Top 10 Surprising Seasons In MLB History

Hey baseball fans! Ever wonder about those seasons that just completely blindside you? The ones where a player or team goes from zero to hero (or sometimes the other way around)? Well, buckle up because we're diving into the Top 10 Most Surprising Seasons in MLB History! Get ready for some serious nostalgia and maybe a few head-scratching moments.

1. 1988 Kirk Gibson

When you think of surprising seasons, Kirk Gibson's 1988 performance immediately jumps to mind. Before 1988, Kirk Gibson was known as a solid player with a mix of power and speed, but he wasn't exactly a superstar. He had some decent years with the Detroit Tigers, but injuries and inconsistency often held him back. No one really expected him to have the kind of year that would etch his name into baseball lore.

In 1988, Gibson signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. At 31 years old, many thought he was past his prime. However, something magical happened that season. He became the heart and soul of the Dodgers, leading them to an improbable World Series run. His regular-season stats were impressive: a .290 batting average, 25 home runs, and 76 RBIs. But it was his intangible leadership and clutch performances that truly set him apart. He brought an intensity and fire to the team that was infectious.

Of course, no discussion of Gibson's 1988 season is complete without mentioning that home run. Game 1 of the World Series against the Oakland Athletics. Down a run, with two outs, and hobbled by injuries, Gibson hobbled to the plate to face Dennis Eckersley, one of the game's premier closers. What followed was one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. Gibson, with a swing that looked like it might break him in half, launched a game-winning home run that sent Dodger Stadium into a frenzy. It wasn't just the home run itself, but the sheer drama and improbable nature of the moment that made it so unforgettable.

Gibson's 1988 season wasn't just about statistics; it was about defying expectations and seizing the moment. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in sports come from the most unexpected places. And that's why it kicks off our list of surprising seasons.

2. 2006 Carlos Zambrano

Next up, let's talk about Carlos Zambrano's 2006 season. "Big Z" was always known for his fiery personality and his ability to pitch deep into games. But in 2006, he took his game to a whole new level, surprising everyone with his dominance on the mound.

Prior to 2006, Zambrano had shown flashes of brilliance, but he hadn't quite put together a truly dominant season. He had a good fastball, a nasty curveball, and an aggressive approach that made him a tough opponent. However, consistency was sometimes an issue. In 2006, everything clicked. Zambrano posted a 16-7 record with a 3.41 ERA and 210 strikeouts. He was an absolute workhorse for the Cubs, consistently giving them quality starts and eating up innings. What made his season so surprising was the sheer consistency and effectiveness he displayed throughout the year.

But it wasn't just his pitching that made his season so memorable. Zambrano was also a surprisingly good hitter for a pitcher. In 2006, he hit six home runs and drove in 16 runs. He even had a grand slam! His hitting prowess made him a valuable asset to the Cubs, and it added another layer to his already impressive performance. Plus, who doesn't love watching a pitcher rake at the plate?

Zambrano's 2006 season was a testament to his hard work and dedication. It was a season where he put it all together and established himself as one of the top pitchers in the National League. It was also a reminder that sometimes, players can surprise you with their ability to elevate their game to new heights. For Cubs fans, it was a season to remember, and it solidified Zambrano's place in team history.

3. 1985 Dwight Gooden

Alright, let's rewind back to 1985 and talk about Dwight Gooden's absolutely insane season. "Dr. K" was already a phenom in 1984, but what he did in '85 was just on another planet. We're talking video game numbers, folks.

In 1984, Gooden burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old rookie, dazzling fans with his electric fastball and devastating curveball. He won 17 games, struck out 276 batters, and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting. But as good as he was in '84, nobody could have predicted what he would do in 1985. In '85, Gooden was simply unhittable. He went 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts. He led the league in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and innings pitched. It was one of the most dominant pitching performances in baseball history.

What made Gooden's season so surprising was not just the numbers, but the way he dominated hitters. His fastball was overpowering, his curveball was unhittable, and his poise on the mound was unmatched. He was like a seasoned veteran, even though he was only 20 years old. Every time he took the mound, it felt like you were watching something special.

Gooden's 1985 season was a reminder of the incredible potential that young players can possess. It was a season that captured the imagination of baseball fans everywhere, and it solidified Gooden's place as one of the game's brightest stars. While his career would later be derailed by off-field issues, his 1985 season remains a testament to his extraordinary talent.

4. 2017 J.D. Martinez

Switching gears a bit, let's jump to 2017 and talk about J.D. Martinez's power surge. Martinez had always shown potential, but in 2017, he transformed into one of the most feared sluggers in the game.

Before 2017, Martinez was a solid hitter with decent power. He had some good seasons with the Detroit Tigers, but he wasn't exactly considered an elite home run hitter. In 2017, after being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, something clicked. He went on an absolute tear, hitting 45 home runs in just 129 games. It was a remarkable display of power that surprised everyone, including Martinez himself.

What made Martinez's season so surprising was the suddenness of his transformation. It wasn't like he had been gradually improving his power over time; he just suddenly exploded onto the scene as one of the game's premier sluggers. He made adjustments to his swing, focusing on driving the ball in the air more often, and the results were immediate. He became a nightmare for opposing pitchers, and he carried the Diamondbacks to the playoffs.

Martinez's 2017 season was a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. It was a reminder that sometimes, players can unlock hidden potential with the right adjustments and the right mindset. And for Martinez, it was a season that changed the trajectory of his career.

5. 2000 Jeff Kent

Next, let's head back to the year 2000 and remember Jeff Kent's MVP season. Kent was always a good player, but in 2000, he reached a level that nobody saw coming.

Prior to 2000, Kent was a solid offensive player with a reputation for being a tough competitor. He had some good years with the San Francisco Giants, but he was often overshadowed by other stars like Barry Bonds. In 2000, Kent stepped out of Bonds' shadow and had a career year. He hit .334 with 33 home runs and 125 RBIs. He was the offensive leader for the Giants, and he led them to a division title. His performance earned him the National League MVP award, surprising many who thought Bonds was the obvious choice.

What made Kent's season so surprising was his age. At 32 years old, many thought he was past his prime. But Kent proved that age is just a number, and he went on to have one of the best seasons of his career. He was a driving force for the Giants, and he showed that hard work and determination can pay off, even later in your career.

6. 1998 Mark McGwire

Alright, let's talk about Mark McGwire's historic 1998 season. While everyone knew McGwire had power, nobody expected him to break Roger Maris's single-season home run record.

McGwire had always been a prodigious home run hitter, but he had also struggled with injuries throughout his career. In 1998, he stayed healthy and embarked on a home run chase that captivated the nation. He and Sammy Sosa battled it out all season long, trading the lead in the home run race. McGwire eventually prevailed, hitting 70 home runs and breaking Maris's record of 61. It was an incredible feat of athleticism and a season that will forever be remembered in baseball history.

What made McGwire's season so surprising was the sheer magnitude of his accomplishment. Maris's record had stood for 37 years, and many thought it was unbreakable. McGwire not only broke the record, but he shattered it, hitting nine more home runs than Maris had in 1961. It was a season that redefined what was possible in baseball, and it cemented McGwire's place in the record books.

7. 2019 Pete Alonso

Now, let's jump to 2019 and Pete Alonso's rookie home run record. "Polar Bear" came out of nowhere to smash the rookie home run record and become a fan favorite.

Alonso was a relatively unknown prospect coming into the 2019 season. He had shown some power in the minor leagues, but nobody expected him to make such an immediate impact in the majors. He quickly established himself as one of the game's premier power hitters, launching 53 home runs and breaking Aaron Judge's rookie record. He was a sensation for the Mets, and he gave their fans something to cheer about.

What made Alonso's season so surprising was his ability to adjust to major league pitching so quickly. Many rookies struggle to make the transition from the minors to the majors, but Alonso thrived from day one. He had a simple, powerful swing, and he wasn't afraid to challenge any pitcher. He became an instant star, and he proved that sometimes, the most unexpected players can make the biggest impact.

8. 2018 Blake Snell

Let's not forget Blake Snell's Cy Young-winning season in 2018. Snell had shown promise before, but he elevated his game to an elite level in 2018.

Before 2018, Snell was a solid pitcher with good stuff, but he hadn't quite put it all together. He had some control issues and hadn't yet established himself as a top-tier starter. In 2018, everything clicked. He went 21-5 with a 1.89 ERA and won the American League Cy Young Award. He was dominant all season long, and he led the Rays to a surprising playoff push.

What made Snell's season so surprising was his dramatic improvement in command and control. He was able to consistently locate his pitches and keep hitters off balance. He also developed a better feel for his changeup, which became a devastating weapon. He transformed himself into one of the best pitchers in the game, and he showed that hard work and dedication can pay off in a big way.

9. 2012 R.A. Dickey

Now, let's go to 2012 and talk about R.A. Dickey's incredible Cy Young season. A knuckleballer winning the Cy Young? Seriously? It was amazing!

Dickey was a journeyman pitcher who had bounced around several teams before finding success with the Mets. He threw a knuckleball, which is one of the most unpredictable pitches in baseball. In 2012, Dickey mastered his knuckleball and had a season for the ages. He went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA and won the National League Cy Young Award. He was a true inspiration, and he proved that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

What made Dickey's season so surprising was the sheer improbability of a knuckleballer winning the Cy Young Award. Knuckleballers are notoriously inconsistent, and it's rare for them to have sustained success. Dickey defied all the odds, and he showed that even the most unconventional pitchers can achieve greatness.

10. 2023 Shohei Ohtani

Last but definitely not least, we have Shohei Ohtani's 2023 Season. Ohtani is a rare talent and is on pace to have one of the greatest and most surprising seasons in MLB history.

Before 2023, Ohtani was known as a two-way player that could both hit and pitch at an above average level. But in 2023, Ohtani has taken that to another level. Ohtani is leading the league in Home Runs and is one of the best pitchers in the league. If Ohtani keeps up this pace, he will be sure to win the MVP and would be considered as one of the most surprising seasons in MLB history.

These seasons remind us why we love baseball – because anything can happen! Who will be next to shock the world? We'll just have to wait and see. Keep enjoying the game, everyone!