We Are Living In The Most Talented Era In Major League Baseball History

MLB's most electric young players

Let’s take a look at some of the high-upside young stars taking over the game today. I wanted to create this because these names are constantly mentioned in the baseball world, but they are rarely compiled in one place.

Below, I’m highlighting the most talented players at each main position, all under 24 years old, who are already making serious noise in Major League Baseball.

Catcher – Drake Baldwin
Drake Baldwin displays remarkably advanced skills for his age. He owns a sub-16% K% while posting a .355 OBP and a 130 wRC+, on pace for over 4 fWAR. He’s also in the top 10% in average exit velocity (92.3 MPH) and Hard-Hit% (52.0%), while showing the makings of an above-average pitch framer.

First Base – Nick Kurtz
Nick Kurtz might be a 35–40 HR bat very soon. He’s launched 10 HR in just 40 games this season, including a stretch with 9 HR in 15 games. The 6'4", 240-pound slugger brings elite bat speed (77.7 MPH) and projects to consistently rank in the top 8–10% for exit velocity, Barrel%, and Hard-Hit%.

Second Base – Jackson Holliday
Jackson Holliday is beginning to live up to the hype of being the No. 1 overall pick in 2022. At just 21, he has 9 HR, a 107 wRC+, and a polished hit tool. Combine that with emerging power and improved strike zone control, and it’s easy to see why he’s such a big part of the Orioles' future.

Third Base – Junior Caminero
This one’s simple. There’s only one name at third base right now under 24: Junior Caminero. He’s on pace for a 40 HR, 100 RBI season and has shown clear growth in his approach over the past month. Caminero arguably has the fastest bat speed in the sport and can drive the ball to all fields with elite power.

Shortstop – Elly De La Cruz
The shortstop spot is stacked, but Elly De La Cruz is rising as the standout. A true five-tool player, he’s already racked up 18 HR and 21 SB with near-elite hard-hit metrics. His splits from the right-hand side are improving, and he’s the type of player who can be a walking 30/30 player.

Left Field – James Wood
James Wood is the future of left field and perhaps the future face of baseball. He’s posting 22 HR, 63 RBI, a 13% walk rate, a 158 wRC+, and 3.4 fWAR. His raw power is unmatched among his age group, ranking in the top 1–3% of virtually every meaningful power metric.

Center Field – Pete Crow-Armstrong
Pete Crow-Armstrong has broken out as the best center fielder in the game this season. He already has a 20/20 season under his belt and might be a top-five defender in baseball. His elite closing speed, strong arm, and lightning-quick first step give him MVP-caliber impact.

Right Field – Jac Caglianone
With Corbin Carroll already considered elite, I’m going with Jac Caglianone here. He absolutely demolished Minor League pitching and recently blasted 2 HR against the Texas Rangers. His raw bat speed and effortless power to all fields make him one of the most entertaining young players in the game.

Starting Pitcher – Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes might become one of the best pitchers we’ve ever seen. He’s already added new weapons to his arsenal while consistently throwing triple digits, and he holds a career 1.91 ERA through his first 235 innings. His dominance has been nothing short of electric.

And it’s not just these names. We also have Aaron Judge on pace for over 12 fWAR, a catcher on pace for 65+ HR, and the greatest player of all time topping 100 MPH again on the mound. We also just witnessed the first 40/70 season in MLB history courtesy of Ronald Acuña Jr.

The wave of 21–25-year-old talent continues to grow. Here are more names that I wasn’t able to fit in who are elite talents:

Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Jacob Wilson, Christian Moore, Roman Anthony, Riley Greene, Wyatt Langford, Jackson Chourio, Julio Rodríguez, Jackson Merrill, Cam Smith, Lawrence Butler, Zack Neto, Marcello Mayer.

The game of baseball is in one of its greatest eras ever, thanks in large part to this incredibly gifted young core. We’re lucky to witness it.

Sit back and enjoy the most entertaining sport in the world.

Thank you for reading!