10 Notable MLB Players Coming Back from Major Injuries in 2025: Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout, and More
The 2025 MLB season promises to be an exciting one, not only because of the potential for thrilling team battles and break-out stars, but also due to the return of several high-profile players who have spent significant time on the injured list in recent years. These athletes, who have endured serious injuries, are now aiming to reclaim their spots at the top of the league. Among them are some of the most well-known names in baseball, including Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout, and more. Here’s a look at 10 notable MLB players making their return in 2025 after major injuries.
1. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves)
Arguably the most high-profile player returning in 2025 is Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who has been sidelined due to knee injuries in recent seasons. Acuña tore his ACL in 2021 and struggled to regain full form in 2023. However, after a full offseason of recovery and rehabilitation, Acuña enters the 2025 season healthy and ready to return to his MVP-caliber form. His blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess makes him one of the most exciting players in the game, and fans are eager to see if he can once again dominate the National League.
2. Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)
The face of the Los Angeles Angels for nearly a decade, Mike Trout has been plagued by back and calf injuries that have limited his playing time in recent seasons. Trout’s 2024 campaign was cut short after a series of lower-body injuries, leaving many to wonder if his best years were behind him. However, the 2025 season marks a crucial one for the three-time AL MVP, as he looks to prove that he can still perform at an elite l
evel. If healthy, Trout has the potential to reassert himself as one of the top players in the league, even as he enters his early 30s.
3. Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers)
Jacob deGrom, once considered the best pitcher in baseball, has faced a string of injuries that have derailed his career in recent years. The two-time Cy Young Award winner was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2023 but has missed significant time due to elbow and shoulder issues. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, deGrom is expected to return in 2025, and his return to the mound will be one of the most anticipated events of the season. With his electric fastball and devastating slider, deGrom could once again become one of the most dominant pitchers in the game—if he can stay healthy.
4. Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres)
Fernando Tatis Jr. is another superstar who has struggled with injuries and off-the-field issues in recent years. After serving a suspension in 2023, Tatis returned to the Padres in 2024 but was hampered by a lingering shoulder injury that required surgery. With a full offseason of rest and rehab, Tatis is set to return to his former form in 2025. His combination of power, speed, and flair for the dramatic makes him one of the most exciting players to watch, and the Padres will need him at his best if they hope to contend in a loaded NL West.
5. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels)
While Shohei Ohtani has been the face of baseball’s two-way player revolution, his career took a hit in 2024 when he sustained a significant elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Ohtani, who had been performing at an MVP-caliber level both as a pitcher and hitter, is expected to miss the 2024 season entirely. However, with the 2025 season approaching, the question of whether Ohtani can return as both a dominant pitcher and slugger remains a hot topic. Should he regain his health, Ohtani could once again elevate the Angels and cement his legacy as one of the most unique players in MLB history.
6. Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox)
Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career but has been held back by injuries. In 2024, he was sidelined with a significant hip issue that required surgery, forcing him to miss much of the season. However, Robert is expected to return in 2025 fully recovered and ready to showcase his five-tool talent. With his elite speed, power, and defensive ability, Robert could be a difference-maker for the White Sox as they look to rebound in the AL Central.
7. Trevor Story (Boston Red Sox)
Trevor Story has dealt with a number of injuries in recent years, including elbow problems that kept him from playing in 2024. After undergoing surgery and spending much of the past season on the mend, Story is expected to return in 2025 as a key contributor for the Boston Red Sox. As a former Gold Glove shortstop with impressive power, Story’s ability to stay healthy will be critical to the Red Sox’s chances of competing in the AL East.
8. Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
Bryce Harper’s path back from Tommy John surgery in 2024 will be a major storyline in the 2025 season. Harper, who had been one of the league’s premier hitters, was forced to undergo surgery for an elbow injury that limited his play in 2024. Known for his explosive bat and strong leadership in the clubhouse, Harper is aiming to return to his All-Star form in 2025. His return will be crucial for the Phillies as they seek to stay competitive in the NL East.
9. Max Scherzer (New York Mets)
Max Scherzer, one of the most successful pitchers of his generation, has been dealing with back and shoulder injuries in recent seasons. While he showed flashes of his former self in 2024, the 39-year-old is now in the twilight of his career and looking to rebound in 2025. Scherzer will be hoping to regain his dominant form and provide a veteran presence on the mound for the Mets.
10. Jameson Taillon (Chicago Cubs)
Jameson Taillon, once considered a future ace, has battled a series of injuries, including Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss a large portion of his career. After recovering from the surgery and taking a few seasons to get back to form, Taillon is now with the Chicago Cubs, hoping to establish himself as a reliable rotation arm in 2025. His return will be a pivotal moment for the Cubs as they look to make a postseason push.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB season will see the return of some of the most talented and exciting players in the game, all of whom have battled serious injuries in recent years. From power hitters like Acuña and Tatis to ace pitchers like deGrom and Scherzer, these players will be looking to return to form and lead their teams to success. With their remarkable skill sets and potential to elevate the game, their comebacks are sure to be among the biggest storylines of the season. Fans can look forward to watching these stars reignite their careers and bring excitement back to the ballpark.
