San Diego Padres: A Reliant Young Core with Future Promise
The San Diego Padres rank 15th in Yahoo Sports’ 26-and-under power rankings with a total score of 16/30, down from 9th place in 2024. The team’s strength lies in its young MLB hitters, scoring a perfect 10/10, highlighted by the dynamic duo of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill. Tatis Jr., despite a relative down year in 2024, still finished with an adjusted OPS 30% better than league average, showcasing his elite status. Although he hasn’t fully returned to his MVP-contending form pre-PED punishment, the underlying metrics suggest he still has a few top-three MVP finishes ahead of him. Jackson Merrill, a 21-year-old outright rookie who had never played center field before, not only won the Opening Day job but also raked with 24 homers, 31 doubles, a .292 batting average, and an adjusted OPS 27% better than the league average. His defense, graded as average in a position he learned on the fly, is expected to improve with experience. Beyond these stars, the Padres have a few good players like Luis Campusano, Eguy Rosario, and Tirso Ornelas, along with relievers Jeremiah Estrada and Adrian Morejon, but the overall pitching depth among young talent is lacking, scoring just 3/10. The farm system, while not as robust, still features promising prospects like Ethan Salas and Leo De Vries, but they are likely years away from contributing at the major league level. The Padres, led by GM AJ Preller, have a history of trading away top prospects for immediate impact, which has left their system a bit thin but not barren.
Detroit Tigers: A Surprise Run with Youthful Promise
The Detroit Tigers, with a total score of 16/30, are 14th in the rankings, a slight improvement from 10th place in 2024. The 2024 season was marked by a surprising run to the ALDS, largely driven by their young 26-and-under talent. Among the young MLB hitters, Riley Greene stands as the anchor, combining All-Star-caliber hitting with solid defense. Parker Meadows, a glove-first player, made significant strides at the plate, while Trey Sweeney and Jace Jung, both former first-round picks, need to improve their weaker aspects—Sweeney’s hitting and Jung’s defense—to become above-average contributors. Colt Keith, who signed an extension before his debut, showed promise but now faces competition at first base from Gleyber Torres, casting doubt on Torkelson’s future role. Torkelson, however, still has the potential to be a useful power bat if he can address his swing-and-miss issues. The Detroit farm system is filled with promising talent, including Hao-Yu Lee, Thayron Liranzo, Josue Briceño, Max Clark, and Kevin McGonigle, though most are a couple of years away from the big leagues. On the pitching front, Jackson Jobe, one of the top prospects in baseball, is set to open the season in the rotation and could have a breakout year. Reese Olson, Brant Hurter, and Keider Montero are also expected to contribute, with Jobe and Hamm showing the most potential for long-term impact. The Tigers’ focus on developing young talent while maintaining a competitive roster is a promising strategy for the future.
New York Mets: Building a Strong Foundation
The New York Mets rank 13th with a total score of 17/30, a significant improvement from 25th place in 2024. Juan Soto, still 26 and one of the best hitters in the world, is the standout in the young MLB hitter category, scoring a perfect 10/10. Soto’s inclusion, despite his massive contract, aligns with the Mets’ vision of combining pre-free-agency talent with established stars. Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez also played crucial roles in the 2024 season, with Vientos delivering a strong offensive performance after struggling initially, and Alvarez showing promise despite a slight step back. The Mets’ farm system features players like Ronny Mauricio, Luisangel Acuña, and Jett Williams, who could contribute to the 2025 roster. Mauricio, despite missing the 2024 season due to injury, is expected to return strong, while Acuña and Williams bring unique skill sets to the table. In terms of pitching, the Mets have a solid but not elite group, with Brandon Sproat and Blade Tidwell showing the most promise. Sproat’s hard-throwing ability and recent improvement make him a player to watch, while Tidwell’s raw stuff could see him contributing soon. The Mets, under owner Steve Cohen, are determined to become a perennial contender, and while they aren’t quite there yet, the young talent is a strong indicator of their future potential.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Rebounding with Talent
The Arizona Diamondbacks come in at 12th place with a total score of 17/30, a slight drop from 4th place in 2024. The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for Corbin Carroll, who struggled in the first half but rebounded strongly to finish with an above-average batting line. His elite bat speed and ability to hit moon shots make him a significant asset. Gabriel Moreno, a young catcher with excellent defensive skills and contact ability, and Geraldo Perdomo, a shortstop with a long-term extension, are important pieces of the Diamondbacks’ young core. Perdomo’s extension raises questions about the future roles of prospects like Jordan Lawlar, who had an injury-plagued 2024 but retains high potential. The hitting prospects include Adrian Del Castillo, a lefty slugger who could serve as a backup catcher or DH, and other players like Tim Tawa, Gino Groover, and Tommy Troy. On the pitching side, Brandon Pfaadt and Justin Martinez are expected to start the year in the rotation, with Pfaadt showing promise as a strike-throwing workhorse and Martinez emerging as a bullpen standout with closer potential. The Diamondbacks have a solid foundation, and with some improvements, they could see significant contributions from their young talent in 2025.
Tampa Bay Rays: Hidden Gem Talent
The Tampa Bay Rays, with a total score of 17/30, are 11th in the rankings, a slight improvement from 16th place in 2024. The Rays are known for their strong farm system, and this year’s group of young players is no exception. Junior Caminero, a 26-and-under hitter, is a potential game-changer with superstar potential. His bat speed and in-box athleticism are reminiscent of young Javier Báez and Manny Machado, and he has already shown glimpses of his power in a 43-game sample. Christopher Morel and Jonny DeLuca are also part of the young core, providing solid contributions. In the pitching department, Taj Bradley and Shane Baz are both expected to start the year in the rotation. Bradley had a solid sophomore season, and given the Rays’ track record, a step forward in 2025 is likely. Baz, recovering from Tommy John surgery, demonstrated All-Star-level performance in the latter part of 2024. The Rays’ hitting prospects are especially promising, with Carson Williams, a power-hitting shortstop, and Chandler Simpson, one of the fastest players in the minors, leading the charge. Xavier Isaac and Tre’ Morgan bring raw power and defensive excellence, respectively, while Dominic Keegan and Brayden Taylor add depth. The pitching prospects, while fewer in number, still feature arms like Yoniel Curet and Jackson Baumeister, who could contribute in the near future. The Rays continue to build a strong young core that could be transformative.
Future Outlook: Development and Potential
Each of these teams—Padres, Tigers, Mets, Diamondbacks, and Rays—represents a different path toward building a competitive young core. The Padres and Mets lean heavily on established young stars with high ceilings, while the Tigers and Rays have a mix of proven contributors and high-potential prospects. The Diamondbacks, despite a tumultuous 2024, have a solid base of talent ready to step up. The key for all these organizations is to continue developing their young players and ensuring that they not only reach their potential but also integrate seamlessly into the big-league roster. The Padres’ trading strategy has left their farm system a bit thin, but the presence of Tatis Jr. and Merrill is a significant plus. The Tigers have a core of young players who are already contributing and a farm system with promising arms. The Mets, with their deep pockets and ambitions, have a solid foundation and are aiming to become a perennial contender. The Diamondbacks and Rays have robust farm systems, with the Rays particularly known for their development prowess. As these young players mature and gain more experience, their organizations are well-positioned to see significant improvements in the coming years.
