1 newcomer on each team making a strong early impression

12:58 AM UTC

Everyone has an opportunity to make a strong first impression.

Some, like Blue Jays ace , have simply matched expectations after signing a high-profile free-agent contract with a new club. Others, like Tigers infielder and White Sox slugger , are beginning their respective Major League careers on a tear. Some players have even emerged from relative obscurity to seize key roles on playoff hopefuls.

With help from our MLB.com beat reporters, here's a look at one newcomer making an early good impression on all 30 teams.

Jump to: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West

AL EAST

Blue Jays: RHP
He’s made a fine first impression after signing a seven-year, $210 million deal, the largest free-agent contract in Blue Jays history. Over his first five starts with the Blue Jays, Cease has posted a 2.10 ERA with 44 strikeouts over 25 2/3 innings. Sure, the Blue Jays would love to see Cease go seven or eight innings the odd time, but they aren’t about to turn their nose up at five innings of dominance each time out. With a strikeout rate like this (15.4 K/9), Cease could easily put himself in the Cy Young Award conversation with a full, healthy season. -- Keegan Matheson

Orioles: RHP
The O’s landed quite a haul at last year’s Trade Deadline when they dealt nine MLB players for 15 prospects. Nunez was one of three youngsters acquired from the Mets in exchange for outfielder Cedric Mullins, and the 24-year-old right-hander has quickly made an impact. A surprise inclusion on the Orioles’ Opening Day roster, Nunez has already emerged as one of the top setup options in the bullpen, recording a 1.46 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP in 12 1/3 innings through 11 appearances (entering Sunday). -- Jake Rill

Rays: RHP
It only took a few weeks of Spring Training for the Rays to realize the Reds’ rave reviews about Martinez being an elite teammate were all true. And it only took five starts in the regular season for Martinez (1-1, 2.10 ERA) to show what he’s all about on the mound. The veteran free-agent addition to Tampa Bay’s rotation has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his outings, and his latest was his best: an efficient, eight-inning gem against his former Cincinnati teammates. -- Adam Berry

Red Sox: 1B
Bright spots have been hard to find so far for the Red Sox, but Contreras has been one. He has emerged into a leader in the clubhouse and a solid hitter and defender at first base. Contreras also has the cache of a World Series ring he won with the Cubs in 2016. As the season goes on, and he gains more comfort in his new surroundings, expect Contreras to gain an even bigger voice with his teammates. -- Ian Browne

Yankees: LHP
Headrick made 17 big league appearances while riding the shuttle between Triple-A and the Majors last season, but he has earned a spot in the bullpen circle of trust this year. Though he doesn't light up the radar gun, Headrick is getting results with his four-pitch mix. He owns a 2.08 ERA through 15 appearances, stranding all seven of his inherited runners and averaging better than a strikeout per inning. -- Bryan Hoch

AL CENTRAL

Guardians: OF
Yes, he played in the postseason last year, but we are getting our first extended look at DeLauter in the Majors this season. The 24-year-old has established himself as a key piece to the Guardians’ lineup, with 20 of his 23 starts coming in the No. 2 spot of the order. Though his production has eased since his historic start (DeLauter hit five home runs over his first seven games) he has continued to have quality at-bats. DeLauter entered Sunday with 13 walks compared to his 12 strikeouts. He has also proven durable, having appeared in all but three games. -- Tim Stebbins

Royals: OF
It hasn’t been the smoothest of journeys so far for the Royals’ newcomers, but Thomas has generally done what the Royals signed him to do -- perform against left-handed pitchers. Thomas has an eye-popping .429 on-base percentage against lefties this year to go along with a .238 batting average, while he’s hitting just .154 with a .267 on-base percentage against right-handers. That’s why it’s likely that Thomas draws starts and pinch-hit opportunities against every lefty the Royals face, with the hope that he gets on base for the hitters behind him to drive him home. -- Anne Rogers

Tigers: SS/3B
After bypassing Triple-A and crashing Detroit’s Opening Day roster on the backs of an impressive Spring Training, the 21-year-old McGonigle has established himself among the early candidates for AL Rookie of the Year. He ranks among the AL rookie leaders in a slew of offensive categories, but it’s his veteran-like knowledge of the strike zone, his strong work ethic on defense and his ability to stay calm in big situations that have helped him fit seamlessly into an established Tigers roster and garner an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. -- Jason Beck

Twins: INF
He was one of the quietest offseason acquisitions, but he’s turned out great. Gray has played a solid infield and delivered some huge hits for the Twins, including a grand slam in the home opener. He’s already equaled a career high with three homers, bringing steady quality performance to a utility role. -- Matthew Leach

White Sox: 1B
How big of an early impact has Murakami made on the White Sox? After just 27 games, general manager Chris Getz was asked about discussing a contract extension for the power-hitting first baseman during Getz’s homestand-opening media session. Murakami has been a fit in the field, with 11 home runs, 22 walks, a .971 OPS and improving defense. He also is a perfect fit in the clubhouse, featuring an engaging personality and a tireless, regimented work ethic. He might be a perfect fit at the center of this rebuild, beyond his two year, $34 million deal. -- Scott Merkin

AL WEST

Angels: LHP
Suter joined the Angels on a one-year deal this past offseason, and the early returns have been good. The 36-year-old left-hander owns a 2.12 ERA over nine appearances (one start). His versatility -- he’s spent the bulk of his career as a reliever but can make a spot start here and there -- and his customary ability to limit hard contact have made him a valuable weapon for the Halos. -- Manny Randhawa

Astros: RHP
Teng, acquired in a January trade from the Giants, has been excellent in his long relief role for the Astros. He entered Sunday’s game against the Yankees with a 2.16 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, with 16 strikeouts and six walks in 16 2/3 innings. He threw a season-high 2 2/3 scoreless innings Tuesday against the Guardians and can get both right-handers and left-handers out. The Astros are considering moving Teng to the rotation, a role he had last year with the Giants. -- Brian McTaggart

Athletics: 2B
With first baseman Nick Kurtz heating up and catcher Shea Langeliers off to a hot start, the A’s lineup is dangerous. McNeil -- acquired in an offseason trade with the Mets -- has helped to deepen the club’s starting nine, batting .288 with a .363 on-base percentage entering Sunday. It’s his best OBP since 2022 (.382), when he also won the NL batting title with a .326 average for the Mets. -- Theo DeRosa

Mariners: 3B
The one new face in Seattle’s Opening Day lineup has been exactly the spark the Mariners were looking for, when he’s been healthy. Donovan’s first swing in a Mariners uniform went to the bleachers, and he’s posted a .304/.437/.518 slash line -- including a .333 average with a 1.101 OPS while batting at the top of the order. But Monday's game against the Twins will be the 11th game Donovan’s missed this season, with an illness and multiple groin injuries keeping him off the field and eventually landing him on the 10-day IL. -- Josh Kirshenbaum

Rangers: RF
In one of two big trades for the franchise this offseason, the Rangers acquired Nimmo as part of a full-scale offensive philosophy change. Hitting atop the lineup, he’s reached base in 22 of 27 games and ranks among American League leaders in hits (T-7th, 31). Entering play on Sunday, he’s slashing .284/.358/.477 and setting the tone as a leadoff hitter that the Rangers have yearned for over the last two seasons. -- Kennedi Landry

NL EAST

Braves: RHP
Suarez has given the Braves no reason to regret the three-year, $45 million deal they gave him in December. The hard-throwing reliever led the National League with 40 saves last year and he has been a capable replacement while Atlanta closer Raisel Iglesias has been on the injured list. Suarez has allowed just one run while totaling 11 2/3 innings through his first 12 appearances. His four-seam fastball, which has averaged 98.6 mph, remains his go-to pitch. But his cutter usage has increased and he’s gotten a 40 percent whiff rate with the pitch. -- Mark Bowman

Marlins: LHP
Closer Pete Fairbanks and outfielder Owen Caissie might've been the sexier acquisitions this offseason, but King has been the most consistent so far. The 31-year-old reliever entered play on Saturday having allowed just one run on two hits over 11 innings spanning 12 outings. Miami signed the now-seven-year veteran at the beginning of Spring Training as a bounceback candidate, hoping he could provide a reliable lefty option for a right-handed-heavy bullpen. King has done just that. -- Christina De Nicola

Mets: RHP
That other pitcher the Mets acquired from the Brewers this offseason, Myers stretched out as a starter in Spring Training but opened the season in the bullpen, offering his new club all sorts of flexibility. He has served as both an opener and a high-leverage reliever, frequently giving the Mets six to nine outs at a time. Myers’ 2.60 ERA through 17 1/3 innings isn’t the only evidence that he’s been one of the most reliable pitchers on an unreliable staff. -- Anthony DiComo

Nationals: OF
Wiemer not only made the Nationals Opening Day roster; he began the season by tying a century-old record. Wiemer matched Carlos Delgado for the most consecutive plate appearances (10) reaching safely to start a season in the live-ball era (since 1920). Since then, he has established himself as a key member of the Nats offense. Entering Sunday, he had a .414 OBP, reaching base in 24 of his 58 plate appearances. Wiemer has found a fit in Washington after being designated for assignment three times last year. -- Jessica Camerato

Phillies: RHP
Truth be told, no Phillies newcomer has stood out from the pack. Rookie center fielder Justin Crawford has had his moments at the plate, but we’re going with Painter. He is 1-2 with a 5.45 ERA in five appearances (four starts), but he has been hurt at times by the Phillies’ defense. But you can see Painter developing into a solid starter. He certainly showed something a couple weeks ago when he got scratched from a starter against Arizona because of a migraine, then entered the game in the third and pitched well. -- Todd Zolecki

NL CENTRAL

Brewers: LHP
With Quinn Priester on the injured list, Brandon Woodruff under close watch coming off a series of injuries and the rest of the rotation exceedingly young, where would the Brewers be without Harrison? He missed one turn through the rotation after getting banged up on an errant feed from backup first baseman Gary Sánchez, but went into Sunday’s start against the Pirates with a 3.06 ERA and a 133 ERA+, which equalled budding ace Jacob Misiorowski going into the weekend. Harrison’s value is augmented by the fact he’s the only left-hander making regular starts for Milwaukee at the moment. -- Adam McCalvy

Cardinals: 2B
Despite having a .240 batting average, Wetherholt, the No. 5 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline entering the season, has made an impact on the team. His .370 on-base percentage shows that he is finding ways to get on base from the leadoff spot. In fact, Wetherholt leads all rookies with 20 runs scored. A shortstop by trade, Wetherholt is holding his own at second base and recorded +4 outs above average entering Sunday’s game against the Mariners. The issue entering Spring Training was making backhanded plays to his right. Wetherholt got off to a slow start, but hard work before games has paid off and he doesn’t have any problems fielding the balls hit up the middle. -- Bill Ladson

Cubs: RHP
One of the reasons the Cubs swung a trade for Cabrera over the offseason was that they felt the promising starter had ace potential. In the season's first month, the big right-hander has backed it up with a strong start to his campaign. Five starts into his Cubs career, Cabrera has a 2.73 ERA in 29 2/3 innings. While there is room for improvement in both his strikeout and walk rates, Cabrera has gotten results while trusting Chicago's elite defense. -- Jordan Bastian

Pirates: OF/1B
Entering Monday’s action, the Pirates have outscored opponents, 135-106 (+29) during their first 29 games of the season. O’Hearn, who signed a two-year $29 million deal last January, is the X-factor on offense. He has a slash line of .330/.419/.511 with 16 RBIs and recorded at least one hit in 20 of his first 25 games. On defense, O’Hearn has split time between first base and right field and has yet to make an error. -- Bill Ladson

Reds: 1B
Sure, Stewart had a cameo last season as a September call-up but his daily presence in the cleanup spot of the Reds lineup this season has been dynamic. Batting behind No. 3 hitter Elly De La Cruz, the 22-year-old Stewart has provided lineup protection and the duo has been responsible for a major chunk of the club's entire offense while it has often struggled the first month. Stewart, who has shown the ability to hit to all fields, is among league leaders in numerous offensive categories, including OPS, slugging and home runs. -- Mark Sheldon

NL WEST

D-backs: RHP
When the Diamondbacks signed Soroka at the start of last year’s Winter Meetings, it did not get a lot of attention, but the right-hander has played a big role in Arizona getting off to a good start this year. In his first five starts, Soroka is 4-0 with a 2.60 ERA. Only once has he allowed more than two runs in a start. -- Steve Gilbert

Dodgers: LHP
There aren't many true Dodgers newcomers this year, and their two biggest additions haven't made a huge impact yet. Edwin Díaz is out until the second half after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, and Kyle Tucker has been inconsistent early on. So let's go with Wrobleski, who is by no means new to the Dodgers -- but he is new to being a regular in the rotation. Wrobleski has allowed just two earned runs in 20 innings (0.90 ERA) in three starts, helping L.A. make up for the absence of Blake Snell to open the season. -- Sonja Chen

Giants: 2B
Arraez has been as advertised with the plate, hitting a team-high .324 over his first 26 games of the year, but the more interesting development has been the progress he’s made with the glove. The 29-year-old veteran rated as one of the worst defensive second basemen in the Majors when he last played his natural position on a full-time basis in 2023, but he’s been far from a liability early this season. Arraez entered Sunday with +5 Outs Above Average at second, which was fifth best in the Majors, at any position. -- Maria Guardado

Padres: RHP
In 10 outings entering the Mexico City Series, Rodriguez had posted a 0.73 ERA. In one of the sport’s top bullpens, he has begun to work his way into high leverage spots. Ranked as the team’s No. 6 prospect entering the season, Rodriguez has already graduated off the list. He did so with a crucial five-out outing at Angel Stadium -- on the same mound as one of his all-time favorite pitchers, Francisco Rodriguez. -- AJ Cassavell

Rockies: 1B/OF
In 2024, Johnston almost retired from baseball. Now, he’s tied for seventh in the National League with a .317 batting average to go along with an .834 OPS. Colorado claimed the 28-year-old off waivers from the Marlins last November, and he’s been part of some memorable early-season moments so far. Those include what many would consider the perfect bunt, as well as a meme-worthy reaction to a lucky bounce later in the same game. -- Manny Randhawa