Fansided

Top 25 MLB players under 25

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Sep 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) at bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) at bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) advances to third base on a single by Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (not pictured) in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) advances to third base on a single by Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (not pictured) in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Trea Turner

IF/OF, Washington Nationals

  • Birthday: June 30, 1993 (Age: 23)
  • Career Statistics: .329/.361/.539, 14 HR, 41 RBI, 58 R, 35 SB, 3.8 WAR
  • 2016 Statistics: .342/.370/.567, 13 HR, 40 RBI, 53 R, 33 SB, 3.6 WAR

There are few players in baseball that have the complete set of skills Trea Turner offers.

Turner made a modest impression as a 22-year old in 2015 when he hit .225/.295/.325 with one home run and two stolen bases in 27 games. Though he had always hit for a high average in the minors and flashed great speed, he never showed a ton of power and never stole more than 29 bases in a minor league season. But the 23-year old exploded in every category in 2016.

After a brilliant first half of the season in Triple-A, in which he hit .302/.370/.471 with six home runs, 33 RBI, 25 stolen bases and 61 runs scored, Turner hit 13 home runs in 73 games for the Nationals and added 33 steals. He scored 53 runs, drove in 40 and put together a gaudy .342/.370/.567 slash while playing second base, shortstop and center field.

His .388 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) is cause for some concern, as the high number (.300 is average) could point towards short-term luck that will even out over time. However, Turner’s blazing speed helps him to beat out quite a few infield hits, so it’s not as inflated as it appears on the surface.

With the acquisition of Adam Eaton over the winter, Turner is back at home in the infield in Washington. He’s also set to play a full big league season for the first time.

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