Top 25 MLB players under 25

13 of 25

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell celebrates after hitting a grand slam against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Addison Russell

SS, Chicago Cubs

Birthday: January 23, 1994 (Age: 23)
Career Statistics: .240/.314/.404, 34 HR, 149 RBI, 127 R, 7.6 WAR
2016 Statistics: .238/.321/.417, 21 HR, 95 RBI, 67 R, 4.3 WAR

The Chicago Cubs put together a magical season in 2016, and a young core of position players – infielders, specifically – was a major reason why. In addition to the MVP Kris Bryant, charismatic Javier Baez and 27-year old Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell have given the Cubbies one of the most exciting, talented infield units in the major leagues.

Russell came to Chicago from the Oakland Athletics, who shopped their most promising prospect in July 2014 to gear up for a Wild Card run. The deal worked in the short term as the A’s made the postseason, but the deal was a case of Billy Beane’s recent tendency to outsmart himself. Simply, everything has gone wrong since. Instead of inserting Russell into the middle of the infield and building around him, the A’s have played poor defense, and have lost 93 and 94 games the last two seasons, respectively.

But, quite the opposite, everything has gone right on the north side of Chicago. Russell hasn’t hit for average yet, and he strikes out way too much (25.4 percent to date), but he established himself as an everyday player as a 21-year old, has shown some pop (36 career homers) and an ability to drive in runs (95 RBI in 2016).

He’s also come up with some timely hitting, including a home run in the Cubs first World Series in more than a century.

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