MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players under 25

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 17: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a fly ball to left field for an out in the fourth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays played on May 17, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN- MAY 15: Paul DeJong #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on against the Minnesota Twins on May 15, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Cardinals 4-1. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Paul DeJong /

8. Paul DeJong

In a span of five years, St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong has taken himself from preferred walk-on status at Illinois State University (hardly a baseball power), to fringe prospect picked in the 38th round, to potential med school student, to fourth-round pick, to runner-up in the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year vote. It’s been quite a ride for a player who would have been happy to play college baseball at any level before pursuing a fine career in medicine.

It’s a testament to the work ethic of DeJong and something that made him stand out to the Cardinals when he was entering the draft for the final time. The 24-year-old made it to the big leagues after one full season in the minors and hit .285/.325/.532 as a rookie last year with 25 home runs and 65 RBI in only 108 games.

DeJong showed surprising power as a rookie and played steady defense at shortstop. Not incredibly rangy, he did make all of the expected plays and did not hurt the Cardinals with rookie mistakes in the field.

The Cardinals have seen hitters up and down their lineup struggle to start 2018, but DeJong had not been experiencing a sophomore slump before landing on the DL with a broken hand. He hit .260/.351/.473 with eight doubles and eight home runs in his first 41 games. DeJong was also showing improved discipline at the plate and a willingness to draw a walk. It is still unclear when he will return, but he should be back on the field before the end of the season.

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