MLB’s Top 5 Comeback Arms: Who Dominates 2025 After Injury?

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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Jacob deGrom: The Rangers' Ace Returns Again
Few pitchers have experienced as many injury setbacks as Jacob deGrom, yet the two-time Cy Young winner continues to defy the odds. After undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, deGrom returned late in 2024 and posted impressive numbers, allowing just two runs in 10.2 innings across three starts. His spin rates and pitch movement showed flashes of his pre-injury dominance. The Texas Rangers are counting on their ace to lead the rotation once again and prove he's far from finished.
Rangers 2025 Win Total (85.5): Over -104 | Under -118
Brandon Woodruff: Milwaukee’s Ace Seeks Redemption
Shoulder injuries derailed Brandon Woodruff’s 2023 season, culminating in surgery that kept him out of 2024. However, the Milwaukee Brewers showed their faith by signing him to a two-year deal, banking on his return in 2025. Woodruff, who posted a 2.93 ERA from 2019-23, has been throwing bullpen sessions and is determined to be ready for Opening Day. If successful, his comeback could provide the Brewers with the anchor they need to contend.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
Brewers 2025 Win Total (82.5): Over -104 | Under -118
Sandy Alcantara: Miami’s Ace Looks to Regain Form
The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, Sandy Alcantara, was sidelined in late 2023 after a stellar run with the Miami Marlins. Known for his ability to log deep outings, Alcantara underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2024 season. Reports from late last year indicate he’s already hitting the high 90s during bullpen sessions. As one of the few pitchers capable of leading a rotation with both dominance and endurance, Alcantara’s 2025 return could spark excitement for Marlins fans amid their rebuild.
Marlins 2025 Win Total (63.5): Over/Under -110
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Jeffrey Springs: A New Chapter with the A’s
Jeffrey Springs was one of the breakout stars for the Rays in 2022 with a 2.46 ERA but became another casualty of Tommy John surgery in 2023. After returning late in 2024 and posting a 3.27 ERA over seven starts, Springs was traded to the A’s during the offseason. Now expected to lead their revamped rotation alongside Luis Severino, Springs is poised to solidify his standing as a reliable starter in 2025.
A's 2025 Win Total (70.5): Over -120 | Under -102
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Shane McClanahan: The Rays’ Young Star Eyes a Fresh Start
At just 27 years old, Shane McClanahan has already undergone two Tommy John surgeries. Despite this, the Tampa Bay Rays ace remains one of the brightest young talents in baseball. With a stellar 2.54 ERA in 2022 and back-to-back All-Star nods, McClanahan's potential is undeniable. After missing all of 2024, he has expressed optimism about a full recovery and return for 2025, ready to reclaim his spot as one of the AL’s top pitchers.
Rays 2025 Win Total (80.5): Over -120 | Under -102
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Jacob deGrom: The Rangers' Ace Returns Again
Few pitchers have experienced as many injury setbacks as Jacob deGrom, yet the two-time Cy Young winner continues to defy the odds. After undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, deGrom returned late in 2024 and posted impressive numbers, allowing just two runs in 10.2 innings across three starts. His spin rates and pitch movement showed flashes of his pre-injury dominance. The Texas Rangers are counting on their ace to lead the rotation once again and prove he's far from finished.
Rangers 2025 Win Total (85.5): Over -104 | Under -118
Brandon Woodruff: Milwaukee’s Ace Seeks Redemption
Shoulder injuries derailed Brandon Woodruff’s 2023 season, culminating in surgery that kept him out of 2024. However, the Milwaukee Brewers showed their faith by signing him to a two-year deal, banking on his return in 2025. Woodruff, who posted a 2.93 ERA from 2019-23, has been throwing bullpen sessions and is determined to be ready for Opening Day. If successful, his comeback could provide the Brewers with the anchor they need to contend.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
Brewers 2025 Win Total (82.5): Over -104 | Under -118
