly awaited. His comeback from surgery could see him back in top form and contribute to the team’s success.
RHP Eury Perez, Miami Marlins
Injury: Tommy John surgery in April 2024
Eury Perez’s return to the Marlins lineup is highly anticipated. As an ultra-talented pitcher, his comeback post-surgery is a key development for the team.
RHP Félix Bautista, Baltimore Orioles
Injury: Tommy John surgery in October 2023
Félix Bautista’s return to the Orioles lineup is eagerly awaited. His comeback from injury is expected to bolster the team’s pitching staff.
RHP Matt Brash, Seattle Mariners
Injury: Tommy John surgery in May 2024
Matt Brash’s return to the Mariners bullpen is highly anticipated. His comeback post-surgery could see him back in action and contribute to the team’s success.
RHP Liam Hendriks, Boston Red Sox
Injury: Tommy John surgery in August 2023
Liam Hendriks’ return to the Red Sox bullpen is eagerly awaited. His comeback from surgery is expected to bolster the team’s pitching lineup.
RHP Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers
Injury: Shoulder surgery in October 2023
Brandon Woodruff’s return to the Brewers rotation is highly anticipated. His comeback post-surgery is a significant development for the team.
OF Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
Injury: Back surgery in August 2024
Christian Yelich’s return to the Brewers lineup is eagerly awaited. His comeback post-surgery could see him back in top form and contribute to the team’s success.
INF Ronny Mauricio, New York Mets
Injury: Torn right ACL in December 2023
Ronny Mauricio’s return to the Mets lineup is highly anticipated. His comeback post-surgery could see him back in action and contribute to the team’s success.
RHP Lance McCullers Jr., Houston Astros
Injury: Elbow surgery in June 2023
Lance McCullers Jr.’s return to the Astros lineup is eagerly awaited. His comeback post-surgery is expected to bolster the team’s pitching staff.
RHP Lucas Giolito, Boston Red Sox
Injury: Elbow surgery (internal brace) in March 2024
Lucas Giolito’s return to the Red Sox rotation is highly anticipated. His comeback from surgery could see him back in action and contribute to the team’s success.
OF Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Injury: Knee surgery in August 2024
Mike Trout’s return to the Angels lineup is eagerly awaited. His comeback post-surgery is a key development for the team as they aim to end their playoff drought.