The 2025 MLB season kicks off on Thursday and FOX Sports activities is rating the top-50 gamers within the league coming into the brand new marketing campaign.
Shohei Ohtani was FOX Sports activities’ No. 1 participant final season, however with a flurry of strikes within the offseason and a handful of memorable postseason moments, there’s been motion on the prime of the order.
Listed here are our top-50 gamers for the 2025 MLB season.
2024: 11-10, 174.1 IP, 3.25 ERA, 166 Ks, 3.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 12-7, 162 IP, 3.39 ERA, 146 Ks, 3.3 fWAR
For higher or worse, the strain is turned all the best way up for Fried to dominate in his first season of an eight-year contract with the Yankees. He’ll attempt to function the de facto ace whereas Gerrit Cole misses the season with Tommy John surgical procedure. Fried has harm considerations of his personal, however the Yankees rotation merely can not afford to take one other hit with 2024 AL Rookie of the 12 months Luis Gil additionally sidelined for at the least a few months, so their latest southpaw has to rise to the event within the Bronx immediately.
2024: 6-12, 146 IP, 3.58 ERA, 209 Ks, 4.7 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 12-6, 135 IP, 2.93 ERA, 169 Ks, 4.0 fWAR
The strain is on Crochet to do two issues: convey, from Chicago to Boston, the most effective strikeout price of final season (35.1%) amongst pitchers with at the least 140 innings pitched, and improve his innings restrict. If the southpaw can accomplish that in a full season with the Purple Sox, he might threaten Skubal’s case to win the AL Cy Younger award.
2024:Â .310/.388/.517, 14 HR, 155 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .272/.354/.456, 18 HR, 130 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR
It is a testomony to Correa’s pure expertise that he stays a top-10 shortstop in MLB regardless of battling plantar fasciitis and lacking vital time over the previous few seasons. Final 12 months, Correa performed simply 86 video games, however he loved an All-Star season earlier than hitting the injured listing in July. The veteran shortstop has excessive hopes of enjoying a full season this 12 months, aiming to assist the Twins win their first World Collection since 1991.
2024:Â .251/.331/.462, 32 HR, 119 wRC+, 4.8 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .246/.319/.430, 23 HR, 110 wRC+, 4.2 fWAR
Adames steps into his age-29 season having set profession highs in dwelling runs, runs, doubles, stolen bases and video games performed for the Brewers in 2024. Now, within the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park on a brand new group in a brand new division, the shortstop has the problem of sustaining that high quality efficiency — regardless that a dip in energy is anticipated.
2024: .247/.328/.463, 27 HR, 121 wRC+, 5.5 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .241/.328/.438, 23 HR, 115 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR
Chapman fell simply wanting turning into the Giants’ first 30-home run hitter since Barry Bonds in 2004. Getting into his age-32 season, he nonetheless has the prospect to interrupt that document in 2025. Energy numbers apart, Chapman went from trying to steal 3–4 bases per season to efficiently swiping 15 baggage in 17 makes an attempt final 12 months on his method to recording the second-highest WAR amongst his friends on the scorching nook.
2024:Â .240/.329/.459, 34 HR, 122 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .244/.337/.470, 33 HR, 126 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
With contract negotiations behind him, the assumption is that Alonso will be capable of discover consistency on the plate all year long, a optimistic departure from the ebbs and flows we noticed within the 2024 common season. Positive, there are actual long-term considerations about Alonso’s sturdiness and plate strategy, however we are able to depart these apart for 2025. The very best home-run hitter the Mets have ever had, Alonso needs to be an excellent higher participant this 12 months after his beneficial postseason expertise.
2024: 15-7, 176.1 IP, 2.91 ERA, 169 Ks, 3.6 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 13-8, 170 IP, 3.34 ERA, 157 Ks, 2.8 fWAR
This needs to be large season for Valdez as he pitches in a contract 12 months, with a number of contending groups anticipated to go after the lefty if he would not attain an extension with the Astros earlier than the offseason. Valdez will tackle the position of the employees ace now that Justin Verlander departed for the Giants, and if the southpaw can replicate what he did within the second half final 12 months (1.96 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 78.1 innings), then count on Valdez to be proper in the course of the AL Cy Younger award dialogue.
2024:Â .247/.333/.457, 29 HR, 117 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .252/.345/.483, 32 HR, 127 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
Olson got here again right down to earth final 12 months after his unbelievable 2023 season (MLB-best 54 HR and 139 RBI), however there’s cause to imagine he can come near these marks once more, significantly with the development in his projections. Olson goes for his fourth consecutive 162-game season in 2025 — and the Braves are motivated to take again the Nationwide League East.Â
2024: .262/.348/.479, 24 HR, 135 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .267/.347/.457, 20 HR, 130 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR
Coming off his first profession All-Star award, Greene lastly performed in additional than 100 video games for the Tigers final season. The consequence? He was Detroit’s greatest hitter, serving to the Tigers surge to the playoffs for the primary time in a decade. Now in his age-24 season, Greene is extra motivated than ever to remain on the sphere and change into of the AL’s best bats. At his greatest, he is a 140 wRC+ hitter. And he is carried out nothing however enhance ever 12 months within the huge leagues.
2024 stats: .285/.342/.492, 21 HR, 129 wRC+, 6.7 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .262/.324/.455, 18 HR, 114 wRC+, 3.9 fWARÂ
A member of the 2024 All-MLB Second Staff and the All-Star Recreation MVP, Duran is coming off a profession 12 months through which he put all his instruments collectively to put up a 20-30 season whereas main the majors in doubles and triples and rating fifth in hits. He destroyed right-handed pitching and took a large leap ahead each offensively and defensively to complete eighth in AL MVP voting and prime 10 within the majors in WAR.
2024:Â 13-10, 204 IP, 3.47 ERA, 172 Ks, 4.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 13-9, 195 IP, 3.22 ERA, 164 Ks, 4.4 fWAR
Webb has thrown at the least 192 innings and picked up Cy Younger votes in every of his previous three seasons, lastly incomes his first profession All-Star nod final 12 months after recording sub-3.00 ERAs in April and Could. The Giants can depend on the 28-year-old to proceed limiting dwelling runs and walks — and a .292 BABIP projected by ZiPS could be the most effective of his profession.
2024: .295/.350/.439, 20 HR, 127 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .269/.337/.431, 19 HR, 120 wRC+, 3.3 fWAR
Borrowing a web page out of Mookie Betts’ e-book, the Gold Glove second baseman is trying a positional shift to left discipline at age 35 this 12 months. I am skeptical he makes it a full season within the outfield, however no matter the place he performs, Altuve hasn’t confirmed many indicators of slowing down on the plate. He’ll attempt to carry the Astros again to the playoffs after they have been eradicated by the Tigers within the 2024 wild card sequence.
2024: .275/.327/.464, 21 HR, 117 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .274/.323/.444, 19 HR, 111 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
The 21-year-old budding star placed on a present in his rookie season final 12 months, finally thriving within the nationwide highlight of the playoffs with a two-homer recreation whereas making spectacular catches within the wild card sequence in opposition to the Mets. With no scarcity of confidence, do not be shocked if Chourio blows his projections out of the water.
2024: .220/.325/.541, 10 HR, 139 wRC+, 1.0 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .262/.370/.524,18 HR, 149 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
Alright, this is lastly the 12 months that Trout stays wholesome, proper? Proper?! That is all anybody desires after the three-time MVP final got here near sniffing a full season in 2019 (134 video games). When he is injury-free, Trout shows the kind of greatness that is in the identical class as Shohei Ohtani. He is assured this will probably be a bounce-back 12 months, and maybe switching from middle to proper discipline is simply what the physician ordered.
2024: .260/.315/.453, 26 HR, 118 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS:Â .252/.333/.430, 22 HR, 119 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
Bregman and the Inexperienced Monster look like a match made in heaven given how a lot the veteran likes to tug fly balls, so it will be fascinating to see how he hits in his new dwelling, with a bump in batting common all however sure after singles flip into doubles at Fenway. A dramatic drop in his stroll price (12% in 2023, to six.9% in 2024) stays regarding, and he now not performs on the stage of his MVP-caliber days. However he positive regarded like classic Bregman within the second half of final 12 months (.266 BA, 14 HR, .833 OPS). We’re not counting him out of our top-five simply but.
2024:Â 5-3, 104 IP, 3.12 ERA, 145 Ks, 3.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 9-5, 133 IP, 3.38 ERA, 176 Ks, 3.1 fWAR
It is fairly unbelievable to assume Snell goes for his third profession Cy Younger award this 12 months — whereas main what appears an increasing number of like the most effective rotation in baseball. Snell’s pitchability isn’t unsure, however after tossing 150 innings simply twice out of his 9 years within the huge leagues, his sturdiness is. If he can full his objective of being a workhorse for the Dodgers, then maybe we are able to count on Snell to search out some consistency as a high-impact starter this 12 months.
2024: 9-12, 208 IP, 3.23 ERA, 220 Ks, 4.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 12-8, 189 IP, 3.29 ERA, 190 Ks, 3.5 fWAR
In an period of way-too-many pitchers being sidelined by main and minor accidents, Gilbert’s skill to put up is refreshing. He tossed at the least 185 innings in every of his final three seasons, that includes an MLB-best 33 begins and a minuscule 4.6% stroll price in 2024. Will probably be fascinating to see how Gilbert separates himself from the remainder of Seattle’s Cy Younger-caliber arms as he enters his age-28 season.
2024 stats: .231/.322/.428, 22 HR, 107 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR
2025 ZiPS projection: .256/.345/.449, 21 HR, 120 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR
Was Carroll’s abysmal first half (.213/.301/.334, 5 dwelling runs) only a blip? His spectacular play after the All-Star break (.259/.351/.568, 17 homers) would recommend so. He completed with a 20-30 season, however it actually wasn’t the Rookie of the 12 months follow-up many anticipated. This will probably be an essential 12 months for the speedster to construct off his sturdy second half and cement his standing as one among MLB’s prime skills.
2024: .295/.338/.469, 21 HR, 124 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
2025 ZiPS:Â .287/.335/.462, 21 HR, 120 wRC+, 4.4 fWAR
Turner’s numbers have been considerably quietly declining over the previous couple of years, and his age (32) probably has loads to do with it. However he nonetheless initiatives to be a 20-20 participant for the Phillies, the place a potential shift to batting leadoff might assist him set the desk and increase his outlook. But it surely’s honest to query whether or not that is the ultimate 12 months Turner will seem in our top-10 shortstop rankings as his defensive worth continues to pattern downward.
2024 stats: .250/.318/.391, 19 HR, 104 wRC+, 2.8 fWARÂ
2025 ZiPS: .260/.344/.422, 17 HR, 121 wRC+, 5.0 fWARÂ
Rutschman had 16 homers on the break however ended final 12 months’s All-Star season with simply 19 after slashing .207/.282/.303 within the second half. Was his stunning spiral an anomaly or an indication of issues to come back? Contemplating what he did his first two (and a half) seasons in MLB, I will wager on the previous. However this is a vital 12 months for the 27-year-old backstop to return to type after seeing his hard-hit and stroll charges each dip and his chase proper climb final 12 months.
2024 stats: .220/.312/.436, 34 HR, 117 wRC+, 5.4 fWARÂ
2025 ZiPS: .230/.310/.461, 28 HR, 123 wRC+, 5.3 fWARÂ
Raleigh’s constant mixture of protection and energy zooms him as much as No. 2 on this listing coming into the 2025 season. Raleigh’s distinctive work behind the plate final 12 months earned him the Platinum Glove Award because the American League’s greatest total fielder, and he has led all catchers in dwelling runs for 3 straight seasons.
2024: .256/.322/.461, 19 HR, 116 wRC+, 2.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .275/.343/.499, 29 HR, 131 wRC+, 4.4 fWAR
Riley was trying to document a fourth consecutive 30-homer season when a success by pitch led to a fractured wrist and ended his season in August. However when he is wholesome and at his greatest, he deserves to be moved up our rankings. A 3rd baseman with an OPS+ within the 130-140 vary would not come round all that usually, and that is the kind of manufacturing the Braves expect from the 28-year-old energy hitter for at the least the subsequent a number of years.
2024: 15-9, 194 IP, 2.92 ERA, 181 Ks, 3.7 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 14-7, 181 IP, 2.97 ERA, 179 Ks, 3.8 fWAR
The NL acquired far more difficult for opposing hitters when Burnes determined to take his skills to the desert this winter. Although his strikeout price has steadily declined since 2020, Burnes is superb at making changes to his repertoire, together with one which led to a 1.29 ERA over his remaining six begins of 2024. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how he settles in with the Snakes.
2024: .272/.354/.516, 28 HR, 134 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .269/.349/.505, 30 HR, 131 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR
As of this writing, Devers hasn’t performed a single recreation at third base throughout spring exhibition video games — making it clear he’ll be taking on designated-hitter duties in Boston’s supreme lineup development. Nonetheless, he is the most effective and most constant offensive third basemen within the recreation, he is been adamant about desirous to play third (obvious defensive woes apart), and there is no telling how the roster will look subsequent season. With 9 years left on his contract, this figures to be an ongoing subject inside the Purple Sox group.
2024: .275/.325/.472, 29 HR, 122 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .266/.323/.462, 26 HR, 119 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR
Machado regarded sluggish and was a below-average hitter to begin the 2024 season, solely to show it on with a .900 OPS in June and by no means look again. When you look intently at his yearly manufacturing, that is simply what Machado does. However his Baseball-Reference web page paints the higher image: a constant, 30-ish homer dude with 90-105 RBIs per 12 months. Machado continues to be as reliable as they arrive on the scorching nook.
2024: 18-3, 177 IP, 2.38 ERA, 225 Ks, 6.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 11-5, 138 IP, 2.98 ERA, 170 Ks, 3.7 fWAR
If classic Sale is right here to remain, then there’s an argument to be made that he could possibly be ranked even greater on this listing. Will probably be robust for his friends to try to take away his Triple Crown after the renaissance season he put up final 12 months and, regardless that he is in his age-36 season, there’s little cause to imagine he will not repeat his electrical efficiency for the Braves.
2024 stats: .292/.326/.500, 24 HR, 130 wRC+, 5.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .281/.322/.461, 21 HR, 119 wRC+, 4.4 fWAR
Had Merrill performed within the American League, you are trying on the runaway Rookie of the 12 months. Shifting off his pure place of shortstop to play middle discipline for the primary time professionally, the 21-year-old didn’t look misplaced. He was dynamic each offensively and defensively in an All-Star season through which he launched 24 homers, stole 16 bases, registered an .826 OPS and completed prime 10 in MVP voting.
2024 stats: .292/.372/.560, 36 HR, 151 wRC+, 6.3 fWARÂ
2025 ZiPS: .270/.350/.483, 24 HR, 128 wRC+, 4.0 fWARÂ
One of the vital missed stars within the sport, Marte is definitely the highest offensive menace at his place heading into the 2025 season. He has 61 homers during the last two years and is coming off a 2024 All-Star marketing campaign through which he received a Silver Slugger Award and completed third in MVP voting whereas hitting the ball more durable than ever earlier than. His energy on the plate makes it simple to overlook that he additionally had one among his greatest defensive seasons by most superior metrics. With Christian Walker gone, his significance to an intriguing Arizona group goes up one other notch.Â
2024 stats: .281/.365/.466, 23 HR, 131 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS projection: .270/.353/.450, 20 HR, 124 wRC+, 4.6 fWAR
The 27-year-old two-time All-Star is coming off a season through which he completed fifth in MVP voting and earned his second straight Silver Slugger Award. Final 12 months, he posted career-best marks in hard-hit price, stroll price and strikeout price. Since Contreras entered the league in 2020, he has the best OPS amongst catchers with at the least 1,000 plate appearances. Final 12 months, the one participant who caught at the least 50 video games and had the next wRC+ final 12 months than William Contreras was his brother, Willson, however he’ll now be enjoying first base in St. Louis.
2024: .259/.339/.471, 25 HR, 118 wRC+, 6.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS:Â .263/.335/.472, 25 HR, 117 wRC+, 5.0 fWAR
EDLC garnered his first profession All-Star honor and led MLB with 67 stolen bases in his first full season within the huge leagues final 12 months. The 23-year-old is a sight to see and if he can work via the setbacks that accompany his uncooked expertise, he might take a step ahead this 12 months by counting on his 5 instruments and added expertise that ought to sluggish the sport down for the Reds’ budding celebrity.
2024: .323/.396/.544, 30 HR, 165 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .291/.371/.503, 30 HR, 148 wRC+, 4.4 fWAR
It looks like yearly we’re prepared for this to be the season that Guerrero replicates his runner-up MVP 2021 season (48 HR, 1.002 OPS, 161 G). If the 26-year-old may even come near these numbers in 2025, his remaining 12 months below group management, Guerrero will probably be in Juan-Soto-contract territory. All eyes will probably be on the slugger’s contract 12 months after his eye-popping 2024 season.
2024 stats: .273/.325/.409, 20 HR, 116 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .281/.338/.469, 27 HR, 135 wRC+, 5.8 fWARÂ
Rodriguez’s spectacular protection in middle gives such a excessive flooring that he is nearly sure to be probably the most productive outfielders no matter what he does on the plate. That mentioned, whereas final 12 months marked a 3rd straight 20-20 marketing campaign, his OPS has steadily declined since he was named Rookie of the 12 months in 2022. When he will get scorching, although — as he did with a 1.122 OPS final July — he is able to carrying a group. Can he put his offensive instruments collectively for a full season? If he does, we’re speaking a couple of potential MVP.
2024: .278/.353/.512, 30 HR, 140 wRC+, 4.5 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .281/.359/.511, 28 HR, 143 wRC+, 5.3 fWAR
The 2-time championship winner stays probably the most potent hitters within the sport whereas being broadly thought to be the most effective glove at shortstop. Regardless of lacking round 40 video games in 2023 and 2024, Seager in 2025 is vying for a 30-homer season for the fourth consecutive 12 months. When wholesome, he is able to being the most effective shortstop within the majors, and he nonetheless finds a method to be a top-tier high-impact participant no matter how a lot time he might miss with harm.Â
2024 stats: .276/.340..492, 21 HR, 135 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .276/.346/.527, 29 HR, 144 wRC+, 4.8 fWAR
There aren’t many hitters in baseball who strike extra worry in an opponent come October. Tatis all the time appears to show his recreation up a notch when the lights are brightest, however the query is whether or not he can keep wholesome over the course of a full 12 months to completely understand the potential he flashed in 2019, when he launched 42 homers as a 22-year-old. The underlying numbers final 12 months have been even higher than the .833 OPS he produced, and if he can keep on the sphere, the most effective ought to nonetheless be forward for the 26-year-old.
2024:Â 16-7, 200 IP, 2.57 ERA, 224 Ks, 5.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS:Â 13-7, 175 IP, 3.28 ERA, 184 Ks, 4.2 fWAR
Wheeler regarded poised to win his first profession Cy Younger award final season when he recorded private bests in ERA and WHIP (0.95) earlier than Chris Sale put up a profession 12 months of his personal. Wheeler leads all major-league pitchers with 24.7 fWAR since 2020, and his expertise and sturdiness make him our No. 1 starter within the Nationwide League.
2024 stats: .308/.392/.567, 35 HR, 168 wRC+, 5.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .300/.392/.576, 36 HR, 171 wRC+, 5.5 fWAR
Alvarez might not get a complete lot of time within the outfield, however the worth he brings along with his offense makes him worthy of a top-three spot right here regardless. Whereas his physique has not all the time been sort to him, his bat has. Alvarez has launched greater than 30 homers in every of the final 4 seasons and has logged an OPS over .950 in every of the final three seasons. Over these final three years, Aaron Choose is the one certified MLB participant with the next wRC+.
2024: .282/.378/.476, 22 HR, 137 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .298/.384/.492, 22 HR, 143 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR
Considerations about his lingering rib discomfort apart, Freeman one way or the other solely missed 15 video games final 12 months given a late-season ankle harm and his son’s scary well being considerations. His contact-driven strategy on the plate is on the middle of his elite manufacturing, and after his 4 dwelling runs, 12 RBI and .300 batting common within the World Collection, there’s an argument to be made that he needs to be even greater in these rankings. Freeman is starting to depart little question in regards to the chance that he leads to the Corridor of Fame.
2024:Â .285/.373/.525, 30 HR, 145 wRC+, 5.2 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .284/.380/.519, 26 HR, 145 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR
Harper’s final full season was in 2019, his first 12 months with the Phillies, and but the prolific slugger has continued his Corridor of Fame trajectory with aplomb. Getting into his 14th 12 months within the huge leagues, he is chasing main profession milestones all whereas being motivated to win a championship with Philly. If he can keep away from lacking time with harm, Harper has the prospect to win his third profession MVP award, his first since 2021.
2024 stats: .250/.351/.365, 4 HR, 105 wRC+, 1.0 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .294/.393/.526, 26 HR, 154 wRC+, 5.1 fWAR
Can we count on one other 40-homer, 70-steal season coming off one other ACL tear? In all probability not. The reality is we do not know what model of Acuña we will get after his second main knee harm in a three-year span, however he demonstrated as soon as that he can bounce again and be probably the most productive gamers within the sport. Even when he isn’t fairly as daring on the basepaths upon his return, I am not going to be the one who doubts the dynamic 27-year-old.
2024 stats: .289/.408/.585, 23 HR, 180 wRC+, 4.2 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .263/.355/.472, 23 HR, 131 wRC+, 3.6 fWAR
One of the vital unheralded superstars within the recreation, Tucker performed solely 78 video games final 12 months and was nonetheless value greater than 4 wins. He completed with a 181 OPS+ and was on a virtually 9.0 WAR tempo, coming off three straight years through which he was value principally 5.0 WAR each season. The Cubs will want that sort of constant star manufacturing to hold their offense in what could possibly be his lone season in Chicago.
2024: 11-3, 133 IP, 1.96 ERA, 170 Ks, 4.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 8-6, 151 IP, 3.25 ERA, 181 Ks, 3.7 fWAR
After successful the NL Rookie of the 12 months award and ending third in Cy Younger balloting, what’s subsequent for Skenes? Profitable the MVP? The 22-year-old might change into the primary Rookie of the 12 months pitcher to assert a Cy Younger the next season since Dwight Gooden did it in 1985. We’re trying ahead to Skenes crossing over the 150-innings threshold as he will get able to pitch a full season within the huge leagues this 12 months.
2024: .279/.335/.537, 39 HR, 141 wRC+, 6.5 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .270/.342/.496, 29 HR, 131 wRC+, 5.6 fWAR
Ramirez’s brilliance and sturdiness can generally be taken with no consideration. He did, in any case, fall one dwelling run wanting a 40/40 season final 12 months and hardly anybody exterior of Cleveland was speaking about it. Now coming into his age-32 season and thirteenth 12 months within the huge leagues, Ramirez has completed within the prime 10 in MLB voting in seven of the previous eight years. He stays the most effective of the bunch among the many prime third basemen within the league.Â
2024 stats:Â 18-4, 192 innings pitched, 2.39 ERA, 228 strikeouts, 5.9 fWAR
2025 ZiPS projection:Â 13-7, 170 IP, 2.74 ERA, 196 Ks, 5.2 fWAR
Not solely is Skubal the unequivocal chief atop our starting-pitcher rankings, however the 28-year-old ace on the peak of his prime additionally has a reputable probability to repeat because the American League Cy Younger winner. Will probably be thrilling to look at the southpaw reunite along with his 1-2 punch accomplice in Jack Flaherty because the Tigers hope to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the primary time in over a decade.
2024: .273/.344/.500, 33 HR, 137 wRC+, 7.8 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .260/.337/.462, 27 HR, 125 wRC+, 6.0 fWAR
Lindor has change into essentially the most underappreciated celebrity in MLB since he was traded to the Mets 4 years in the past, however he is nonetheless a top-three shortstop within the league after he inserted himself in the course of the Nationwide League MVP dialog final 12 months, finally ending second to Shohei Ohtani. Lindor’s 53.3 fWAR since his 2015 rookie season leads all lively shortstops, and it is not even just a little shut.
2024:Â .281/.364/.529, 37 HR, 155 wRC+, 8.0 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .274/.359/.495, 28 HR, 144 wRC+, 6.1 fWAR
The 2023 Rookie of the 12 months is anticipated to enhance in his second season because the O’s full-time shortstop — and that needs to be terrifying for opposing pitchers. Henderson has excessive expectations after he decreased his strikeout price and elevated his stroll price in 2024. He completed fourth in a stacked AL MVP class final 12 months and, so long as he can keep wholesome, he has a reputable path to successful the award in 2025.
2024: .289/.372/.491, 19 HR, 141 wRC+, 4.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .283/.381/.495, 24 HR, 145 wRC+, 5.1 fWAR
Betts would rank within the top-five of any place he decides to play, and that is no exception because the Dodgers are as soon as once more relying on him to man the toughest defensive place in baseball. Skipper Dave Roberts mentioned Betts has “unfinished enterprise” at brief after he fractured his left hand final June, missed two months, then returned to proper discipline for the Dodgers. If he excels this 12 months, Betts might change into simply the third participant in historical past to win a Gold Glove award at a number of positions.
2024 stats: .288/.419/.569, 41 HR, 180 wRC+, 8.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .277/.426/.521, 33 HR, 166 wRC+, 6.5 fWARÂ
Keep in mind when everybody puzzled how Juan Soto might presumably flip down that $440 million extension provide from the Nationals a number of years in the past? Nicely, wager on yourselves, children. The very best ought to nonetheless be forward for the richest participant within the sport. Soto has the best on-base share in MLB since debuting as a youngster in 2018 and has completed within the prime 10 in MVP voting in 5 of the final six seasons. During the last 5 years, he has drawn 582 walks; no different participant has greater than 417.
2024 stats:Â .332 /.389/.588, 32 HR, 168 wRC+, 10.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS projections: .288/.343/.517, 29 HR, 135 wRC+, 6.1 fWAR
Contemporary off a second-place end in American League MVP balloting, recording the highest batting common within the main leagues, it is unbelievable to assume we have not even seen Witt’s greatest season but. He enters his age-25 season this 12 months, and he is arguably baseball’s most well-rounded participant after sharpening his protection. All eyes will probably be on Witt, the quickest participant in MLB, as he makes an attempt to place up a 30-30 season for a 3rd consecutive 12 months.
2024 stats: .322/.458/.701, 58 HR, 218 wRC+, 11.2 fWARÂ
2025 ZiPS: .282/.409/.600, 46 HR, 180 wRC+, 7.7 fWARÂ
I imply, duh. It appeared preposterous that he might match the worth he supplied throughout his absurd 2022 season, when he broke Roger Maris’ single-season A.L. dwelling run document. But two years later, he recorded extra hits, knocked in additional runs and recorded higher slash line numbers throughout the board whereas main the majors in homers, RBI, on-base share, slugging and OPS in 2024 to earn his second MVP award in three seasons. He missed 56 video games in 2023 and but nonetheless has at the least 25 extra dwelling runs than any participant during the last three years.
Honorable Mentions: Cole Ragans, Will Smith, Marcus Semien, Brent Rooker, George Kirby, Dylan Stop, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dansby Swanson, Christian Walker, Jacob deGrom, Emmanuel Clase, Michael Harris II, Marcell Ozuna, Jazz Chisholm, Wyatt Langford
Rowan Kavner is an MLB author for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand coated the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved again to the West Coast in 2014. Comply with him on X at @RowanKavner.
Deesha Thosar is a MLB reporter and columnist for FOX Sports activities. She beforehand coated the Mets for 4 years as a beat reporter for the New York Each day Information. Comply with her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.
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