The Yahoo Sports 26-and-under power rankings provide a different perspective on MLB organizations’ talent base compared to traditional farm system rankings. These rankings evaluate all players in an organization entering their age-26 season or younger, including both young big leaguers and prospects in the upper levels of the minor leagues. The rankings are based on four categories: young MLB hitters, young MLB pitchers, prospect hitters, and prospect pitchers.
The rankings aim to offer a more complete picture of each team’s young core by valuing productive young big leaguers more heavily than unproven prospects. The rankings also take into account the roster construction of each team, with a focus on players projected to contribute at the big-league level.
The rankings are released leading up to Opening Day, with the top 10 teams being revealed later in the week. Each team’s score is based on the strength of their 26-and-under talent base, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies being highlighted in the rankings so far. The Phillies, despite having a strong big-league roster, rank low due to a lack of young talent in their farm system. On the other hand, the Rockies, known for their focus on selling tickets rather than winning games, show signs of progress with some promising young hitters and pitchers making strides. Toglia, known for hitting 25 homers, is an unconventional player. Tyler O’Neill had the highest percentage of plate appearances resulting in strikeouts or walks in MLB in 2024. If Toglia could reduce his strikeouts, he could improve his game.
Developing impact pitchers in the high altitude of Coors Field is challenging. The Rockies have a reputation for lagging in arm development, especially in starting pitchers. Notably, they lack any young pitchers under 26 in their projected rotation. Dollander, a top-five pitching prospect with a powerful fastball, may change that soon. As the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, this hard-throwing right-hander has progressed smoothly through the minors and could make his debut in Denver this season.
Meanwhile, the Rockies are looking for a rebound from Condon, the third overall pick in the previous July draft. Despite winning the Golden Spikes award in college baseball with stellar stats, Condon struggled in his initial pro games. However, a thumb injury might have contributed to his poor performance. Getting Condon, a player with immense potential, back on track is a priority for Colorado’s player development team this season.
The White Sox had a dismal 2024 season, leading to a low ranking in the farm system. While recent trades and draft picks have strengthened their prospects, the lack of established major leaguers keeps them near the bottom of the rankings. Uncertainty surrounds which players will form the core of the next competitive White Sox team and how long it will take to rebuild.
The team’s offensive struggles in 2024 were a significant factor in their poor performance. Identifying young hitters with the potential for above-average production is a challenge. Montgomery, a highly touted prospect, faces a crucial stage in his development after a mixed season in Triple-A. While there are promising prospects in the pipeline, their impact at the major league level remains to be seen.
On the pitching side, Smith and Schultz stand out as top left-handed prospects in the minors, offering hope for the White Sox’s future rotation. Schultz, standing at 6-foot-9, dominated opposing hitters last year with his high velocity, wicked slider, and surprisingly strong command. He excelled in Double-A at just 20 years old. Meanwhile, Smith, drafted fifth by Chicago after a stellar junior year at the University of Arkansas, is expected to start in the upper minors alongside Schultz this season. The organization, known for producing pitching talents like Chris Sale and Garrett Crochet, may have two more promising lefties on the rise.
In addition to these dynamic pitchers, Cannon and Burke are showing promise as reliable innings-eaters, with Burke having more potential for strikeouts. Iriarte and Gonzalez also possess impressive stuff, although their roles are still uncertain. Taylor, who returned from elbow surgery, has been generating buzz. The prospect of a strong pitching staff forming in Chicago is not far-fetched, but the question remains whether the White Sox can assemble an offense to complement it.
Looking at the Miami Marlins, it’s evident that they have undergone a significant roster overhaul under president of baseball operations Peter Bendix. While the team has traded away many players, they have acquired numerous prospects in return, setting the stage for a deep rebuild. The Marlins’ future success will depend on identifying and nurturing core players who can make an impact at the big-league level.
The Marlins have promising young talent in Edwards, Lopez, Norby, and others, with Edwards standing out as a speedy shortstop with strong contact skills. On the pitching side, Perez and White show immense potential, with Perez impressing as a rookie and White making waves in the minors. The Marlins are poised to develop a strong rotation in the near future.
As for the New York Yankees, their young core of hitters, including Wells, Volpe, and Dominguez, bodes well for the team’s future. Wells and Volpe excel defensively and show promise offensively, while Dominguez, known as “The Martian,” has faced setbacks but still has untapped potential. The Yankees are positioned to have a solid lineup for years to come, despite the departure of Juan Soto. He is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Yankees season and is one of the most intriguing players to watch in 2025. The lack of young pitching talent, both in the majors and in the farm system, is a result of the Yankees’ constant contender status. The organization has a strong reputation for developing pitchers, with Sam Briend leading the way as the director of pitching. Despite the system being somewhat drained due to trades, there is still potential for young pitchers to make an impact or be traded for other needs. Warren could potentially join the big-league rotation this season if injuries affect the current group of pitchers.
The offensive group for the Blue Jays is slightly lacking. Jones shows promise but has a high strikeout rate, while Lombard is praised for his skills but is still far from the big leagues. Guerrero’s contract situation adds uncertainty to his future with the team, and his presence boosts the team’s hitting grade. Giménez is a solid defender but needs to improve offensively to be a foundational piece for the team. Kirk, Wagner, Loperfido, Martinez, and Roden all bring potential to the lineup. The team’s pitching prospects are limited, and they will need to focus on developing young arms to remain competitive in the future.
For the Giants, Lee is a key player to watch, as he aims to establish himself as a consistent center fielder after a limited rookie season due to injury. Bailey and Ramos are also important offensive pieces for the team. The pitching prospects show promise, but the team will need to focus on developing these young arms to strengthen their pitching staff in the coming years. Bailey is an exceptional defender behind the plate, but the question remains whether he can elevate his performance as a switch-hitter with power to become a star player, or if he will always be known as a glove-first player. This could determine whether he becomes a reliable everyday player or a full-blown star.
Eldridge, a towering first baseman, has shown immense power potential that could help end the franchise’s home run drought. While he is still young and developing, his progression into a middle-of-the-order hitter is crucial given the lack of depth in the farm system.
In terms of pitching, the Giants have several promising arms, but questions remain about their ability to become impact players rather than just useful members of the staff. Players like Harrison, Birdsong, Rodriguez, and Whisenhunt each have their own strengths and areas for improvement, making their development a key factor for the team’s success in the future. Texas Rangers (total score: 13/30) | 2024 rank: 17
– Young MLB hitters (6/10): OF Wyatt Langford, OF Evan Carter, OF Leody Taveras, UTL Ezequiel Duran
– Young MLB pitchers (2/10): RHP Kumar Rocker
– Prospect hitters (3/5): SS Sebastian Walcott, INF Justin Foscue, OF Dustin Harris
– Prospect pitchers (2/5): RHP Alejandro Rosario, RHP Jack Leiter, RHP Emiliano Teodo, RHP Winston Santos
Wyatt Langford, a top Rookie of the Year candidate, had a challenging start to his MLB career in 2024 but showed improvement as the season progressed. Evan Carter, on the other hand, struggled in his first full season due to a back injury. Kumar Rocker, a promising pitcher, made his MLB debut and showed potential despite injury concerns. Sebastian Walcott, a young shortstop, is a highly touted prospect with the potential to become a franchise player. Overall, the Rangers have a few standout players but lack depth in their organization.
In comparison, the Houston Astros (total score: 14/30) | 2024 rank: 27, have experienced significant roster changes but still have key players like Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez. The team’s success will depend on the development of their young players. Hunter Brown and Spencer Arrighetti have shown promise on the mound, while Yainer Diaz has emerged as a solid offensive catcher. Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith are important pieces for the Astros’ future success. The team lacks high-end pitching prospects but has depth in their upper levels.
Overall, both the Rangers and Astros have promising young talent but face challenges in building and maintaining a competitive roster. The 2024 Minnesota Twins, ranked 11th, have a mix of young MLB hitters and pitchers, as well as promising prospects. Third baseman Royce Lewis and infielder Edouard Julien need to bounce back from disappointing seasons, while prospects like outfielder Emmanuel Rodriguez and pitcher Zebby Matthews show potential. The Twins are hoping their young players can lead them to a better season after a tough 2024.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals, ranked 19th, are heavily reliant on shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who was a standout performer in 2024. Beyond Witt, the Royals lack impact players, but prospects like first baseman Jac Caglianone and catcher Carter Jensen offer promise. The Royals have to rely on veteran signings to supplement their roster and hope that Witt can continue to carry the team.
Lastly, the Oakland Athletics, ranked 18th, have seen improvement from their young players in 2024. Outfielder Lawrence Butler and pitcher Mason Miller have been standout performers, while prospects like first baseman Nick Kurtz and pitcher J.T. Ginn show potential. The A’s are looking to build on their young core as they move to Sacramento. Miller quickly established himself as one of the top relievers in the sport, showcasing his incredible velocity that reached up to 104 mph. He earned a spot on the All-Star team and finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Butler, on the other hand, was a standout player in MLB based on WAR and wRC+ from July 1 through the end of the season. He is expected to be a key player in the A’s lineup alongside Brent Rooker for years to come. Wilson, the son of former big-league shortstop Jack Wilson, made a swift transition to the big leagues after being drafted sixth overall. While he may not be a power hitter, his defensive skills and contact ability will secure him a role in the majors for a long time. Gelof is looking to bounce back from a tough season, while Soderstrom needs to continue improving with the bat, especially with Kurtz potentially joining the team soon.
Kurtz is a highly anticipated addition to the team, with his advanced batting skills potentially leading him to the majors this year. Thomas and Clarke bring different strengths as athletic outfielders, with Thomas being a power threat and Clarke excelling in defense. Muncy, who shares a birthday with another player by the same name, has reached Triple-A and could soon be in the big-league mix. White, known for his college performance, had a slow start in professional baseball last summer.
Among the pitching prospects, Ginn is expected to join the rotation soon, while Morales has impressive stuff but needs to work on his command. The Cubs, on the other hand, are aiming to return to the postseason with a mix of veteran stars and young talent. Crow-Armstrong’s defensive prowess has already shone through, and with further development in his batting, he could become a star. Amaya has shown improvement offensively and is set to be the main catcher for the Cubs in 2025. Shaw, a top prospect, is expected to take on the third base position for the team. The Cubs also have a strong group of position-player prospects with potential, as well as a promising crop of pitching prospects. Overall, the team is poised for success with a blend of experienced players and young talent. The St. Louis Cardinals have a young roster filled with potential, especially in their lineup. Players like Masyn Winn, Jordan Walker, and Ivan Herrera show promise for the future. However, the team lacks depth in their pitching staff, with only a few notable prospects to watch. The Cardinals are in a transition phase, with a focus on developing their young talent before making any big moves. Overall, they have a solid foundation to build upon in the coming years. There isn’t much precedent for a young catcher like Salas being fast-tracked through the minor leagues, so it’s difficult to assess his batting skills at this point. However, he appears to be solid behind the plate. De Vries, a switch-hitting shortstop with power, also received a quick promotion to Low-A in 2024, less than four months after signing as an amateur. Despite this, neither player is expected to impact the big-league team in the near future, although Preller has a history of taking risks with prospects.
The Detroit Tigers in 2024 exceeded expectations, reaching the ALDS with a group of young players aged 26 and under leading the way. This success provided a glimpse of what the future of Tigers baseball could look like if these players continue to develop. The team enters 2025 with optimism about their talented young core.
Riley Greene is a standout player, excelling offensively among a group of young hitters still proving themselves in the majors. Meadows has improved at the plate but is primarily known for his defense. Torkelson, once a top prospect, now faces uncertainty with his position change and swing issues. Sweeney and Jung need to work on their weaknesses to become impact players.
The Tigers have more promising hitters in the pipeline, with Lee potentially being the closest to MLB readiness. The team also has high-ceiling prospects like Clark and McGonigle who are a few years away from the big leagues. Jobe, a top pitching prospect, is expected to make an impact in Detroit’s rotation. Other young pitchers like Olson, Hurter, and Montero have shown promise as well. Hamm stands out as a potential future rotation piece among the prospect arms. Upon his promotion, the third baseman with swag performed magnificently. Despite striking out frequently and having mediocre defense at third base, only three hitters his age (25) or younger had a higher OPS+ last year: Bobby Witt Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Gunnar Henderson. Alvarez, who hit 25 home runs as a rookie in 2023, regressed offensively in 2024 and may be more average than outstanding. However, this is acceptable for a catcher, especially one who excels in framing.
Mauricio, Acuña, and Williams may all see action for the Mets in 2025, or they could become trade bait in the future. Mauricio missed the entire 2024 season due to a severe knee injury but is expected to return to full strength soon. Acuña, the brother of Ronald, made his debut in September and had a strong showing while Lindor was injured. Williams, despite his small stature, possesses impressive power and could play multiple positions on the field.
Scott, a fifth-round pick from the University of Florida, showed significant improvement in the pros before undergoing Tommy John surgery that ended his 2024 season early. Sproat, another former Gator, is poised to compete for a spot in the starting rotation in 2025. Tidwell and McLean also have promising futures in the big leagues.
Under the ownership of Steve Cohen, the Mets have ambitious goals to replicate the success of the Dodgers. While they are not yet considered an elite team, their progress is evident in their development of young talent.
The Arizona Diamondbacks had a peculiar season, with Carroll struggling initially but finishing strongly. Moreno and Perdomo are standout players on the team, with Lawlar showing promise despite injuries. The team lacks depth in young pitchers, but Pfaadt and Martinez show potential. In the farm system, Diaz stands out as a pitcher with room for growth.
The Tampa Bay Rays have a plethora of young talent, with Caminero being a standout with superstar potential. The team boasts strong hitters and pitchers, both in the majors and the prospect pool. Overall, the Rays have a bright future ahead with their talented roster.
Camino is capable of incredible feats that most hitters can only dream of, like his 455-foot moon shot in the Dominican Winter League that clinched a title. While he may strike out frequently as he adjusts to major league pitching and his defense at third base is just average, he is undeniably one of the most thrilling young hitters in the game.
Bradley and Baz are both expected to join Tampa’s starting rotation at the beginning of the season. Bradley, coming off a season where he pitched 138 league-average innings at 23 years old, has untapped potential that could be realized if he improves his four-seam fastball. With the Rays’ reputation for developing pitchers, Bradley is poised for a breakout year in 2025. Baz missed the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, but his return was impressive, showcasing All-Star-level performance over nearly 80 innings pitched towards the end of the season.
Tampa Bay consistently produces top-tier prospects, and this group of young hitters has the potential to make a significant impact. Few prospects possess the power and defensive skills at shortstop that Williams does. Reminiscent of a young Carlos Correa, the 21-year-old may not hit for a high average but will bring value similar to Dansby Swanson or Willy Adames. Simpson is known as the fastest player in the minors, promising highlight-reel moments once he reaches the majors. His contact-heavy approach, combined with speed, sets him apart, even though he has yet to hit a professional home run. Isaac is a behemoth with immense raw power, although his high strikeout rate in 2024 is cause for concern. Morgan, a standout on LSU’s 2023 College World Series team, excels at hitting doubles and boasts a game-changing glove at first base. — J.M.
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