⚾ This Week in U.S. Baseball: MLB Highlights, Minor League Breakouts, and High School Standouts (April 17–23, 2025)
As spring baseball hits full stride across the United States, this week has been packed with action, surprises, and inspiring performances from the Major Leagues all the way down to the high school level. Whether you're a casual fan or an aspiring player, here's everything you need to know about the hottest players, rising stars, and trending strategies in America’s favorite pastime.
🏟️ Major League Baseball (MLB) — Stars Who Shined This Week
🔥 Top Hitters This Week (as of April 23, 2025)
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Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) — Judge is leading the majors with a stunning .411 batting average, a testament to his plate discipline and power hitting. His presence in the Yankees' lineup has been crucial as the team finds its rhythm despite a shaky starting rotation.
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Paul Goldschmidt (New York Yankees) — Batting .371, Goldschmidt continues to be a veteran anchor with timely hits and solid defense at first base.
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Brendan Donovan (St. Louis Cardinals) — With a .356 average, Donovan is proving to be one of the most underrated hitters in the National League, contributing consistently in clutch moments.
🔥 Dominant Pitchers
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Jesús Luzardo (Philadelphia Phillies) — Luzardo currently leads MLB with a 1.85 ERA, using a devastating changeup and high-velocity fastball to keep hitters off balance.
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Chris Bassitt (Toronto Blue Jays) — Bassitt boasts a 2.10 ERA, showing his usual command and versatility with multiple pitch types.
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Hunter Brown (Houston Astros) — The young Astro has a 2.25 ERA, emerging as a key figure in Houston's rotation during a transitional year.
🔧 Team Spotlight: Houston Astros’ Bullpen Dominance
Houston's bullpen has quietly become one of the best in the majors. As of this week:
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K/9 (Strikeouts per 9 innings): 12.66
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Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP): 2.13
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PitchBot ERA: 3.27
Names like Josh Hader, Steve Okert, and Bryan King are leading this elite relief unit, often closing out games with command and intensity.
🧢 Minor League Baseball — Future Stars Making Noise
🔹 Leo De Vries (Fort Wayne TinCaps, Padres' High-A affiliate)
The 18-year-old phenom made national headlines this week by hitting for the cycle and launching two home runs in a single game. This rare performance put De Vries firmly on the radar as a future star in San Diego.
🔹 Javier Assad (Iowa Cubs)
While rehabbing in Triple-A, Assad experienced a setback with a side strain. The Cubs are now reevaluating his recovery plan, and his return to the majors may be delayed.
🏫 High School Baseball — Rising Talent and Training Trends
Top teams like Corona High (CA) and IMG Academy (FL) continue to dominate national rankings. What’s interesting this year is the increasing number of players training to become switch-hitters and focusing on velocity development, especially for pitchers.
These techniques are making athletes more versatile and marketable to college recruiters and scouts. Programs are also adopting data analytics and biomechanics to refine player development—something once reserved for professional organizations.
🧠 Pro Tips for Beginners and Aspiring Players
If you're looking to improve your baseball game, here are some expert-approved tips:
1. Batting: Master the Timing Drill
Use soft toss and reaction balls to work on your swing mechanics and reaction time. Focus on hitting line drives through the middle.
2. Pitch Recognition: Train Your Eyes
Watch MLB clips in slow motion to learn how different pitches look out of the pitcher’s hand. Apps like GameSense or WinReality offer virtual pitch tracking for serious learners.
3. Fielding: Improve Footwork
Always stay on the balls of your feet, and work on lateral movement with cone drills. A quick first step is the secret to elite defense.
📰 Special MLB Story of the Week
One of the biggest stories this week is the struggles of the New York Yankees starting rotation, which currently holds a combined 6.56 ERA. With Gerrit Cole still recovering from injury and Luis Gil working his way back, the Yankees are leaning heavily on their offense and bullpen to stay competitive in the AL East.
Final Thoughts
From breakout stars like Leo De Vries in the minors to elite-level performances by Aaron Judge in the big leagues, this week in baseball showcases the full spectrum of talent across all levels. Whether you're a fan or a player looking to improve, there's always something new to learn and be inspired by in the game.
Stay tuned next week for more updates, insights, and tips!