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MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players 25 and under

By Jason Evans

Sep 19, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) gets ready to return to the field to play the Minnesota Twins in game one of a doubleheader at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) gets ready to return to the field to play the Minnesota Twins in game one of a doubleheader at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich (21) connects for an RBI single during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich (21) connects for an RBI single during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

82. . OF. Miami Marlins. Christian Yelich. 21. player

It’s hard to believe that Christian Yelich is still under 25, but the 24-year-old already has three seasons under his belt and is emerging as one of the top left fielders in the game.

Yelich struggled in the first half of the season, but rebounded to get his average at an even .300. Yelich hit .342 in the second half with an .865 OPS.

Yelich doesn’t hit many homers, but he’s had 30 doubles each of the past two seasons.

Yelich is also good defensively as well. He saved 13 runs in left field in each of the past two seasons and won a Gold Glove in 2014.

The Marlins rewarded him with a contract extension through 2021, with an option for 2022.

With Yelich, Dee Gordon and Giancarlo Stanton at the top of the order, it should give the Marlins some hope for brighter days ahead and a good core of young players to build around.

Yelich may never be a big power threat. You’ll never see him hit 20 homers, especially in Miami, but it doesn’t mean he won’t be a productive and quality player on a team or even an All-Star in the future.

Look for Yelich to grow and he hasn’t even entered his prime yet.

Next: 20. Carlos Rodon

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