2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #80 - #76

#80: Mason Miller - Oakland Athletics

The flame-throwing reliever Mason Miller has quickly established himself as one of baseball's most dominant bullpen arms. After being drafted in the third round of the 2021 MLB draft out of Gardner-Webb University, Miller has risen through the ranks at a remarkable pace.

An intimidating presence on the mound, Miller consistently hits triple digits on the radar gun. In 2024, he earned his first All-Star selection and was named to the All-MLB Second Team after transforming into the Athletics' closer. Miller was particularly dominant in April 2024, when he was named MLB Reliever of the Month after converting all 8 save opportunities and striking out 28 batters.

Miller's transition from starter to reliever has helped him maximize his electric arsenal while managing his health. The 26-year-old right-hander has already established himself as an elite late-inning option with 31 career saves and a stellar 2.81 ERA. He also made history on September 26, 2024, as the last pitcher to throw a pitch at the Oakland Coliseum in a major league game before the team's relocation.

#79: Yainer Diaz - Houston Astros

Yainer Diaz has emerged as one of baseball's most productive offensive catchers. The Dominican Republic native originally signed with Cleveland in 2016 before being traded to Houston in 2021 in exchange for outfielder Myles Straw.

Diaz enjoyed a breakout 2023 rookie campaign, hitting .282 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 104 games. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him a rare commodity at the catching position. The Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America recognized his impact by naming him the Astros' Rookie of the Year.

The 26-year-old built on that success in 2024, batting .299 with 16 home runs and 84 RBI while appearing in 148 games. His defensive contributions were equally valuable, as he caught Ronel Blanco's no-hitter against Toronto on April 1 and worked with Houston's pitching staff on three additional no-hit bids that reached at least seven innings. Diaz's combination of offensive production and game-calling ability has established him as a cornerstone for the Astros.

#78: Cristopher Sanchez - Philadelphia Phillies

Cristopher Sanchez has developed into a reliable rotation piece for the Philadelphia Phillies since his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. The left-hander from the Dominican Republic made his major league debut in 2021 but truly established himself as a starter in 2023.

The 28-year-old Sanchez has demonstrated impressive control and the ability to generate ground balls with his sinker-changeup combination. His breakout 2024 campaign included his first career complete game shutout on June 28 against the Miami Marlins, when he allowed just three hits in a 2-0 victory. That performance was part of a dominant June that earned him Pitcher of the Month honors after posting a 3-0 record with a 1.64 ERA.

Sanchez's consistent performance earned him his first All-Star selection in 2024 and a four-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Phillies in June, cementing his place in their rotation for years to come. His development represents a significant success story for Philadelphia's player development system.

#77: Isaac Paredes - Houston Astros

Isaac Paredes brings versatility and power to the Houston Astros infield after being acquired in a December 2024 trade with the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old Mexican infielder has already played for three different teams despite his young age.

Originally signed by the Cubs as an international free agent in 2015, Paredes was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017 and made his MLB debut with Detroit in 2020. He found his stride after being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022, where he showed his power potential with 20 home runs that season.

Paredes enjoyed a breakout 2023 campaign with the Rays, hitting .250 with 31 home runs and 98 RBI. His international credentials are equally impressive, as he represented Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, batting .375 with six RBI and helping Mexico reach the semifinals for the first time in tournament history.

After splitting the 2024 season between the Rays and Cubs, Paredes now joins the Astros, where his ability to play multiple infield positions and provide right-handed power should make him a valuable addition to their lineup.

#76: Aaron Nola - Philadelphia Phillies

Aaron Nola continues to be one of baseball's most durable and consistent starting pitchers. Selected seventh overall by the Phillies in the 2014 MLB Draft out of Louisiana State University, Nola has been a mainstay in Philadelphia's rotation since his 2015 debut.

Nola's remarkable durability sets him apart in today's game. As of April 2024, he has pitched more innings (1096.2) than any other pitcher since 2018, establishing himself as a workhorse in an era when complete games have become increasingly rare.

The 31-year-old right-hander features a deep arsenal including a four-seam fastball, curveball, changeup, and sinker. His ability to command all of these pitches makes him effective despite not possessing overwhelming velocity. Nola's precision was on full display on June 25, 2021, when he struck out 10 consecutive batters, tying Tom Seaver's long-standing MLB record.

After briefly exploring free agency following the 2023 season, Nola returned to Philadelphia on a seven-year, $172 million contract, demonstrating the Phillies' belief in his continued excellence and his own commitment to the organization. His consistency and reliability have made him a cornerstone of the Phillies' rotation and a perennial contender for postseason awards.