2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #15 - #11

15. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

Mookie Betts, the multifaceted star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, continues to excel as one of baseball's premier talents. At 32 years of age, the eight-time All-Star has consistently demonstrated his worth both offensively and defensively. Notably, in 2024, Betts secured a third World Series championship, adding this title to those he previously won with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and the Dodgers in 2020.

After being drafted by the Red Sox in 2011, Betts made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2014 before being traded to the Dodgers in 2020, where he subsequently signed a substantial 12-year contract extension. What distinguishes Betts is his remarkable defensive versatility; he has adeptly shifted among outfield, second base, and shortstop positions, exhibiting Gold Glove-level defense across multiple roles.

Offensively, Betts has maintained an impressive career batting average of .294, alongside 275 home runs and 190 stolen bases. His blend of power, speed, and on-base capabilities consistently renders him a formidable presence in the Dodgers' lineup. Earning All-MLB First Team honors four times in the past five seasons, Betts continues to perform at an exceptional level as he approaches his mid-30s.

14. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

Zack Wheeler, the ace of the Philadelphia Phillies, has firmly established himself among baseball's elite starting pitchers. The two-time All-Star recently signed a lucrative three-year, $126 million extension with the Phillies in March 2024, further solidifying his critical role in the team's pitching rotation.

Wheeler's path to Philadelphia included a six-season tenure with the New York Mets, during which his progression was temporarily hindered by Tommy John surgery in 2015. However, since joining the Phillies in 2020, Wheeler has reached new heights, showcasing consistently impressive statistics. His five-pitch repertoire includes a high-velocity fastball that often reaches 97-98 mph, complemented by a potent slider, sinker, curveball, and changeup.

Recognized as the 2023 Gold Glove winner, Wheeler has gained a reputation for his durability and strikeout capability, leading the National League in strikeouts in 2021. His significance to the Phillies was highlighted in 2024 when he earned a spot on the All-MLB First Team. The combination of his strikeout prowess, control, and stamina to consume innings positions Wheeler as an undisputed top-tier starter in modern baseball.

13. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies

Bryce Harper, the emblematic figure of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise, continues to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of baseball's most dynamic athletes. An eight-time All-Star and two-time National League MVP (2015, 2021), Harper has transitioned to first base following Tommy John surgery, thereby enhancing his powerful bat's impact within Philadelphia's batting order.

Selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2010 MLB Draft, Harper was heralded as a generational talent and has consistently fulfilled those expectations throughout his remarkable career. After spending seven seasons in Washington, he signed a monumental 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019, signaling the franchise's commitment to building a competitive roster around his skills.

Harper's postseason heroics in 2022, including his NLCS MVP performance where he hit a pivotal home run against the Padres to propel Philadelphia into the World Series, solidified his legacy. With a career batting average of .281, alongside 340 home runs and a knack for performing in high-pressure situations, Harper remains one of baseball's most formidable hitters. His four Silver Slugger Awards, including honors in 2023 and 2024, attest to his continued offensive prowess as he enters his early 30s.

12. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Paul Skenes' rapid ascent to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 22-year-old ace for the Pittsburgh Pirates, selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, has swiftly established himself as one of baseball's most dominant pitchers in his rookie season.

Springboarding from a stellar collegiate career at Air Force and LSU, where he not only clinched the 2023 College World Series title with the Tigers but also received the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation's top collegiate player, Skenes made his electrifying MLB debut in May 2024 after spending less than a full season in the minors. His immediate influence was significant.

Concluding his rookie season with an impressive 1.96 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts over just 23 starts, he earned the NL Rookie of the Year title and secured a third-place finish in Cy Young voting. His fastball, capable of reaching triple digits, combined with his devastating breaking pitches, renders him nearly unhittable when in peak form. Skenes further etched his name in history as the fifth rookie to start an All-Star Game, and notably, the first No. 1 draft pick to earn an All-Star selection during his inaugural season.

At the outset of what promises to be a stellar career, Skenes has already positioned himself as the franchise cornerstone for the Pirates and one of baseball's most electrifying pitchers.

11. Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs

Entering 2025, Kyle Tucker embarks on a new chapter after being traded from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs during the offseason. This transition marks a fresh beginning for the three-time All-Star outfielder, who has evolved into one of baseball's most well-rounded players.

Although he faced significant time away from the game in 2024 due to a shin injury, Tucker nonetheless made his third consecutive All-Star appearance and resumed his impressive performance upon returning, including a remarkable streak of back-to-back four-hit games in September. The left-handed hitter's refined swing has transformed him into an elite run producer, as he led the American League in RBIs in 2023, adding a Silver Slugger Award to his commendable collection.

Tucker's comprehensive skill set encompasses Gold Glove-caliber defense in right field (having won the award in 2022), above-average speed on the base paths, and a potent bat capable of generating both batting average and power from the left side. His career statistics reveal a batting average of .275, 130 home runs, and 98 stolen bases, underscoring his potential for achieving a 20-20 season when in optimal health.

Cubs supporters have already witnessed glimpses of Tucker's potential in 2025, as he homered in four consecutive games in late March and early April. Whether donning the jerseys of Houston or Chicago, Tucker's combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess continues to establish him as one of baseball's most valuable all-around players.