Overview of Yahoo Sports’ 26-and-Under Power Rankings
Yahoo Sports’ 26-and-under power rankings offer a unique perspective on the strength of Major League Baseball (MLB) organizations by focusing on both rookie-eligible talents and players already contributing at the big-league level. This approach provides a more comprehensive picture of each team’s young core, valuing productive young big leaguers more heavily than prospects who have yet to prove themselves at the highest level. The rankings are based on a scoring system in four categories: Young MLB hitters, Young MLB pitchers, Prospect hitters, and Prospect pitchers. Each category is scored on a scale from 0 to 10 or 0 to 5, respectively, and the total scores are used to rank the teams. In this countdown, we explore the top five organizations, diving into their young talents and prospects.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers (Total Score: 18/30)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have always been an enviable organization, thanks to their deep pockets and exceptional player development. Despite their smaller draft and international bonus pools, the Dodgers have managed to cultivate a strong young core. At the big-league level, the Dodgers shine with their young pitchers, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Brusdar Graterol, Bobby Miller, River Ryan, and Gavin Stone. Yamamoto’s injury-pocked debut was redeemed by his strong October performances, hinting at the potential for him to contend for the Cy Young award if he can stay healthy. Sasaki, while still developing, is regarded as the top prospect in the game due to his remarkable arm talent.
On the hitting side, the Dodgers have somewhat limited young MLB talent. Andy Pages and Hye-seong Kim are the primary contributors, but the farm system is brimming with promise. Dalton Rushing, a solid defensive catcher with a powerful bat, might struggle for playing time behind Austin Barnes. Alex Freeland, a breakout star in 2024, shows potential to be the long-term solution at shortstop. Other notable prospects include Zyhir Hope and Josue De Paula, who both need to prove themselves against upper-level pitching. Despite the lack of immediate MLB impact, the Dodgers’ farm system remains a wellspring of future talent.
4. Cincinnati Reds (Total Score: 19/30)
The Cincinnati Reds have made significant strides in their young talent base, earning a strong No. 4 spot. The core of their young MLB hitters, led by Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Noelvi Marte, presents a formidable lineup. De La Cruz, a 6-foot-5 switch-hitting shortstop, has improved dramatically from his rookie season, leading MLB in steals and showcasing elite defensive skills. If he can become more efficient on the basepaths and reduce his strikeouts, his ceiling is nearly limitless. McLain, recovering from shoulder surgery, will look to recapture his rookie form and form a dynamic double-play combination with De La Cruz.
In the pitching department, the Reds have a solid group of young arms, including Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott. Greene, who struggled initially, had a breakout 2024 season, making his first All-Star Game and posting an impressive .179 batting average against. The Reds also have a promising batch of prospects in Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, Chase Petty, Zach Maxwell, and Luis Mey. Lowder, a finesse pitcher, and Burns, with a power arsenal, could soon make their big-league debuts. Petty, once thought to be a reliever, has developed into a potential rotation candidate. Maxwell and Mey, with their high-velocity fastballs, are on the path to becoming impact bullpen arms, rounding out a strong collection of young talent.
3. Seattle Mariners (Total Score: 20/30)
The Seattle Mariners maintain their No. 3 spot, thanks to their depth of young talent. On the big-league side, Julio Rodriguez stands out as the face of the franchise, entering his fourth MLB season. Despite a slow start in 2024, Rodriguez’s speed and defensive prowess in center field ensure his high value. Other young MLB hitters include Ryan Bliss, who has shown flashes of brilliance. In pitching, the Mariners boast a near-perfect score, with Bryce Miller, Bryan Woo, Andres Muñoz, Gregory Santos, and Emerson Hancock leading the charge. Miller and Woo, both under 25, demonstrated exceptional durability and performance in their rookie seasons, with Miller throwing 180 innings and Woo showing remarkable strike-throwing ability.
Muñoz, a relief ace, continues to be a force with his triple-digit heaters and wicked sliders. Santos, a trade acquisition, showed closer-caliber stuff before an injury-shortened 2024 season. Prospect hitters like Cole Young, Harry Ford, Tyler Locklear, and Lazaro Montes are close to the majors, with Young and Ford expected to start the year in Triple-A. The Mariners’ track record in developing arms suggests that their prospect pitchers, such as Brandyn Garcia and Logan Evans, could soon make significant contributions. Despite some defensive concerns, this young core is poised to fuel Seattle’s success for years to come.
2. Baltimore Orioles (Total Score: 20/30)
The Baltimore Orioles exemplify the value of young talent in MLB, retaining their elite status with a strong No. 2 ranking. Their young MLB hitters, including Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, and Heston Kjerstad, form one of the most exciting lineups in the league. Henderson, who hit 37 homers and stole 21 bags in 2024, is a future star and a cornerstone of the Orioles’ future. Cowser, with 24 home runs, solidified his position as Baltimore’s left fielder of the future. Westburg, often underrated, made the All-Star team and looks set to man third base for years to come.
On the pitching side, Grayson Rodriguez is tasked with replacing Corbin Burnes. Despite a rocky debut, his arm talent is undeniable, and if he can limit hard contact on his four-seamer, he could take the next big step. Prospect hitters like Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, and Enrique Bradfield Jr. are among the most hyped in the game. Basallo, a 20-year-old catcher, could be a 45-homer threat if he refines his defensive skills. Mayo, while injury-prone, is a solid shortstop with rare power. These young talents, coupled with the likes of Dylan Beavers and Jud Fabian, ensure that the Orioles’ pipeline remains strong and their competitive window wide open.
1. Boston Red Sox (Total Score: 20/30)
The Boston Red Sox claim the top spot in these rankings, driven by their exceptional collection of hitting prospects. Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer have generated significant buzz and are poised to make an immediate impact. Anthony, the consensus No. 1 minor-league prospect, has an elite bat speed and in-box athleticism, making him a potential perennial All-Star. Campbell, despite his unconventional swing, saw a power surge in 2024, suggesting he could be a difference-maker. Mayer, while injury-prone, is a solid shortstop with rare power.
The Red Sox’s young MLB hitters, including Triston Casas, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Carlos Narvaez, and Vaughn Grissom, add depth and versatility to the lineup. Casas, a powerful first baseman, and Abreu, a Gold Glove-winning right fielder, have been key contributors. Rafaela, still just 24, shows defensive versatility and potential as a utility piece. Grissom, acquired for Chris Sale, had an injury-riddled 2024 but remains a talent to watch.
On the pitching side, Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Quinn Priester are standout young MLB pitchers. Crochet, a left-hander, emerged as one of the league’s top strikeout artists and is expected to increase his innings count after Tommy John surgery. Bello and Priester, while solid, need to build on their 2024 performances. Prospect pitchers like Richard Fitts, David Sandlin, Hunter Dobbins, Connelly Early, and Luis Guerrero are developing, though they may not reach the majors in the immediate future. The Red Sox’s blend of young stars and prospect talents positions them as the top team in these rankings.
Conclusion
These rankings highlight the importance of evaluating both current big-league contributors and prospective talents to gauge the future of MLB organizations. The Dodgers, Reds, Mariners, Orioles, and Red Sox each possess unique strengths, from the Dodgers’ powerhouse pitching to the Orioles’ and Red Sox’s robust hitting prospects. As these young players continue to develop, they will play a crucial role in shaping their teams’ futures, making the 26-and-under power rankings a valuable tool for fans and analysts alike. Each team’s journey to the top showcases the dynamic nature of young talent in baseball, where the line between prospect and star can blur rapidly with the right opportunities and development.
