SF Giants considered biggest 2025 surprise in MLB executive poll but there's a catch

Mark Feinsand of MLB.Com polled 20 MLB executives to highlight the biggest surprises and disappointments so far this season. The SF Giants led the way with eight votes as the biggest surprise.

SF Giants considered biggest 2025 surprise in MLB executive poll but there's a catch

The Athletics (five votes), Chicago Cubs (three votes), San Diego (three votes), and New York Yankees (one votes) all received votes in the biggest surprise category. Who was the biggest disappointment? The Baltimore Orioles were deemed the clear-cut biggest disappointment, receiving 12 out of 20 votes.

The Minnesota Twins (three votes), Atlanta Braves (three votes), and Toronto Blue Jays (one vote) all received votes in that category. In particular, the Orioles are off to a brutal 13-19 start after winning 91 games and reaching the playoffs last season.

They might be a case study of what not to do when a competitive window opens. The Orioles had loaded up on draft picks and built a talented farm system. They have not done much to complement that through free agency. This past offseason, they added several back-end rotation arms and the results have been as expected.

On a positive note, the Giants have been a big surprise with a 21-13 record. They have done it with a solid bullpen, clean defense, and a knack for hitting with runners in scoring position.

Plus, the Giants have faced some tough opponents in the early going, including the Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, and Philadelphia Phillies. They did drop a two-game series against the San Diego Padres earlier this week.

In addition to this, Jung Hoo Lee received nine votes as the most surprising player. The left-handed bat has slashed .312/.365/.504 (142 wRC+) with three home runs, 19 RBI, and 24 runs in 137 plate appearances. He has been in the middle of every Giants rally, and has looked good defensively in center field as well.

This might be where the good vibes wear off. The most disappointing player? That would be new Giants shortstop Willy Adames. Adames has struggled at the plate with a .602 OPS in 149 plate appearances. He has quietly begun to turn it around lately, even if the power numbers are not where the Giants want them to be. However, there has been a concerning dip in Adames' defense that has continued from last season, and that will be something to monitor as the year progresses.