The biggest surprises during the 2023 MLB season so far

Candelario had a nightmarish 2022 season in Detroit, causing him to be non-tendered by the lowly Tigers. He found a great opportunity in Washington and has found his old stroke, with a .780 OPS through 65 games. He's also played excellent defense, resulting in a 2.1 WAR.

A relative unknown coming into this season, the 29-year-old Cano adjusted his arm angle and has been almost unhittable ever since. Through 29 appearances this season, Cano has a 1.03 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, and 34/5 K/BB in 35 innings. He's stepped up as an elite setup man, and the Orioles have prospered.

Diaz has long hit the ball hard, but that hasn't been reflected in his power numbers with an extreme groundball rate. That's changed over the first half of 2023, with Diaz producing an MVP-level .304/.396/.527 with 12 home runs in 59 games as the Rays' leadoff man. He's helped Tampa Bay produce the most offense in the AL.

Elder failed to win the fifth starter job out of Spring Training, but he wasn't deterred. He was terrific as a rookie last season and has been even better this year since regaining a rotation spot. Through 13 starts, Elder is 4-1 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. The groundball pitcher has been a savior with Max Fried and Kyle Wright sidelined.

There were some doubters after the Angels signed Estevez away from Colorado to be part of their closer picture. He's shined in the role, with 18 saves and a 1.80 ERA over his first 30 innings. What a difference getting out of Coors Field can make.

Despite a breakout season as a regular last season, there were doubters about Estrada's ability to repeat. He's arguably been San Francisco's most valuable player this season, producing an .827 OPS with nine home runs and 16 stolen bases through 57 games played. He's also shown off a swift glove, resulting in an elite 2.6 WAR.

The oft-injured Gray has found relative health in his second season in Texas, and success has followed. He's in the AL Cy Young race through 12 starts with a 6-2 record and 2.32 ERA. Texas has been one of the league's biggest surprises with Gray's help.

Gray had settled in as a middle-of-the-rotation starter prior to this season, but he's looked like an ace in 2023 for the Twins. The veteran right-hander was 4-1 with a 2.37 ERA and only one home run allowed in his first 14 starts. It's likely the home run rate will see some regression, but Gray is enjoying the success while it lasts.

A former top prospect, Gray had a nightmarish first full season in the majors in 2022. He led the NL in both home runs and walks allowed, finishing with a 5.02 ERA in 28 starts. Gray has turned the corner this year, keeping the ball down and producing a 3.19 ERA in 14 starts.

Despite the lack of many big names, the Orioles have produced one of the most potent offenses in baseball. Hays' breakout in the first half is a big reason, hitting .309-8-31 with an .853 OPS through 63 games.

Heim showed power before this season, but he was only a .214 career hitter through his first three seasons. That's changed in a big way so far, hitting .279-7-47 in 60 games as one of the top offensive players at catcher this season.

Keller took a big step forward for the Pirates last season, but he looks like a real ace this year. Through 14 starts, Keller is 8-2 with a 3.41 ERA and 4.39 K/BB ratio. Pittsburgh is in the thick of the NL Central race with his help.

Tampa Bay's lineup has been one of the deepest in baseball, with breakout stars like Lowe producing. Although he slumped in early June, Lowe is hitting .281-11-40 with 17 stolen bases through 60 games played.

The Braves gave up a haul for Murphy in the offseason, but Murphy has been worth it so far. The former Oakland A is hitting .285/.384/.535 in 56 games as a middle-of-the-order producer for one of the league's top offenses, and he continues to play excellent defense.

A Rule 5 pick for the Dodgers, Noda is a top candidate to win AL Rookie of the Year as Oakland's starting first baseman. The 27-year-old leads the AL in both walks and on-base percentage and has also shown some pop with seven home runs through 67 games played.

Perdomo was thrust into Arizona's lineup last season out of necessity after Nick Ahmed got injured. This year he's earned every at-bat, hitting .302/.404/.484 through 192 plate appearances. Shortstop is no longer a black hole for the Diamondbacks with Perdomo producing.

Puk couldn't stay healthy in Oakland, which likely caused the team to trade the former top prospect to Miami in February. He's been a shutdown closer for the Marlins this season, with eight saves and a 2.29 ERA over his first 20 appearances. His K/BB of 25/3 K/BB in 19.2 innings is just as impressive.

A minor league veteran, Raley never got a real opportunity until the Rays gave him one this season. He's run with the chance at age 28, hitting .270-12-27 with an elite .947 OPS in his first 180 plate appearances for the Rays.

Rooker struggled in the majors until Oakland gave him a chance early this season. The former top prospect is rounding into form at age 28, hitting .256-13-38 in 62 games for Oakland.

Where would the Rangers bullpen be without Smith? Signed early in Spring Training, the left-hander eventually replaced Jose Leclerc as the primary closer in Texas and has been excellent with a 3.00 ERA and 12 saves through 26 appearances.

Soler was one of last year's biggest disappointments, fresh off signing a two-year, $27 million contract with the Marlins. He turned the page on a lost season to be one of the top power hitters of the first half, hitting .258-20-40 through 66 games.

Suwinski didn't begin the year as a regular for Pittsburgh, but he's made up for lost time. The streaky outfielder has hit .240-15-35 in only 222 plate appearances as a middle-of-the-order hitter for the Pirates.

Signed just before Spring Training opened, Wacha has done more than the Padres could have hoped as a back-of-the-rotation starter. The veteran was 7-2 with a 2.89 ERA through 13 starts, putting him in the NL Cy Young conversation.

Wade had a breakout 2021 season in San Francisco, but knee problem hindered him for much of last. He looks fully healthy now, producing an OBP above .400 with nine home runs in 66 games as San Francisco's leadoff man.

Wells entered the season in a swingman role, but he's been Baltimore's best starter since getting his opportunity. He was 6-2 with a 3.20 ERA and AL-best 0.86 WHIP in his first 81.2 innings.