2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #95 - #91

95. Spencer Schwellenbach, Atlanta Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach has swiftly garnered attention as a promising pitcher within the Braves' starting rotation following his MLB debut in May 2024. The 24-year-old right-handed pitcher has displayed impressive performance metrics during his inaugural season, achieving a record of 9-7 alongside a commendable 3.01 ERA and 141 strikeouts.

Initially recognized as a two-way player while at Nebraska, where he secured the John Olerud Award for being the nation's finest two-way talent, Schwellenbach has dedicated himself solely to pitching since being selected by Atlanta in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft. His progress, however, faced a setback due to Tommy John surgery that took place shortly after he signed, but he has effectively compensated for lost time through his rapid ascent within the Braves' system.

After beginning the 2024 season in the minor leagues, Schwellenbach earned a promotion to Atlanta by showcasing a dominant 1.80 ERA over eight starts in High-A and Double-A. While his MLB debut against Washington resulted in a loss, he quickly acclimated to the level of competition in the majors and has established himself as a dependable starter within the Braves' rotation. His capacity to evade batters and limit hard contact has generated excitement surrounding his future prospects within the organization.

94. Christian Walker, Houston Astros

Following an impressive eight-year tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Christian Walker brought his exceptional defensive skills and power-hitting ability to the Houston Astros after signing a three-year, $60 million contract in December 2024.

At 34 years old, Walker has positioned himself as one of the elite defenders at first base in baseball, securing three consecutive Gold Glove Awards between 2022 and 2024 during his time with the Diamondbacks. His defensive prowess is complemented by substantial offensive contributions — throughout the 2024 season, he belted 26 home runs and accumulated 84 RBIs before entering free agency.

Walker’s journey to prominence has been anything but straightforward; he was originally drafted by the Orioles in 2012 after playing a pivotal role in South Carolina's back-to-back College World Series championships. Following brief tenures in Baltimore, he found his rhythm with the Diamondbacks, particularly after Paul Goldschmidt's exit paved the way for him to receive consistent playing time. Walker was instrumental in leading the Diamondbacks to the 2023 National League pennant prior to joining the Astros, where he has already made his mark by hitting a home run in an early April victory over the Twins.

93. Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds

Since his MLB debut in September 2022, Spencer Steer has emerged as one of the Cincinnati Reds' most versatile and indispensable players. The 27-year-old utility player provides significant flexibility for manager David Bell, as he is capable of competently playing multiple positions.

Steer joined the Reds as part of a trade deadline agreement in 2022 that sent pitcher Tyler Mahle to Minnesota. He made an immediate impact upon his debut, recording a 2-for-2 performance that included his first major league home run and two walks. Since then, Steer has consistently demonstrated his value within the Reds’ lineup.

The former Oregon Duck was originally chosen by Minnesota in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft. After making consistent progress through the minor leagues, including an outstanding 2021 season in which he hit 24 home runs across two levels, Steer has solidified his role as part of Cincinnati's young roster. His combination of power potential alongside defensive versatility renders him especially valuable in the modern game.

92. Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees

Anthony Volpe continues to mature as the shortstop for the New York Yankees, embodying both the present and future of the team. The 23-year-old Gold Glove recipient has been evolving within his position since making his MLB debut on Opening Day 2023, where he became the youngest shortstop in Yankees history to start on Opening Day since Derek Jeter.

Volpe's extraordinary defensive abilities were acknowledged right away when he became the first Yankees rookie to win a Gold Glove Award in his debut season. While his offensive statistics have been gradually improving, his defensive skills and baserunning have remained consistently impressive — he successfully stole 24 bases as a rookie and followed up with 28 stolen bases in 2024.

Hailing from New York and having grown up as a Yankees devotee, Volpe was selected by the organization in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Despite his relatively modest height of 5'11", he has exhibited surprising power, hitting 21 home runs during his inaugural campaign. Notably, his performance in the postseason of 2024 was remarkable, highlighted by a grand slam during Game 4 of the World Series, making him the first player to achieve four RBIs and two stolen bases in a single World Series game.

91. Nick Castellanos, Philadelphia Phillies

Since signing a five-year, $100 million contract prior to the 2022 season, Nick Castellanos has continued to be an integral contributor for the Philadelphia Phillies. Now in his twelfth season in the major leagues, the 33-year-old right fielder consistently provides a dependable power bat within the Phillies' lineup.

Throughout his career, Castellanos has demonstrated remarkable durability, participating in all 162 games for Philadelphia in 2024 while hitting 23 home runs and driving in 86 runs. His power and reliability at the plate have characterized his career, which commenced with the Detroit Tigers in 2013.

Before joining Philadelphia, Castellanos played for the Cubs and Reds, securing All-Star selections in both 2021 and 2023. During his time with Cincinnati in 2021, he achieved career-high statistics, including a .309 batting average and 34 home runs, earning both a Silver Slugger Award and All-MLB Second Team honors. While primarily valued for his offensive contributions, Castellanos has proactively worked to enhance his defensive skills throughout his career.

Additionally, Castellanos has demonstrated a penchant for delivering in dramatic postseason moments, notably becoming the first player in MLB history to hit multiple home runs in consecutive playoff games during the 2023 NLDS against Atlanta.