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 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after scoring a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after scoring a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Mookie Betts

OF, Boston Red Sox

  • Birthday: October 7, 1992 (Age: 24)
  • Career Statistics: .304/.355/.500, 54 HR, 208 RBI, 248 R, 54 SB, 17.6 WAR
  • 2016 Statistics: .318/.363/.534, 31 HR, 113 RBI, 122 R, 26 SB, 9.5 WAR
  • 2016 AL All-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger

Mookie Betts is one of the most uniquely talented players in Major League Baseball. A former infielder with all five tools, Betts broke into the big leagues as a 21-year old in 2014 and blossomed into a star in his first full season the following year.

In 2015, Betts hit .291/.341/.479 with 18 home runs, 77 RBI and 18 stolen bases, and finished in the top 20 of the AL MVP voting. Betts nearly won the MVP Award in 2016, but finished as the runner-up to Mike Trout.

Because of his speed and table-setting ability, Betts hit leadoff the majority of the 2016 season. However, he proved to be too valuable a run producer and hit cleanup primarily in August and September. He posted career highs in nearly every major statistical category, and was the only player in the big leagues to hit more than 30 home runs and steal 20 bases. Betts also became an All-Star for the first time, and won his first Gold Glove and Siler Slugger Awards.

His dynamic offensive ability makes Betts a fantasy baseball star, and his ability to cover ground in the outfield makes him one of the most valuable all-around players in the real world as well. His 9.6 WAR was the second best in baseball behind Trout, and was nearly two wins ahead of Jose Altuve’s third best 7.7 WAR.

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