2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #100 - #96

100. Luis Gil - New York Yankees

Luis Gil enters the 2025 rankings following a breakout season in 2024 that earned him the prestigious title of American League Rookie of the Year. The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher hails from the Dominican Republic and has triumphed over considerable challenges, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, to become an integral component of the Yankees' pitching rotation.

Gil rose to the occasion when ace Gerrit Cole began the season on the injured list, quickly demonstrating his worth as a strategic acquisition from the Twins back in 2018. His performance in May was particularly noteworthy, winning all six of his starts while boasting an astonishing 0.70 ERA, a feat that earned him the distinction of AL Pitcher of the Month.

Recognized for his explosive fastball and exceptional ability to induce swings and misses, Gil set a Yankees rookie record by striking out 14 batters against the Chicago White Sox in May. Although he experienced a stint on the injured list due to a back strain late in the season, he made a commendable return to support the Yankees' playoff aspirations, concluding the year with a record of 13 wins and 8 losses alongside a 3.55 ERA.

As the Yankees strive for a championship in 2025, they will be relying on Gil to build upon his successful rookie season.

99. Yandy Díaz - Tampa Bay Rays

At the age of 33, Yandy Díaz continues to assert his position as one of baseball's most reliable contact hitters. The infielder, originally from Cuba, has become a foundational element of the Rays' lineup since arriving through a trade from Cleveland in 2018.

Díaz experienced his professional breakthrough in 2023, clinching the American League batting title with an impressive .330 average, thereby becoming only the third Cuban-born player to achieve this honor. His outstanding performance led to his first selection as an All-Star, where, notably, he homered in his first at-bat, making history as the first Rays starter to do so in the Midsummer Classic.

Renowned for his outstanding plate discipline and proficiency in hitting across all areas of the field, Díaz secured a three-year contract extension with Tampa Bay prior to the 2023 season, which now includes options extending through 2027. This extension underscores the Rays' appreciation for his leadership and consistent offensive contributions.

Díaz continued his impressive play through 2024, even establishing a franchise record with a 20-game hitting streak. His capability to effectively play both corner infield positions further enhances his value as he embarks on another season as a pivotal contributor for the Rays.

98. David Peterson - New York Mets

David Peterson has emerged as a dependable starter for the Mets after navigating significant injury challenges. The 29-year-old left-hander makes his return to the rankings following a remarkable 2024 season, during which he posted a career-best 2.90 ERA accompanied by a 10-3 win-loss record.

Selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2017 draft from the University of Oregon, Peterson has gradually developed into a crucial member of the Mets' pitching rotation. His comeback from hip surgery that sidelined him for the initial two months of the 2024 season is particularly commendable.

Peterson left his mark during the 2024 postseason, achieving his first career save in the Wild Card Series against Milwaukee and contributing a vital win against Philadelphia in the Division Series. His performance, which included 8 strikeouts and a 2.92 ERA across 12.1 postseason innings, underscored his capability to excel under pressure.

On the occasion of his 29th birthday in September, Peterson achieved a personal milestone by striking out a career-high 11 batters against the Boston Red Sox, demonstrating the growth of his pitching repertoire. With hopes that his injury issues are behind him, Peterson aims to expand upon his success as a key component of the Mets' rotation in 2025.

97. Jonathan India - Kansas City Royals

Jonathan India embarks on a new chapter in his career with the Kansas City Royals after being traded from the Cincinnati Reds in November 2024. The former fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft carries his versatile skill set to a Royals team that seeks to build upon recent accomplishments.

India made his MLB debut in 2021, capturing the National League Rookie of the Year accolades after achieving a .269 batting average, 21 home runs, and 98 runs scored. Although his productivity has varied since that exceptional inaugural season, India remains a valuable infielder with strong on-base abilities and developing power potential.

Despite encountering some injury setbacks in recent seasons, including ankle surgery following the 2024 season, India has exhibited remarkable resilience. In 2024, he appeared in 151 games for the Reds, finishing with a .248 average, 15 home runs, and 58 RBIs, all while maintaining a high walk rate (a .357 on-base percentage).

The Royals are optimistic that a change of environment will reinvigorate India’s performance and allow him to reclaim elements of his rookie success. His capacity to produce power while consistently reaching base makes him a valuable addition to the Royals' lineup as they aim to contend in the American League Central.

96. Brendan Donovan - St. Louis Cardinals

Brendan Donovan has made a name for himself as one of baseball's most valuable utility players since his debut with the Cardinals in 2022. Originally from Germany and raised in Alabama, Donovan's versatility and dependable batting have made him an indispensable asset in St. Louis' lineup.

In his rookie season, Donovan achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever National League Gold Glove winner for the utility position, showcasing his defensive prowess across six different positions. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting after posting a .281 batting average with a .394 on-base percentage.

After missing a portion of the 2023 season due to a flexor tendon injury requiring surgery, Donovan rebounded strongly in 2024. Participating in 153 games, he achieved a .278 batting average along with career-highs of 14 home runs and 73 RBIs while continuing to provide defensive versatility.

The Cardinals greatly appreciate Donovan's left-handed batting style and his capability to effectively cover almost any position on the field. As he heads into the 2025 season, Donovan aims to enhance his power numbers while maintaining the contact and defensive skills that have established him as a highly valuable player for St. Louis.