2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #75 - #71

#75 - Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians

Steven Kwan remains a standout defensive outfielder within Major League Baseball, securing his third consecutive Gold Glove Award in left field during the 2024 season. The 27-year-old from the Cleveland Guardians made his inaugural All-Star team last year, achieving an impressive batting average of .292, accompanied by 14 home runs and 83 runs batted in.

Kwan has distinguished himself as one of the most elusive players to strike out in the league, showcasing extraordinary bat-to-ball skills that often frustrate opposing pitchers. Although he may not be recognized for significant power hitting, his remarkable on-base abilities combined with his elite defensive skills render him an immensely valuable asset to Cleveland's lineup.

Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 draft out of Oregon State University, Kwan ascended through the minor leagues with remarkable speed and made his Major League debut in 2022. His rookie season was particularly noteworthy, as he became the first rookie since Dustin Pedroia in 2007 to achieve more walks than strikeouts, along with earning his first Gold Glove Award.

Kwan's unique background, stemming from his Chinese and Japanese heritage, serves as a fascinating aspect of his identity in Major League Baseball. He has also expressed aspirations of potentially competing for Japan in future international events.

#74 - Luis Arraez, San Diego Padres

Luis Arraez accomplished an unprecedented feat in 2024 by securing batting titles for three consecutive years across three different franchises. The 28-year-old Venezuelan contact hitter achieved the National League batting crown with a commendable .314 average while playing for the San Diego Padres, following successes with Minnesota in 2022 and Miami in 2023.

Affectionately nicknamed "La Regadera" (The Sprinkler), Arraez is widely acclaimed as the premier contact hitter of his generation. His remarkable capacity to make contact is evident; in 2024, he struck out only once for every 22 at-bats, establishing the lowest strikeout rate seen since Tony Gwynn's legendary 1998 season.

Arraez's legendary bat control is evidenced by leading Major League Baseball with a 26.5% line drive percentage while striking out a mere 4.3% of the time. Although not known for power hitting, his astonishing ability to maintain a high batting average has enabled him to become a three-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner.

Arraez has notably disrupted two Triple Crown bids, outpacing Aaron Judge in 2022 and Shohei Ohtani in 2024 for the batting title. Acquired by the Padres from Miami in May 2024, he remarkably continued his stellar hitting performance despite undergoing thumb surgery following the season.

#73 - Brandon Nimmo, New York Mets

Brandon Nimmo has emerged as a foundational player for the New York Mets since signing an impressive 8-year, $162 million contract in December 2022. The 32-year-old outfielder celebrated a noteworthy achievement in 2024 when he belted his 100th career home run, joining an elite group of only 16 players to reach the 100-home run milestone in a Mets uniform.

A native of Wyoming, Nimmo overcame the challenge of hailing from one of the few states without high school baseball programs. He was chosen as the 13th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft. Making his major league debut in 2016, he has evolved into a dependable offensive contributor. In 2024, he played 151 games for the Mets, hitting 23 home runs and accumulating a personal best of 90 RBIs.

Nimmo's adaptability in the outfield has been a key asset for the Mets; he transitioned from center field to left field in 2024 to accommodate the new addition of Harrison Bader. Despite contending with plantar fasciitis during the 2024 postseason, Nimmo succeeded in hitting his first career playoff home run in the National League Division Series.

Renowned for his patient approach at the plate and consistent on-base ability, Nimmo has solidified his status as a fan favorite and a respected veteran within the Mets organization.

#72 - Michael King, San Diego Padres

Michael King has undergone a remarkable transformation from a reliable reliever to an impactful starting pitcher since his arrival with the San Diego Padres. The 29-year-old right-handed pitcher was acquired as part of the high-profile Juan Soto trade from the New York Yankees in December 2023.

King's journey as a starter commenced in 2023 with the Yankees, where he seized an opportunity due to injuries within their rotation to display his talents. He posted an impressive 1.88 earned run average (ERA) across eight starts during that season, subsequently convincing both the Yankees and the Padres that his future lay in a starting capacity.

Continuing to excel in 2025, he delivered an outstanding performance, achieving his first career complete-game shutout against the Colorado Rockies on April 13. This remarkable outing concluded a three-game series sweep where the Rockies were held scoreless, while also extending the Padres' franchise record for home wins to initiate a season to 10.

King's development has been bolstered by a diverse arsenal of pitches, which includes a slider he refined with assistance from former teammate Corey Kluber. His command and adaptability have made him an indispensable member of the Padres' rotation.

#71 - Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has rapidly positioned himself among the elite pitchers in baseball after signing a groundbreaking 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023. The 26-year-old right-hander from Japan has achieved an unprecedented feat: winning an Olympic gold medal, the World Baseball Classic, and a World Series ring.

Prior to his arrival in Major League Baseball, Yamamoto dominated Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) while playing for the Orix Buffaloes, capturing an extraordinary three consecutive Triple Crowns from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, he was honored as a three-time Pacific League MVP and Eiji Sawamura Award winner, the Japanese equivalent of the prestigious Cy Young Award.

Yamamoto's MLB debut was less than ideal, allowing five runs within a single inning against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. However, he quickly adapted to the challenges posed by Major League hitters, concluding his rookie campaign with a commendable 7-2 record and a 3.00 ERA across 18 starts, despite dealing with significant time missed due to a rotator cuff strain.

The Dodgers' ace exhibited his tremendous potential during the 2024 World Series, delivering a stellar performance in Game 2 against the New York Yankees, permitting only one hit—a solo home run to Juan Soto—over 6⅓ innings, leading Los Angeles to the coveted championship. Yamamoto's remarkable control and diverse four-pitch repertoire, which includes a fastball capable of reaching speeds up to 99 mph and a devastating splitter, have rendered him one of the most exciting pitchers in the league.

Following a victorious World Series in his rookie season, Yamamoto commenced the 2025 season as the starting pitcher for the Dodgers during the MLB Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs, securing a win with five strong innings pitched.