With the influx of young talent in baseball these days, some of the best MLB players under the age of 25 in 2024 have a chance to be among the best players in the league at any age.
In fact, when you look around at the best young players in baseball right now, it's clear that the future of the game is promising.
Ranking of the top 10 MLB players under the age of 25 ahead of the 2024 season
Some players who had standout seasons in 2023 are still young enough to continue improving. You never know who will take another big step forward in 2024.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the top 10 MLB players under the age of 25 in 2024.
10. Nolan Gorman
With nearly two full seasons in the majors, Nolan Gorman is still just 23 years old heading into the 2024 season. He homered in 27 homers and 76 RBI for the Cardinals last year, proving that he is an important member of the St. Louis lineup.
While Gorman will have to compete for playing time in 2024, his bat is too good for the Cardinals to keep him out of the lineup.
9. Christopher Morrell
It has become easy to overlook the Cubs, which is why Christopher Morrell hasn't received more attention at the major league level.
But he deserves some hype after hitting 26 homers with an OPS of .821 last season. He's also started games at six different positions in 2023, so the 24-year-old brings a lot more to the table than just his bat.
8. Treston Homes
The Red Sox lost out in 2023 in a disappointing season to the debut of Triston Casas. The first baseman made his MLB debut in late 2022 and proceeded to hit 24 home runs with an OPS of .857 in 2023.
Casas expects to take another step forward in 2024 and continue to solidify himself as one of Boston's building blocks for the future.
7. Francisco Alvarez
Being a major league player is one of the toughest jobs in baseball. Somehow, Francisco Alvarez managed to get a job as a day fisherman when he was only 21 years old. It takes a special person to make this happen.
His .209 average in 2023 certainly doesn't reflect well on him. However, Alvarez handled himself behind the plate while showing his incredible power with a 25-run home run. His strength makes him a potential star, and with some experience under his belt, 22-year-old Alvarez has a chance to take a big step toward fulfilling his potential in 2023.
6. Michael Harris II
He was promoted out of need in 2022, and Michael Harris II was named Rookie of the Year that season. Although he was slightly less productive last season, he still hit .293 with an OPS of .808 in 2023.
He will also play the 2024 season at age 23, with two years in the major leagues under his belt. With more power, Harris could become a 20-20 player and also play solid defense. It's not easy to find players like this, especially when they are young and have a lot of room to improve.
5. Eli de la Cruz
When he first arrived in the major leagues last summer, it was as if Eli De La Cruz had been shot out of a cannon. He instantly became a must-see player for the Reds.
He eventually cooled down and hit just .235. But De La Cruz also had 13 homers and 35 stolen bases in just over half a season. He's an electric player and the baseball world is eagerly anticipating what the 22-year-old will do during his first full season in the major leagues in 2024.
4. Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson was just 21 years old when he made his major league debut in August 2022. That experience allowed him to hit the ground running in 2023, winning Rookie of the Year and the Silver Slugger Award. His 66 base hits and 82 RBI last season are just the beginning for him.
Henderson is still only 22 years old at the start of the 2024 season, yet he is already among the best third basemen in baseball and winning more Silver Slugger Awards in the years to come.
3. Corbin Carroll
By June of 2023, there was no doubt that Corbin Carroll would be the National League Rookie of the Year. He won this award unanimously after also being named an All-Star and becoming a first-team All-MLB selection, compiling one of the greatest rookie seasons in MLB history.
More importantly, Carroll helped lead the Diamondbacks on an unlikely trip to the World Series. He is one of the fastest players in baseball and among the most dynamic young players in the game today. The D'Backs should be thrilled they landed him on a long-term deal.
2. Bobby Witt Jr
The 11-year, $288.7 million contract extension the Royals gave him should tell you everything you need to know about Bobby Witt Jr. A small team like the Royals doesn't spend a lot of money unless they are sure the player is worth it.
There should be no doubt that Witt is worth it after the numbers he put up in 2023. On top of putting together a 30-30 season, Witt led the league in triples. In fact, he was the first player in MLB history to hit at least 10 triples, 30 home runs, and 45 stolen bases. Witt is just 23 years old and has two years in the majors, so his best days are likely ahead of him.
Could Witt become one of the greatest shortstops in MLB history?
1. Julio Rodriguez
With the likes of Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. finally turning 25, there's no doubt that Julio Rodriguez is the best under-25 player in the major leagues. He only turns 23 after the 2023 season but is already a superstar with two All-Star selections and two Silver Slugger Awards, not to mention Rookie of the Year honors in 2023.
Rodriguez had a 30-30 season with over 100 RBI in 2023 and still has not reached his full potential. If things go well for him in 2024, Rodriguez is a player who could compete for an MVP title.
