2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #15 - #11


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2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #15 - #11
15. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers' versatile star Mookie Betts continues to shine as one of baseball's elite players. At 32 years old, the eight-time All-Star has proven his value both at the plate and in the field. In 2024, Betts added a third World Series championship to his resume, complementing his previous titles with Boston (2018) and Los Angeles (2020).
Originally drafted by the Red Sox in 2011, Betts made his MLB debut in 2014 before being traded to the Dodgers in 2020, where he signed a massive 12-year extension. What makes Betts truly special is his defensive flexibility - he's transitioned seamlessly between outfield, second base, and shortstop positions, displaying Gold Glove-caliber defense at multiple spots.
Betts' offensive production remains impressive with a career .294 batting average, 275 home runs, and 190 stolen bases. His combination of power, speed, and on-base skills makes him a constant threat in the Dodgers' lineup. With four All-MLB First Team selections in the past five seasons, Betts continues to perform at an elite level as he enters his mid-30s.
14. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler has established himself as one of baseball's premier starting pitchers. The two-time All-Star signed a three-year, $126 million extension with the Phillies in March 2024, solidifying his place as the cornerstone of their rotation.
Wheeler's journey to Philadelphia included six seasons with the New York Mets, where his development was interrupted by Tommy John surgery in 2015. Since joining the Phillies in 2020, Wheeler has reached new heights, posting consistently impressive numbers. His five-pitch arsenal features a high-velocity fastball that routinely touches 97-98 mph, complemented by a devastating slider, sinker, curveball, and changeup.
The 2023 Gold Glove winner has become known for his durability and strikeout ability, leading the National League in strikeouts in 2021. Wheeler's importance to the Phillies was highlighted in 2024 when he was named to the All-MLB First Team. His combination of strikeout ability, control, and innings-eating reliability makes Wheeler an undisputed top-tier starter in today's game.
13. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
Bryce Harper, the face of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise, continues to prove why he's one of baseball's most dynamic stars. The eight-time All-Star and two-time National League MVP (2015, 2021) has transitioned to first base following Tommy John surgery, further extending his powerful bat's presence in Philadelphia's lineup.
Selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2010 MLB Draft, Harper was billed as a generational talent and has lived up to that billing throughout his career. After seven seasons in Washington, Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019, signaling the franchise's commitment to building around his talents.
Harper's 2022 postseason heroics, including his NLCS MVP performance when he hit a go-ahead home run against the Padres to send Philadelphia to the World Series, further cemented his legacy. With a career .281 batting average, 340 home runs, and a penchant for delivering in clutch moments, Harper remains one of baseball's most fearsome hitters. His four Silver Slugger Awards, including ones in 2023 and 2024, show that Harper's offensive production hasn't slowed down as he enters his early 30s.
12. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Paul Skenes' meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The Pittsburgh Pirates' 22-year-old ace, selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, has quickly established himself as one of baseball's most dominant pitchers in his rookie campaign.
After a standout college career at Air Force and LSU, where he won the 2023 College World Series with the Tigers and claimed the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation's top collegiate player, Skenes needed less than a full season in the minors before making his highly anticipated MLB debut in May 2024. His impact was immediate and profound.
Skenes finished his rookie season with an impressive 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts in just 23 starts, earning NL Rookie of the Year honors and a third-place finish in Cy Young voting. His triple-digit fastball paired with devastating breaking pitches makes him nearly unhittable when he's on his game. Skenes also made history as the fifth rookie ever to start an All-Star Game and the first No. 1 draft pick to make an All-Star team in his rookie season.
Just beginning what promises to be a stellar career, Skenes has already established himself as the Pirates' franchise cornerstone and one of baseball's most electrifying pitchers.
11. Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs
Kyle Tucker enters 2025 with a new team after being traded from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs during the offseason. The move represents a fresh start for the three-time All-Star outfielder who has blossomed into one of baseball's most complete players.
Despite missing significant time in 2024 with a shin injury, Tucker still made his third consecutive All-Star team and picked up where he left off upon returning, including back-to-back four-hit games in September. The sweet-swinging lefty has developed into an elite run producer, leading the American League in RBIs in 2023 while adding a Silver Slugger Award to his growing trophy case.
Tucker's well-rounded game includes Gold Glove-caliber defense in right field (winning the award in 2022), above-average speed on the basepaths, and a powerful bat that produces both average and power from the left side. His career stats include a .275 batting average, 130 home runs, and 98 stolen bases, highlighting his 20-20 potential when healthy.
Cubs fans have already gotten a taste of Tucker's potential in 2025, as he homered in four consecutive games in late March/early April. Whether in Houston or Chicago, Tucker's combination of power, speed, and defense continues to make him one of baseball's most valuable all-around players.
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