The biggest surprises through the first quarter of the 2022 MLB season

Bard wasn’t expected to be Colorado’s closer again after losing the job last season, but he’s regained the role and shined in the process. The veteran right-hander has locked down games with nine saves and 19 strikeouts in 13.1 innings through May 17.

Pittsburgh might not be playing for much this season, but they sport arguably the best reliever in baseball. Bednar has shined with a 1.00 ERA in seven saves over his first 15 appearances, fanning 25 batters in 18 innings.

Blackburn added velocity this season and has been one of the best starters in MLB as a result. He was 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA through seven starts, walking a total of five batters.

Of all the candidates to be the Yankees ace, Cortes has been their best performer. He has a league-best 1.35 ERA and 49/11 K/BB in 40 innings spanning seven starts.

Following a strong second half in 2021, Cron has picked up where he left off. He leads the NL with 10 home runs, putting himself in the MVP conversation.

Drury was just trying to make the MLB roster in Spring Training, but he’s turned into Cincinnati’s most productive offensive player. He’s showing the ability that made him a highly-touted prospect earlier in his career, hitting .243-7-22 with a .842 OPS through 31 games played.

Gimenez clearly needed more seasoning when he arrived in the majors with Cleveland last year, but he’s shown his time is now with his performance this year. Plate patience has been an issue, but Gimenez is hitting .323-4-20 with 10 extra-base hits in 100 plate appearances.

Texas acquired Mitch Garver before the season, but Heim looks like their best option behind the plate. He’s hit .277-4-12, showing vastly improved plate discipline with 10/8 BB/K over 75 plate appearances.

Hosmer was rumored to be on the trade block prior to Opening Day, but he’s been on a tear since the season opened. The Padres’ first baseman is hitting .346-4-24 through 34 games as a centerpiece of the lineup.

Coming off a forgettable 2021 season, Keller is bouncing back as KC’s ace this season. He has only one win through seven starts but also had a 2.89 ERA, 1.01 WHIP with only nine walks in 43.2 innings.

Kelly is clearly benefitting from new pitching coach Brent Strom, showing dominant performance early in the season. He has a 3.27 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 44 innings through his first eight starts.

Lauer has effectively become Milwaukee’s first ace with his brilliant start to the season. The lefty has added velocity, resulting in a 2.60 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 34.2 innings.

Mikolas has struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons, but he’s back on track early in 2022. He has a 1.68 ERA in eight starts, with only nine walks in 48.1 innings.

Pena is helping Astros fans forget about Carlos Correa. He’s the early favorite for AL Rookie of the Year, hitting .282-7-21 through 31 games played.

Perez returned to the Rangers after three seasons away and is making the most of his return. He has a 2.01 ERA through seven starts, with continued control improvement and no home runs allowed.

The Blue Jays were candidates to upgrade at closer during the offseason, but they stuck with Romano. Like last season, he’s been terrific in the role, leading the AL with 12 saves and 16 games finished through mid-May.

Ryan surprised as Minnesota’s Opening Day starter, and he’s been off and running since then. The right-hander has pitched even better than he appeared late last season, with a 2.39 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts in 37.2 innings.

With all of Philadelphia’s superstar hitters, Segura has been arguably their most consistent contributor. He’s hitting .307-6-14 with 19 runs scored in 30 games.

Skubal made strides late last season, and he’s looked like an ace this year. The left-hander has a 2.50 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through seven starts, with 45/8 K/BB in 39.2 innings.

Chicago made several high-profile additions to their pitching staff, but Thompson has been their most valuable pitcher. Pitching in a variety of roles, Thompson has a 1.41 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts in 32 innings.

Tellez’s bat has carried Milwaukee’s offense through much of the season. He’s been a machine driving in runners with an NL-leading 29 RBI, along with eight home runs.

Returning from Tommy John surgery, Verlander hasn’t lost a step. The 39-year-old is in the AL Cy Young running at 5-1 with a 1.38 ERA and 0.68 WHIP in 45.2 innings.

A recent hot streak from Walker has carried Arizona’s offense, as he led the NL with nine home runs through May 17. He’s successfully held off top prospect Seth Beer as the Diamondback’s clear first baseman.

The Angels’ offense has been on fire, and Ward has been their best hitter. That’s saying a lot in a lineup that also includes Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Anthony Rendon. Ward is slashing .376/.484/.733, on his way to a breakout year.

After a strong showing in the playoffs, Wright is showing elite ability as a starter. The former first-round pick has a 2.79 ERA and 1.10 WHIP through seven starts.