2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #100 - #96

100. Luis Gil - New York Yankees

Luis Gil enters the 2025 rankings after a breakout 2024 campaign that earned him American League Rookie of the Year honors. The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic overcame significant obstacles, including Tommy John surgery in 2022, to emerge as a key piece of the Yankees rotation.

Gil stepped up when ace Gerrit Cole began the season on the injured list, immediately showing why the Yankees acquired him from the Twins back in 2018. His May performance was particularly impressive, as he won all six starts with a minuscule 0.70 ERA, earning him AL Pitcher of the Month honors.

Known for his electric fastball and swing-and-miss stuff, Gil set a Yankees rookie record with 14 strikeouts against the Chicago White Sox in May. Though he spent time on the injured list with a back strain late in the season, he returned strong for the Yankees' playoff push, finishing the year with a 13-8 record and 3.55 ERA.

The Yankees will be counting on Gil to build on his rookie success as they look to contend for a championship in 2025.

99. Yandy Díaz - Tampa Bay Rays

At 33, Yandy Díaz continues to prove himself as one of baseball's most consistent contact hitters. The Cuban-born infielder has become the cornerstone of the Rays lineup since arriving via trade from Cleveland in 2018.

Díaz's breakthrough came in 2023 when he won the American League batting title with a .330 average, becoming just the third Cuban-born player to accomplish this feat. His performance earned him his first All-Star selection, where he memorably homered in his first at-bat to become the first Rays starter to go deep in the Midsummer Classic.

Known for his exceptional plate discipline and ability to hit to all fields, Díaz signed a three-year extension with Tampa Bay before the 2023 season, which now includes options through 2027. The Rays clearly value his leadership and consistency at the plate.

Díaz continued his strong play in 2024, even setting a Rays franchise record with a 20-game hitting streak. His ability to play both corner infield positions adds to his value as he enters another season as a key contributor in Tampa Bay.

98. David Peterson - New York Mets

David Peterson has emerged as a reliable starter for the Mets after overcoming significant injury challenges. The 29-year-old left-hander returns to the rankings after a stellar 2024 campaign where he posted a career-best 2.90 ERA with a 10-3 record.

Selected 20th overall in the 2017 draft out of Oregon, Peterson has steadily developed into a key rotation piece for the Mets. His comeback from hip surgery that sidelined him for the first two months of 2024 was particularly impressive.

Peterson made his presence felt in the 2024 postseason, recording his first career save in the Wild Card Series against Milwaukee and earning a crucial win against Philadelphia in the Division Series. His 8 strikeouts and 2.92 ERA across 12.1 postseason innings demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

On his 29th birthday in September, Peterson struck out a career-high 11 batters against the Boston Red Sox, showcasing the development of his pitching arsenal. With his injury concerns hopefully behind him, Peterson looks to build on his success as an important part of the Mets' rotation in 2025.

97. Jonathan India - Kansas City Royals

Jonathan India begins a new chapter in his career with the Kansas City Royals after being traded from the Cincinnati Reds in November 2024. The former 5th overall pick in the 2018 draft brings his versatile skill set to a Royals team looking to build on recent success.

India burst onto the MLB scene in 2021, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors after posting a .269 average with 21 home runs and 98 runs scored. Though his production has fluctuated since that outstanding debut season, India remains a valuable infielder with on-base skills and developing power.

Despite some injury setbacks over the past few seasons, including an ankle surgery following the 2024 season, India has shown remarkable resilience. In 2024, he appeared in 151 games for Cincinnati, posting a .248 average with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs while drawing walks at a high rate (.357 on-base percentage).

The Royals are betting that a change of scenery will help India recapture some of his rookie form. His ability to hit for power while reaching base consistently makes him a solid addition to the Royals' lineup as they aim to compete in the American League Central.

96. Brendan Donovan - St. Louis Cardinals

Brendan Donovan has established himself as one of baseball's most valuable utility players since debuting with the Cardinals in 2022. Born in Germany and raised in Alabama, Donovan's versatility and consistent bat have made him an essential piece of St. Louis' lineup.

Donovan made history in his rookie season by becoming the first-ever National League Gold Glove winner at the utility position, showcasing his defensive skills across six different positions. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .281 with a .394 on-base percentage.

After missing part of the 2023 season due to a flexor tendon injury that required surgery, Donovan bounced back strong in 2024. Appearing in 153 games, he hit .278 with career highs of 14 home runs and 73 RBIs while continuing to provide defensive flexibility.

The Cardinals value Donovan's left-handed bat and his ability to play almost anywhere on the field. Heading into 2025, Donovan will be looking to improve his power numbers while maintaining the contact skills and defensive versatility that have made him such a valuable player for St. Louis.