2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #10 - #6

10. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has firmly established himself among baseball's elite pitchers after a dominant 2024 season that saw him capture both the AL Cy Young Award and the pitching Triple Crown. The 28-year-old left-hander led the American League in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228), becoming the first pitcher to win the Triple Crown in a full season since Justin Verlander in 2011.

Skubal's rise to stardom is even more remarkable considering his humble beginnings. Drafted by the Tigers in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB draft out of Seattle University, Skubal was far from a top prospect. After missing most of 2016 and all of 2017 recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Arizona native battled back to become a strikeout machine in Detroit's rotation.

Armed with a four-seam fastball that can reach 102 MPH and an elite changeup that generates whiffs at an impressive rate, Skubal has become one of the most unhittable pitchers in baseball. His 2024 postseason performance further solidified his status, as he recorded 20 strikeouts across 19 innings while helping the Tigers reach the ALDS.

As the undisputed ace of Detroit's pitching staff heading into 2025, Skubal gives the Tigers a legitimate chance to win every fifth day and serves as the foundation for the franchise's rebuilding efforts.

9. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, Vladimir Jr. has lived up to the enormous expectations that come with his famous surname. The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman continues to be one of baseball's most feared sluggers, combining raw power with remarkable bat control.

Born in Montreal during his father's time with the Expos, Guerrero Jr. signed with the Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2015 and quickly became one of baseball's top prospects. Since his MLB debut in 2019, he has developed into a cornerstone of the Blue Jays lineup.

Guerrero's most impressive skill is his ability to hit for both average and power. With his compact swing and tremendous bat speed, he can drive pitches to all fields and hit home runs without selling out for power. What makes him especially valuable is his plate discipline – Guerrero rarely strikes out despite his power numbers, showing an advanced approach that resembles his father's famous ability to hit pitches anywhere near the strike zone.

Still just 26 years old, Guerrero Jr. remains a foundational piece for the Blue Jays and seems destined to follow in his father's footsteps to Cooperstown if he maintains his trajectory.

8. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

Francisco Lindor continues to showcase why the New York Mets invested $341 million in him with their 10-year extension. The Puerto Rican shortstop, nicknamed "Mr. Smile," brings a perfect blend of offensive production and defensive excellence to one of baseball's most demanding positions.

Lindor's 2024 season was one for the record books, as he hit 33 home runs and stole 29 bases while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. He finished second in NL MVP voting behind only Shohei Ohtani – a testament to his all-around brilliance. His clutch performance in the postseason, including a memorable grand slam in Game 4 of the NLDS against Philadelphia, helped propel the Mets deep into October.

What separates Lindor from other shortstops is his consistency across all facets of the game. He's a switch-hitter who can bat anywhere in the lineup, a slick fielder with tremendous range, and a team leader whose energy is infectious. His ability to impact games in multiple ways makes him one of baseball's most valuable players.

As he enters the fifth year of his contract with New York, Lindor has fully embraced his role as the face of the franchise and continues to validate the Mets' investment with his performance both on and off the field.

7. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros

Few hitters strike fear into opposing pitchers like Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez. The Cuban-born designated hitter and part-time left fielder possesses perhaps the most intimidating combination of raw power and batting eye in baseball today.

Standing 6'5" and weighing 237 pounds, Alvarez uses his impressive frame to generate tremendous power from the left side of the plate. His 2024 season was a masterclass in hitting, as he batted .308 with 35 home runs while posting a .959 OPS. The highlight of his year came on July 21, when he hit for the cycle against the Seattle Mariners, becoming the 11th Astro in history to accomplish the feat.

Alvarez's value extends beyond his regular season performance. He has developed a reputation as a clutch postseason performer, with his go-ahead home run in Game 6 of the 2022 World Series standing as one of the most significant hits in Astros history.

Now a three-time All-Star and a fixture in Houston's lineup, Alvarez continues to terrify opposing pitchers with his ability to hit for both average and power. Despite being primarily a designated hitter, his offensive production is so exceptional that he remains one of baseball's most valuable players.

6. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland's Jose Ramirez has long been one of baseball's most underappreciated superstars, but his consistent excellence has firmly established him among the game's elite players. The Dominican switch-hitter came tantalizingly close to making history in 2024, finishing with 39 home runs and 41 stolen bases – just one homer shy of becoming the seventh member of the prestigious 40-40 club.

What makes Ramirez special is the unique combination of power, speed, and contact ability that allows him to impact games in numerous ways. Despite standing just 5'9", he generates tremendous power from both sides of the plate, particularly as a pull hitter from the left side. His compact swing and excellent plate discipline allow him to post high batting averages while rarely striking out – a rarity for a power hitter in today's game.

Defensively, Ramirez has established himself as a reliable third baseman, while his baserunning instincts make him one of the more efficient base stealers in the league. Perhaps most impressive is his durability – Ramirez consistently appears in 150+ games per season, providing stability in Cleveland's lineup.

The six-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner enters 2025 firmly established as the face of the Guardians franchise. His decision to sign a team-friendly extension rather than pursuing free agency has made him a beloved figure in Cleveland, where he continues to perform as one of baseball's most complete players.