This Week in Baseball: MLB Leaders, Rising Prospects, and Essential Tips for Beginners (April 25 – May 2, 2025)
Baseball is more than just America’s pastime—it's a dynamic sport that continuously evolves. Whether you're a lifelong fan, an aspiring player, or a beginner looking to understand the game better, staying updated with weekly trends and standout performances is crucial. Here’s your all-in-one update for this week in baseball, featuring Major League Baseball (MLB), Minor League highlights, high school standouts, and key fundamentals for those new to the sport.
⚾ MLB Trends and Top Performers
As we head into May, several MLB teams are gaining momentum. The New York Yankees are riding high with both individual and team performances, while the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates have seen strong outings from their pitching staff.
🔥 Top 5 Hitters (Batting Average as of May 2, 2025)
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Aaron Judge (Yankees) – .427
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Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees) – .356
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Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) – .345
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Pete Alonso (Mets) – .342
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Brendan Donovan (Cardinals) – .333
Aaron Judge continues to dominate, blending power and precision. His .427 average is leading the league and setting the tone for the Yankees' offensive strength.
💪 Top 3 Pitchers (ERA)
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Casey Mize (Tigers) – 2.70
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Jacob deGrom (Rangers) – 2.70
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Paul Skenes (Pirates) – 2.74
Jacob deGrom, back in peak form, is anchoring the Texas Rangers’ rotation, while young talent Paul Skenes is quickly becoming a staple in Pittsburgh’s pitching plans.
🧢 Minor League Highlights: Stars on the Rise
The Minor Leagues are where tomorrow’s MLB stars are being shaped. Several young players have already made headlines this week:
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Jordan Lawlar (Triple-A Reno Aces / Diamondbacks): Leads MiLB with 43 hits, 34 runs, and 78 total bases.
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Roman Anthony (Red Sox Affiliate): Continuing his stellar development as a power-hitting outfielder.
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Leo De Vries (Padres Affiliate, High-A): An 18-year-old shortstop leading the Midwest League in slugging, demonstrating advanced plate discipline and bat speed.
🏫 High School Baseball Highlights
Across the U.S., high school teams are pushing through mid-season form, with powerhouse programs leading national rankings.
🌟 Top High School Baseball Teams (As of April 27, 2025)
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IMG Academy (FL) – 24-1
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Corona High (CA) – Strong lineup and dominant pitching
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Etowah (GA) – A balanced team with playoff potential
🔍 Notable Individual Performances
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Bay City Western (MI): Led by freshman Jimmey Sequin (.362 AVG) and senior Mikey Deluca (.459 AVG), they're off to a 13–2 start.
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Legacy High (TX): Pulled off an incredible 10–8 comeback win over Pebble Hills, showing grit and timely hitting.
📰 Special MLB News: Drew Pomeranz’s Comeback
One of this week’s standout stories is the return of veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz, who made his first MLB appearance since 2021 with the Chicago Cubs. He has thrown three scoreless innings, striking out stars like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, and his revitalized knuckle curve is producing a 50% whiff rate. His return adds depth to the Cubs' bullpen and provides a veteran presence for younger arms.
🏏 Tips for Aspiring Baseball Players
Starting out in baseball can feel overwhelming, but mastering the basics makes the journey easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tips:
🥎 1. Focus on Swing Mechanics
Start with balance. A smooth, compact swing with proper weight transfer will make solid contact more consistent. Power comes with time—start with control.
👁 2. Eye on the Ball
Keep your eyes locked on the pitcher’s hand until the ball makes contact with your bat. Visualization and soft toss drills can improve your tracking.
🧤 3. Master the Fundamentals
Learn proper footwork and glove positioning when fielding. Stay low, move your feet, and keep your hands out in front.
💪 4. Throwing with Purpose
Practice the four-seam grip and ensure you follow through to avoid injury and increase accuracy.
🧠 5. Mental Focus
Whether you’re at bat or in the field, baseball requires focus. Build your confidence through repetition and staying positive even after mistakes.
🎯 Final Thoughts
From elite MLB hitters like Aaron Judge to rising stars in the minors and standout high school teams, this week has been packed with action. Whether you're following the game for fun or working on your skills to play, staying updated with stats and fundamentals helps deepen your understanding of the sport. Baseball is a lifelong game, and there’s always something new to learn—on and off the field.