First off, let me say that the Jose Fernandez injury is devastating. To the Marlins, to fans, to young pitchers, and to my fantasy team, it is a heartbreaker to see one of the games most promising young arms (and clear heads) go down in flames so early into his career. Well not down in flames, but at least for the season. I saw a tweet (apologies, I do not remember who tweeted it) the other day saying if Fernandez has his surgery within the month, he will be back before his 23rd birthday, so comparatively he will still be in great shape, but with the beginning of his season, he could have been in the Cy Young conversation. Anyway, between that and my birthday coming up, I've decided to rank the top 10 players under 25. I was going to do the top 5 but there is no way I could narrow it down.
This is not a list of players or prospects with the most upside, it is just the top 5 best players that have not reached their 25th birthday yet.
1. Mike Trout, Angels, age 22, born 8/7/1991
Is there really any debating this? Rookie of the Year, back-to-back runner up MVP, 40-40 capability, Silver Slugger. Lethal weapon, almost 23 years old. Numbers are a little down this year compared to first few years (leads AL in K's), but he'll come around.
2. Jose Fernandez, Marlins, age 21, born 7/31/1992
Arguably could be above Trout, but he does only have one year, and I don't want to be the bad guy - could be beginner's luck. I certainly don't think that's the case given his hot start this year (just ask the Braves), leading the league in K's and FIP. As I mentioned earlier, the sky is the limit for this kid and its a shame he has to miss the rest of 2014.
3. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins, age 23, born 11/8/1989
So you know in baseball video games when you create a player and ratchet his power ALL the way up? That's Stanton. His home runs are absolute moonshots (at least 3 home runs 450+ feet; 12 of that distance the past 4 years) and this year has been a huge improvement for contact in general. He leads the NL in RBI and total bases and is batting .325/.411/.611. If the season were to end today, they would be career highs.
4. Yasiel Puig, Dodgers, age 23, born 12/7/1990
A very impressive physical specimen. If Puig can keep his attitude in check, he could rule the league. A lot of his game is similar to Trout's, but maybe a little more power and a little less speed. He'll be an All-Star staple for the next 10-15 years. He also has a cannon for an arm from right field.
5. Freddie Freeman, Braves, age 24, born 12/12/1989
Shocked when I found out that Freeman is only 24. Rookie of the Year runner up, 5th in MVP last year, already off to .307/.379/.520 start this year for an underperforming Atlanta. I'm so excited to see this pretty lefty swing for the next few years as he develops into his prime.
6. Nolan Arenado, Rockies, age 23, born 4/16/1991
Last year's Gold Glove third baseman, I though Arenado would be a defensive-only guy. This year has proven me wrong; he is off to a .315 start and boasted a smooth 28-game hitting streak earlier this year, where he hit .360 through that stretch. The game in which he lost his streak was also very impressive, when he took a walk in the top of the 9th and came around to score a run. That selflessness will come in handy.
7. Chris Sale, White Sox, age 25, born 3/30/1989
My jaw hit the floor when I found out that Sale is only 25 (technically this list is for the under-25s but he hasn't pitched enough to count his age 25 season...that works, right?). Back to back All-Star seasons, top 5 CYA voting last year, 6th place in CYA voting in 2012. Strikeout machine and ERA wizard, he deserves to be on a better team than the White Sox. Only thrown 27 innings so far.
8. Manny Machado, Orioles, age 21, born 7/6/1992
Can you say Brooks Robinson? The Orioles third baseman of the 60s/70s won 16 straight Gold Gloves and an MVP season while hitting a career .322. Machado could be the same (defensively for sure) making highlight plays every time he steps on the diamond. Doubles machine (led the league last year) and great fit for the juggernaut O's offense.
9. Eric Hosmer, Royals, age 24, born 10/24/1989
Has been a little inconsistent throughout his career. Burst onto the scene his rookie year, fell off in 2012, and reestablished his presence last year hitting .302 and 34 doubles. Off to another good start, hitting .304 and more power to the gaps this year with 15 doubles so far. Only one home run though. Defending Gold Glover at first base.
10. Salvador Perez, Royals, age 24, born 5/10/1990
Look out. One of the best young catchers out there. Defending Gold Glover, 2013 All-Star, but only hitting .275 so far this year. Not bad, but given his past few years, you can expect a little more out of him. High quality contact hitter, low strikeouts/walks.
Honorable Mentions
Danny Salazar, Indians (24) - would have been higher but off to a slow start this year (1-3, 5.65 ERA). Good stuff, needs to work in a little more effective offspeed pitches with a heavy fastball that doesn't move.
Wil Myers, Rays (23) - defending AL ROY, also off to a very slow start (.252, .314 OBP, 4 home runs). Still has a very high ceiling.
Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays (24) - injury prone, plays the game with reckless abandon (sometimes good, sometimes bad). Average has declined so far every year he's been in the league, but hasn't played consistently enough to get a rhythm.
There you have it. I'm shocked I'm not on this list though, I do think I'm right up there with Trout. Seriously though, you'll see I didn't include Bryce Harper, that's because I think Bryce Harper is not as good as any of these guys you see here. He just gets the most publicity. He hit .270 and won the ROY. Come on.
I know the media will hate me for not including him, but I think he has a lot of growing up to do.
I'm going to bed. I worked like 12 hours today or something and I am drained. Thank you for reading and go young guns!
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