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As we delve into the 2025 MLB season, it's hard to ignore the buzz surrounding certain players who are on track to produce numbers that could rewrite the record books. The notion of "on-pace stats" often leads to excitement, but as we are reminded every year, these small sample sizes provide a limited view of a player's potential over a long season. Still, there are players whose current trajectories might just hint at something historic unfolding in front of our eyes.
This year, we’ve seen an impressive collection of athletes who are not only performing at high levels but are also on pace to achieve remarkable feats. Let’s take a closer look at seven notable players and their astounding on-pace statistics as we approach the halfway mark of the season.
1. Aaron Judge (OF, Yankees)
On Pace For: 466 total bases
The Yankees’ powerhouse, Aaron Judge, is off to a blistering start, leading the league in several offensive categories. His total bases count is particularly captivating, as he is on pace to shatter the all-time single-season record of 457 held by Babe Ruth since 1921. With an impressive combination of home runs, doubles, and singles, Judge is not just racking up numbers but potentially setting himself up for a historical achievement that could eclipse Ruth’s mark.
2. MacKenzie Gore (SP, Nationals)
On Pace For: 295 strikeouts
Left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore is demonstrating why he is considered one of MLB's most promising talents. He is on track to become only the 20th pitcher in modern baseball history to record 300 strikeouts in a single season. With a commendable K/9 ratio and a strikeout rate that has surged to 36.3%, Gore is amongst the elite and could very well achieve this rare feat if he maintains his current level of performance.
3. Cal Raleigh (C, Mariners)
On Pace For: 55 home runs and 9.7 fWAR
Cal Raleigh might just be on the verge of a groundbreaking season. If he continues on his current path, he would become the first primary catcher in MLB history to hit 50 home runs in a season. Coupling his remarkable power with outstanding defense, Raleigh’s projected fWAR puts him on track to challenge the highest marks set by catchers in the past, making his performance one to watch closely.
4. Shohei Ohtani (DH, Dodgers)
On Pace For: 55 home runs and 35 stolen bases
Ohtani continues to astound fans with his multi-faceted talent. While not on pace for another 50-50 season, the two-way star still displays incredible numbers with 55 home runs and 35 stolen bases projected. If he can ramp up his stolen base count, he could cement himself as a player with multiple 40-40 seasons—an unprecedented achievement in baseball history.
5. Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF, Cubs)
On Pace For: 10.1 fWAR
The young talent Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a name for himself with phenomenal defensive skills and surprising offensive outputs. His current pace suggests he’s on track to achieve a 40-40 season—a feat that only a select few have accomplished. Considering only a handful of Cubs players have reached such heights, Crow-Armstrong's breakout year could redefine his role within the franchise’s history.
6. Tarik Skubal (SP, Tigers)
On Pace For: 246 strikeouts / 21 walks
Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is showcasing an incredible K/BB ratio that could join the ranks of historical seasons. His current pace is challenging but could result in a remarkable year that few pitchers have ever achieved, making him one to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
7. Luis Arraez (1B, Padres)
On Pace For: 14 strikeouts all season
Finally, we have Luis Arraez, arguably the best contact hitter in the game today. His ability to put the ball in play without striking out is rare in this era. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could end the season with remarkably few strikeouts, placing him in the same conversations as legends of the game.
As the 2025 MLB season continues, these players are just a few examples of the exciting storylines developing. With every game, the stakes grow higher, and the potential for records to be broken looms large. Will we witness historic seasons from these athletes? Only time will tell, but their current performance certainly suggests they are on the right track.
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