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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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BOSTON, MA – MAY 3: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 3, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 3: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 3, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

2. Manny Machado

Manny Machado began this season in the running with Bryce Harper for second-best player in the league behind Mike Trout. His overall ability and talent may still put him in that conversation, but Machado has been slightly off at the plate all season. The 24-year-old third baseman has gotten pull-happy with his swing, and it has pulled his batting average under .220 for most of the season.

Orioles fans have spent most of the season telling themselves that Machado is set to catch fire and go on a tear for months at a time, and it might still happen. The quality of his contact has not taken a major hit, and he is one of the MLB leaders in exit velocity and well-struck balls. Machado has been expanding his strike zone this season at times but is still drawing more walks than last year.

Machado was picked in the same draft class as Harper, and also made his MLB debut in his age-19 season. He does still have some maturing to do as a hitter and team leader, but still has plenty of time for that. Machado may be the best defensive third baseman the league has seen since Orioles legend Brooks Robinson graced the sport with his presence. The Baltimore front office will soon be forced to make a difficult decision as the team is not in a position to re-sign Machado for close to $400 million after the 2018 season.

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