Introduction

The anticipation for the 2026 MLB season is building, and alongside it comes the annual celebration of the game's rising stars. Bleacher Report has unveiled its list of the 25 best players under the age of 25, showcasing a combination of established talent and exciting newcomers. This year's list is particularly noteworthy as it highlights players who not only have made significant impacts in their first years but also have bright futures ahead.

Notable Graduates and Newcomers

Among the notable graduates from last year's list are Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Corbin Carroll, Riley Greene, and Zach Neto, who have all showcased their talents in the major leagues. This year, several high-profile newcomers have emerged, particularly the 2025 Rookie of the Year winners Nick Kurtz and Drake Baldwin, who have made strong impressions in their debut seasons.

Selection Criteria and Age Cutoff

The players featured in this list were evaluated based on their production metrics to date as well as their potential future outlook. This ranking leans more towards the immediate impact in 2026 rather than long-term projections. Furthermore, to qualify for inclusion, players must have MLB experience and be under the age of 25 as of March 25, 2026, coinciding with leaguewide Opening Day.

Players Who Missed the Cut

As we delve into the top 25 rankings, it’s important to acknowledge some impressive talents who narrowly missed inclusion. Players like Evan Carter (Texas Rangers), Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles), Colt Keith (Detroit Tigers), and Jakob Marsee (Miami Marlins) all have the potential to emerge as standout under-25 players, showcasing the depth of young talent in the league.

Spotlight on the Rankings

25. Chase Burns, Cincinnati Reds

At just 23 years old, Chase Burns has already made a name for himself with a strong debut showing, displaying elite swing-and-miss capabilities with a strikeout rate of 35.6%. He is poised to secure a spot in the rotation and contribute significantly in the upcoming season.

24. Kyle Teel, Chicago White Sox

A key piece in the Garrett Crochet trade, Kyle Teel made waves with a standout second half, hitting .288 with a strong OPS, establishing himself as a growing force amid the White Sox's rebuilding phase.

23. Luke Keaschall, Minnesota Twins

The 23-year-old second baseman showed promise in his debut, and despite some challenges with injuries, he has a solid offensive profile that could elevate him to stardom.

22. Colson Montgomery, Chicago White Sox

Montgomery’s combination of power and glove work has impressed, although he will need to tame his strikeout rate to maintain his status as a budding star.

21. Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics

Soderstrom, who has versatility in being able to play multiple positions, put together a solid performance, and with an extended contract, he is set to become a cornerstone player for Oakland.

Rising Stars: A Closer Look

20. Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee Brewers

This 23-year-old right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance and is well-positioned to take on a larger role in the Brewers' rotation following an impactful rookie season.

19. Trey Yesavage, Toronto Blue Jays

Having performed exceedingly well in key postseason moments, Yesavage is poised to be a vital cog in the Blue Jays' starting rotation as the 2026 season unfolds.

18. Nolan McLean, New York Mets

McLean has already proven himself to be a reliable starter even in the pressure cooker of a playoff race, making him a linchpin in the Mets' plans going forward.

17. Jacob Wilson, Athletics

With impressive contact skills and the ability to maintain a low strikeout rate, Wilson's performance speaks of potential, though defensive improvements are crucial for longevity in the league.

16. Eury Pérez, Miami Marlins

Back from Tommy John surgery, Pérez has reasserted himself as a future ace, and his transition back to the mound will be closely watched as he aims for a breakout season.

Top-Tier Talent in the Spotlight

15. Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets

With a track record as one of the top prospects, Alvarez finally looks to piece an entire season together, making him an intriguing player to watch as he fulfills his potential.

14. Masyn Winn, St. Louis Cardinals

Winn's defensive prowess is complemented by an evolving offensive game. He can emerge as a vital contributor to the Cardinals both defensively and at the plate.

13. Cade Horton, Chicago Cubs

Even after a frustrating injury cut his season short, Horton emerged as an elite talent, and he will look to lead the Cubs' rotation as they aim for postseason contention.

12. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves

Coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign, Baldwin is expected to be a key player guiding a restructured pitching staff.

11. James Wood, Washington Nationals

With his imposing frame and potent bat, Wood’s trajectory is promising as he aims to solidify his status as a staple in the Nationals’ lineup.

Conclusion: The Future is Bright

The list of the top 25 under-25 players not only highlights the immense talent currently gracing Major League Baseball but also announces the dawn of a new generation of stars. Players such as Nick Kurtz and Paul Skenes are already established forces, while up-and-comers like Roman Anthony and Jackson Merrill ignite excitement for what’s to come. As these young players develop their skills and continue to impact their teams, the MLB landscape will surely shift, leaving fans eager for the 2026 season.