Compiling the top 10 moments of 2025 was no simple task. Baseball saw a remarkable surge last year, with historic achievements shining at MLB’s premier events. The World Series was unforgettable, and the All-Star Game made history by ending in the first-ever swing-off.
Here are the year’s standout highlights:
Honorable Mention: Trio of Four-Home-Run Games
MLB had gone seven seasons without a player hitting four home runs in a game until Eugenio Suarez broke the streak on April 26 against the Braves, becoming the 19th to do so. Later in the season, rookie Nick Kurtz matched this feat with six hits in six at-bats, and Kyle Schwarber joined the elite group by hitting a league-leading 56 home runs.
10. Clayton Kershaw Reaches 3,000 Strikeouts and Takes Sole Lead
Kershaw’s career strikeout journey began in 2008, and on July 2, 2025, he struck out Vinny Capra for his 3,000th, becoming the 20th pitcher to reach this milestone. This moment was another milestone in the career of a future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner who also clinched his third World Series title this year.
9. Denzel Clark’s Catch of the Year
Athletics’ 25-year-old outfielder Denzel Clark made an unforgettable home run robbery near the left-center wall, securing what may go down as one of the greatest catches ever. Despite limited appearances, his defensive prowess and sprint speed ranked him among the top MLB center fielders.
8. Tariq Skubal’s 13-Strikeout Shutout and Cy Young Award
Skubal almost had a complete game against the Guardians but secured it with a 163 mph strikeout, the fastest in Statcast history. His dominant pitching earned him a second consecutive AL Cy Young Award, a rare feat last achieved by Pedro Martinez.
7. First Ever All-Star Game Swing-Off
The All-Star Game was historic as the first to feature a swing-off after a tie, decided by a dramatic home run showdown resembling a mini derby. Kyle Schwarber carried the National League to victory with a key three-home-run performance.
6. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Game-Winning Home Run Off Ohtani in World Series Game 4
In a pivotal moment at Stadium, Guerrero Jr. crushed a two-run homer that tied the series and energized the Blue Jays, setting a franchise postseason home run record with seven this year.
5. Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Complete Game Dominance in World Series
Yamamoto pitched consecutive complete games in the postseason for the first time since Curt Schilling in 2001, leading the to the championship. His stellar performances were crucial to the team’s success.
4. Cal Lowry Hits 60 Home Runs
Lowry, though not MVP, had a historic year leading MLB with 60 home runs, breaking records for catchers, switch hitters, and Mariners legends alike. He also drove the Mariners to their first division title and ALCS appearance in over two decades.
3. George Springer’s Home Run Sends Blue Jays to Their First World Series Since 1993
Springer’s clutch three-run shot in Game 7 of the ALCS energized the team and fans, marking his 23rd playoff homer and securing Toronto’s long-awaited return to the Fall Classic.
2. Shohei Ohtani’s Dual Excellence Shines in Historic Game
Ohtani made history by hitting 50 home runs and striking out 50 batters in the same season, then delivering one of the greatest postseason performances in NLCS Game 4, both pitching six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and hitting three homers.
1. Win Epic Game 7 World Series, First Back-to-Back Champs in 25 Years
With dramatic moments like Miguel Rojas’ game-tying homer and Will Smith’s 11th-inning winner, the sealed consecutive World Series titles for the first time in a quarter century, capping off a thrilling 2025 season.
Fan Take: These unforgettable moments not only highlight individual greatness but also underscore baseball’s enduring thrill and unpredictability. They invigorate fans, elevate the sport’s profile, and promise exciting chapters ahead for MLB enthusiasts worldwide.
