2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #80 - #76

#80: Mason Miller - Oakland Athletics

The fireballing reliever Mason Miller has rapidly positioned himself as one of the most formidable bullpen arms in baseball. After being selected in the third round of the 2021 MLB draft from Gardner-Webb University, Miller has ascended through the ranks at an impressive speed.

An imposing figure on the mound, Miller regularly registers triple-digit velocities on the radar gun. In 2024, he received his inaugural All-Star selection and was honored with a place on the All-MLB Second Team following his transformation into the Athletics' closer. Miller particularly excelled in April 2024, when he was named MLB Reliever of the Month after successfully converting all 8 save opportunities and striking out 28 batters.

Miller’s shift from starting pitcher to reliever has allowed him to optimize his electrifying pitch repertoire while safeguarding his health. At 26 years old, this right-handed pitcher has already established himself as a premier late-inning option with 31 career saves and an impressive 2.81 ERA. He also made headlines on September 26, 2024, as the final pitcher to throw a pitch at the Oakland Coliseum during a major league game before the franchise’s relocation.

#79: Yainer Diaz - Houston Astros

Yainer Diaz has risen to become one of baseball's most efficient offensive catchers. The 26-year-old from the Dominican Republic initially signed with the Cleveland organization in 2016 before being traded to Houston in 2021 in exchange for outfielder Myles Straw.

Diaz enjoyed a breakout rookie season in 2023, compiling a batting average of .282 along with 23 home runs and 60 RBIs across 104 games. His capacity to produce both power and average makes him a rare asset at the catching position. The Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America acknowledged his contributions by naming him the Astros' Rookie of the Year.

Building on his success, Diaz posted an impressive .299 average in 2024, amassing 16 home runs and 84 RBIs while appearing in 148 games. His defensive prowess was equally noteworthy, highlighted by his role in catching Ronel Blanco's no-hitter against Toronto on April 1. Additionally, he collaborated with Houston’s pitching staff on three other no-hit performances that lasted at least seven innings. Diaz's blend of offensive productivity and game management abilities has established him as a fundamental component of the Astros' roster.

#78: Cristopher Sanchez - Philadelphia Phillies

Cristopher Sanchez has evolved into a dependable asset within the Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation since his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. The left-handed pitcher hailing from the Dominican Republic made his major league debut in 2021, but truly solidified his role as a starter in 2023.

The 28-year-old Sanchez has exhibited remarkable control along with the ability to generate ground balls through his sinker-changeup combination. His remarkable 2024 season included his first career complete game shutout on June 28 against the Miami Marlins, during which he allowed merely three hits in a 2-0 victory. This performance was part of a dominant June, earning him Pitcher of the Month honors after achieving a perfect 3-0 record with a 1.64 ERA.

Sanchez’s consistent output secured him his first All-Star selection in 2024, along with a lucrative four-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Phillies in June, solidifying his position in their rotation for years to come. His development represents a significant triumph for Philadelphia's player development system.

#77: Isaac Paredes - Houston Astros

Isaac Paredes offers both versatility and power to the Houston Astros' infield, having been acquired in a December 2024 trade with the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old Mexican infielder has already suited up for three different teams at a relatively 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 major league debut with Detroit in 2020. He truly found his stride after being dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022, where he showcased his power potential by hitting 20 home runs that season.

Paredes had a breakout 2023 season with the Rays, where he batted .250 with 31 home runs and 98 RBIs. His international credentials are equally noteworthy, as he represented Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, achieving a batting average of .375 with six RBIs and aiding Mexico in reaching the semifinals for the first time in tournament history.

After dividing the 2024 season between the Rays and Cubs, Paredes now joins the Astros, where his ability to cover multiple infield positions and provide right-handed power is expected to make him a valuable asset to their lineup.

#76: Aaron Nola - Philadelphia Phillies

Aaron Nola continues to exemplify durability and consistency as one of baseball’s premier starting pitchers. Selected seventh overall by the Phillies in the 2014 MLB Draft from Louisiana State University, Nola has been an integral part of Philadelphia's rotation since his debut in 2015.

Nola's remarkable endurance distinguishes him 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 reliable workhorse in an era where complete games are increasingly uncommon.

The 31-year-old right-hander employs a diverse array of pitches, including a four-seam fastball, curveball, changeup, and sinker. His mastery over these pitches renders him effective despite not wielding overwhelming velocity. Nola's precision was prominently displayed on June 25, 2021, when he struck out 10 consecutive batters, equaling Tom Seaver's long-standing MLB record.

Following a brief exploration of free agency after the 2023 season, Nola made the decision to return to Philadelphia on a seven-year, $172 million contract, highlighting the Phillies' confidence in his ongoing excellence and his own commitment to the franchise. His consistent performance and reliability have solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Phillies' rotation and a frequent contender for postseason accolades.