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MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players under 25

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 26: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park on June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 26: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park on June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 5: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians hits an RBI single during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field on JULY 5, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 5: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians hits an RBI single during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field on JULY 5, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

5. Francisco Lindor

Not since the early days of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Nomar Garciaparra, has MLB had a group of young shortstops as exciting as all of the players mentioned on this list. Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, and Trea Turner will all take turns trading All-Star starts back and forth among themselves. Of the group, Lindor is the best defender.

Lindor made his debut in 2015, and got himself involved in one of the great Rookie of the Year races in recent years. Correa edged him out, but Lindor announced himself to the baseball world in a big way. Coming up through the minor leagues, he was viewed as a glove-first prospect. The glove has obviously not disappointed, but his bat has played every reasonable expectation.

In his third MLB season, Lindor is working through the growth of his power stroke. He hit .306/.356/.454 in his first two seasons with 52 doubles and 27 home runs. His career-high of 15 home runs could fall in the week leading up to the All-Star Game, but his batting average has taken a hit this year. This is not uncommon for young players as their swing begins to change.

Lindor is a special defender and leader for the Cleveland Indians. He is already the face of the franchise. In his age-22 season, he hit .310/.355/.466 in a World Series run. Without him, the Indians playoff run almost certainly ends short of the Fall Classic.

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