2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #10 - #6

10. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal has solidified his position among baseball’s most distinguished pitchers after a remarkable 2024 season, during which he secured both the AL Cy Young Award and the prestigious pitching Triple Crown. The 28-year-old left-handed pitcher led the American League with an impressive record of 18 wins, an earned run average (ERA) of 2.39, and a staggering 228 strikeouts, marking the first time a pitcher has achieved the Triple Crown in a full season since Justin Verlander in 2011.

Skubal’s ascent to stardom is particularly noteworthy considering his modest beginnings. Selected by the Tigers in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB draft from Seattle University, Skubal was initially regarded as an underappreciated prospect. After enduring significant setbacks, including missing the majority of 2016 and all of 2017 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Arizona native made a remarkable comeback, establishing himself as a dominant strikeout pitcher in Detroit’s starting rotation.

Equipped with a four-seam fastball that can reach speeds of up to 102 MPH and an exceptional changeup that yields a high rate of swings and misses, Skubal has emerged as one of the most formidable pitchers in the league. His outstanding postseason performance in 2024, which included 20 strikeouts over 19 innings, further cemented his status as he played a crucial role in leading the Tigers to the AL Division Series.

As the unquestionable ace of Detroit’s pitching staff as he heads into 2025, Skubal offers the Tigers a genuine opportunity for victory every fifth day, serving as a cornerstone for the franchise’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.

9. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, Vladimir Jr. has successfully met the colossal expectations associated with his renowned surname. The Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman remains one of baseball’s most daunting sluggers, skillfully blending unrefined power with impressive bat control.

Born in Montreal while his father played for the Expos, Guerrero Jr. signed with the Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2015 and rapidly ascended the ranks to become one of baseball’s premier prospects. Since making his MLB debut in 2019, he has evolved into a crucial element of the Blue Jays’ batting lineup.

Guerrero’s most notable talent is his extraordinary ability to hit for both high averages and considerable power. With a compact swing complemented by remarkable bat speed, he can effectively drive pitches to all areas of the field, hitting home runs without sacrificing contact. His plate discipline sets him apart; Guerrero rarely strikes out, demonstrating an advanced batting approach reminiscent of his father’s extraordinary ability to handle pitches in the strike zone.

At just 26 years of age, Guerrero Jr. represents a foundational asset for the Blue Jays and appears poised to follow in his father’s footsteps to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown if he maintains his current trajectory.

8. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

Francisco Lindor continues to demonstrate the worth of the considerable $341 million investment made by the New York Mets with their 10-year extension awarded to him. The Puerto Rican shortstop, affectionately nicknamed "Mr. Smile," offers an ideal combination of offensive prowess and defensive brilliance, excelling in one of baseball's most demanding positions.

Lindor’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic, as he tallied 33 home runs and stole 29 bases while exhibiting Gold Glove-level defensive capabilities. He finished as the runner-up in the National League MVP voting, surpassed only by Shohei Ohtani, which speaks volumes to his all-around excellence. His vital contributions in the postseason, including a memorable grand slam during Game 4 of the National Division Series against Philadelphia, were pivotal in advancing the Mets deep into October.

What distinguishes Lindor from other shortstops is his unwavering consistency across all aspects of the game. He is a switch-hitter who possesses the ability to bat anywhere within the lineup, a skilled fielder equipped with remarkable range, and a team leader whose enthusiasm is contagious. His capacity to influence games in diverse ways renders him one of baseball’s most invaluable players.

As he enters the fifth year of his contract with New York, Lindor has fully embraced his role as the franchise's face while consistently validating the Mets' investment through exceptional performances both on and off the field.

7. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros

Few hitters instill terror in opposing pitchers quite like Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez. The Cuban-born designated hitter, who also plays left field on occasion, possesses a potentially unparalleled combination of raw power and keen batting vision in today’s baseball.

Standing 6'5" and weighing 237 pounds, Alvarez utilizes his formidable physique to generate significant power from the left side of the plate. His 2024 season was a showcase of hitting excellence, as he posted a batting average of .308 with 35 home runs and an impressive .959 OPS. The highlight of his year was undoubtedly on July 21, when he completed the cycle against the Seattle Mariners, becoming just the 11th player in Astros history to achieve this milestone.

Alvarez's value extends far beyond his regular season statistics. He has cultivated a reputation as a clutch postseason performer, with his decisive home run in Game 6 of the 2022 World Series being regarded as one of the most significant hits in Astros lore.

Now a three-time All-Star and a mainstay in Houston’s lineup, Alvarez continues to strike fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers through his prowess for both average and power hitting. Despite primarily serving as a designated hitter, his exceptional offensive output ensures that he remains one of the most valuable players in baseball.

6. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland's Jose Ramirez has long been one of baseball's most underappreciated superstars, yet his continual excellence has firmly positioned him among the game’s elite. The Dominican switch-hitter came tantalizingly close to achieving a historic feat in 2024, concluding the season with 39 home runs and 41 stolen bases—just one home run shy of becoming the seventh member of the coveted 40-40 club.

What makes Ramirez unique is his extraordinary blend of power, speed, and contact ability, which enables him to influence games in numerous ways. Although he stands at a modest height of 5'9", he generates remarkable power from both sides of the plate, particularly as a pull hitter from the left side. His compact swing and impressive plate discipline allow him to maintain high batting averages while rarely succumbing to strikeouts—a rarity among power hitters in the contemporary game.

Defensively, Ramirez has established himself as a dependable third baseman, and his keen baserunning instincts have made him one of the most efficient base thieves in the league. Perhaps most impressive is his remarkable durability; Ramirez consistently participates in over 150 games each season, providing stability within Cleveland's lineup.

Entering 2025, the six-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner has firmly cemented himself as the face of the Guardians franchise. His choice to sign a team-friendly extension rather than pursuing free agency has endeared him to fans in Cleveland, where he continues to excel as one of baseball’s most complete players.