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) /

8 of 25

HOUSTON, TX – MAY 11: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers doubles in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

18. Nomar Mazara

Thanks to their uncanny ability to mine talent from Latin America, the Texas Rangers are seemingly never without an exciting player or two under the age of 25. This year has been a struggle so far for the Rangers, but they are still a very young team with seven players 25 and under receiving significant playing time and at-bats. While Joey Gallo and Rougned Odor pile up the strikeouts, right fielder Nomar Mazara appears to be taking a positive step in his development.

Mazara debuted to great hype in 2016 at the age of 21 and hit 20 home runs in 145 games while posting a strong .266/.320/.419 line. His rookie year pointed to bigger things to come, but he produced a mediocre .253/.323/.422 line with 20 home runs and 101 RBI. Mazara’s breakout looks to be coming in 2018.

Through his first 49 games, Mazara has hit .270/.338/.492 with nine doubles, ten home runs and 28 RBI. The on-base numbers and walk rate are still subpar for a potential lineup cornerstone, Mazara is swinging at fewer pitches out of the strike zone and fewer pitches overall. That is a step in the right direction. He may never draw 70 walks, but if Mazara can avoid getting himself out by swinging at bad pitches, the Rangers can live with the middling OBP.

The Rangers have so many up-and-coming hitters that the one to watch or get excited about can vary wildly from week to week. Mazara, though, has the most upside and is starting to put things together. A 30-homer season is in the cards for 2018, but he may still have more growth as he hits his peak years.

Home/MLB