2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #50 - #46

50. Framber Valdez, SP, Houston Astros

Framber Valdez has solidified his reputation as one of the elite left-handed pitchers in Major League Baseball. The 31-year-old Dominican continues to be a beacon of consistency for the Houston Astros, boasting a career record of 69 wins and 42 losses along with a 3.31 earned run average (ERA).

Known affectionately as "La Grasa" due to his fashionable style, Valdez has played an integral role in the Astros' pitching rotation since 2018. A two-time All-Star (2022, 2023), he wields a comprehensive collection of pitches that consistently produces an impressive amount of ground ball outs, establishing him as one of the most effective pitchers in the league.

Notable achievements in his career include a no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians on August 1, 2023, and playing a pivotal role in Houston's triumph in the 2022 World Series. In 2022, he set a Major League record with 25 consecutive quality starts within a single season.

Serving as the Opening Day starter for the Astros for four consecutive years (2022-2025), Valdez continues to stabilize a gifted Houston pitching staff through his durability and his ability to minimize home runs.

49. Dylan Cease, SP, San Diego Padres

Dylan Cease has emerged as one of the most electrifying pitchers in baseball, showcasing his formidable talent with the San Diego Padres after being acquired from the Chicago White Sox prior to the 2024 season. The 29-year-old right-hander has established a record of 57 wins and 46 losses, complemented by a 3.75 ERA and over 1,000 strikeouts to his name.

Cease's performance peaked in 2022, when he achieved a remarkable 2.20 ERA and secured a runner-up position in the American League Cy Young voting. His repertoire includes a devastating slider and a fastball that often reaches the high 90s, rendering him a daunting opponent for hitters across the league.

A defining moment of his tenure with the Padres transpired on July 25, 2024, when he pitched a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals, marking just the second no-hitter in the history of the Padres franchise. This outstanding feat reinforced his stature as one of the game's leading power pitchers.

With a blend of strikeout capability and enhanced command, Cease has developed into a genuine ace, capable of dominating games on any given day.

48. Anthony Santander, OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Anthony Santander has flourished into one of baseball's most formidable power hitters. After a successful seven-season run with the Baltimore Orioles, the switch-hitting outfielder brought his skills to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he signed a substantial five-year, $92.5 million contract before the beginning of the 2025 season.

Santander's recent surge in power has been astonishing. The Venezuelan slugger recorded an impressive career season in 2024, belting 44 home runs and driving in 102 runs, which propelled him to his inaugural All-Star selection and earned him a Silver Slugger Award.

What distinguishes Santander from others is his capacity to hit for power from both sides of the plate. Over the course of his career, he has repeatedly tied the Major League record by hitting home runs from both sides in the same game.

His patient approach at the plate, combined with his prodigious power, positions him as a continual threat within the Blue Jays lineup. At 30 years old, he is entering his prime, asserting himself as one of baseball's premier sluggers.

47. Cal Raleigh, C, Seattle Mariners

Cal Raleigh has emerged as one of baseball's most esteemed catchers, merging exceptional defensive skills with impressive power from both sides of the plate. The 28-year-old, endearingly nicknamed "Big Dumper" by pals and fans alike, has transformed into a cornerstone of the Seattle Mariners organization.

In 2024, Raleigh reached impressive defensive milestones, earning both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards. Notably, he became the first player in Mariners history to attain the Platinum Glove, which is awarded to the top defensive player in each league.

Offensively, Raleigh's power is unparalleled for his position. In April 2025, he achieved two significant accomplishments: he became the Mariners' all-time leader in home runs as a catcher and recorded his 100th career home run. His ability to consistently hit 30 or more home runs while effectively managing a pitching staff underscores his unique value.

The Mariners recognized his immense contributions by signing him to a six-year, $105 million contract extension in March 2025, ensuring that their franchise catcher remains with the team for years to come.

46. Matt Olson, 1B, Atlanta Braves

Matt Olson has firmly entrenched himself as one of the most talented first basemen in baseball since joining his hometown Atlanta Braves in 2022. A native of Atlanta and a graduate of Parkview High School, Olson has become a cornerstone player for the franchise, effortlessly combining exceptional power with Gold Glove-level defense.

Olson's 2023 season was nothing short of historic, as he set the Braves' single-season record for home runs with 54. He surpassed the previous record of 51 held by Andruw Jones and led the league in both home runs and runs batted in (RBIs) with 139, achieving All-Star recognition, the Silver Slugger Award, and a spot on the All-MLB Second Team.

Defensively, Olson ranks among the best in his position, having secured two Gold Glove Awards during his tenure with the Oakland Athletics. His soft hands and strong arm significantly enhance his defensive ability, complementing his offensive prowess.

Following the signing of an eight-year, $168 million contract extension with the Braves in 2022, Olson continues to serve as a foundational player for the franchise, recognized as one of the most complete first basemen in the sport. His remarkable durability is also noteworthy, as he participated in all 162 games during the 2022 season, underscoring his reliability and significance to the Braves lineup.