2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #55 - #51

55. Riley Greene, OF, Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene continues to establish himself as one of baseball's rising stars. The 24-year-old, selected fifth overall in the 2019 MLB draft, has become a cornerstone of the Tigers' rebuilding efforts.

Greene's path to the majors wasn't without challenges. After impressing in the minors, his MLB debut was delayed by a foot injury in 2022. However, once he arrived, Greene made an immediate impact, including a memorable walk-off home run against the Kansas City Royals - becoming the first Tiger since Lou Whitaker in 1978 to make his first career homer a walk-off.

In 2024, Greene earned his first All-Star selection while hitting .262 with 24 home runs and 74 RBIs across 137 games. His blend of power, plate discipline, and defensive ability in the outfield helped the Tigers end their 10-year playoff drought.

54. Ian Happ, OF, Chicago Cubs

Ian Happ has developed into one of the National League's most reliable outfielders. The switch-hitting 30-year-old has become a mainstay for the Cubs since his 2017 debut.

Happ's defensive excellence is undeniable, having secured three consecutive Gold Glove Awards (2022-2024) in left field. His commitment to defensive improvement has transformed him from a utility player to an elite defender at his position.

Offensively, Happ provides valuable flexibility as a switch-hitter with good power and on-base skills. His consistency earned him an All-Star selection in 2022, the same year he won his first Gold Glove. The Cubs recognized his importance by signing him to a three-year, $61 million contract extension in April 2023.

53. Willy Adames, SS, San Francisco Giants

Willy Adames joined the San Francisco Giants this offseason, signing a massive seven-year, $182 million contract - the largest deal in franchise history. The 29-year-old Dominican shortstop brings a combination of power, defensive reliability, and clubhouse leadership to the Giants.

Adames spent the previous four seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he became a fan favorite after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2021 season. His power surge continued in 2024, when he tied a major league record by hitting home runs in five consecutive games as a shortstop.

With a strong defensive reputation and consistent offensive production, Adames finished 2024 with a 4.7 WAR, making him one of baseball's 20 most valuable players. His durability (starting all but one game for the Brewers in 2024) and leadership qualities made him a top target for the Giants in free agency.

52. Matt Chapman, 3B, San Francisco Giants

Matt Chapman cemented his future with the Giants in 2024 by signing a six-year, $151 million extension after initially joining the team on a one-year deal. The 31-year-old third baseman is widely regarded as one of baseball's premier defensive players.

Chapman has collected an impressive array of defensive hardware throughout his career, including five Gold Glove Awards, two Platinum Glove Awards, and three Fielding Bible Awards. His exceptional arm strength and range at the hot corner make him a difference-maker defensively.

Offensively, Chapman provides valuable power from the right side of the plate. During his time with the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays, he demonstrated 30+ home run potential while playing in pitcher-friendly environments. Now paired with his fellow infielder Willy Adames, Chapman gives the Giants one of baseball's most defensively sound left sides of the infield.

51. Cole Ragans, SP, Kansas City Royals

Cole Ragans' career trajectory changed dramatically in 2023 when the Kansas City Royals acquired him from the Texas Rangers. After struggling as a reliever in Texas, Ragans found his groove in Kansas City's starting rotation.

The 27-year-old left-hander's journey to success wasn't straightforward. His development was delayed by two Tommy John surgeries, but his perseverance paid off in 2024 when he earned his first All-Star selection. Ragans' electric stuff was on full display throughout the season as he posted a 3.28 ERA in 19 starts before the All-Star break.

On September 6, 2024, Ragans became just the fifth pitcher in Royals history to strike out 200 batters in a single season, joining the elite company of Zack Greinke, Kevin Appier, Dennis Leonard, and Bob Johnson. The Royals rewarded his breakout performance with a three-year, $13.25 million contract that covers his final pre-arbitration year and first two arbitration years.