Rising Stars: MLB's top 25 players 25 and under for 2026: 25-11
Welcome to theScore's ranking of the top 25 players entering their age-25 season or younger during the 2026 campaign. We've compiled our list based on previous performance and our long-term projections, and it includes only players who have already reached the majors. Below are the players ranked 25-11. The top 10 will be released Tuesday.
It's hard to believe that Montgomery slid to the White Sox, who chose him 22nd overall in 2021. He's quickly left an impression on the South Side, hitting 21 homers in 71 games last season while finishing top-five in AL Rookie of the Year voting. In addition to his tantalizing offensive potential, Montgomery is a plus defender at shortstop, where he'll form a bright young double-play duo with Chase Meidroth. The future is bright for the White Sox, and Montgomery is a big reason.
Braves fans were enamoured with Baldwin well before he secured the NL Rookie of the Year award in November. He won the Opening Day catcher job last year following Sean Murphy's injury and ran with the opportunity, becoming a staple of Atlanta's lineup even after the veteran returned. Although he's not the strongest defender, Baldwin isn't a liability behind the plate and excels at blocking. With plenty of room for him to grow on both sides of the ball, he should continue to be an important piece of the Braves for years to come.
Chandler is armed with one of the best fastballs in the majors, placing in the 98th percentile for velocity, thanks to a four-seamer that frequently hits 100 mph. The right-hander showed why he's one of baseball's best pitching prospects with a historic first appearance in late August, logging four scoreless innings in relief to become the first Pirates pitcher since 1969 to record a save in his debut. Expect him to be a major piece in Pittsburgh's rotation behind Paul Skenes moving forward.
Schlittler's name would've never appeared on this list if it had been compiled before the start of 2025. He began last season in Double-A, only reaching the majors in July. Once promoted, he helped save the Yankees' depleted rotation with a brilliant stretch run and memorable eight-inning, 12-strikeout performance to clinch a wild-card series win. Schlittler's overpowering fastball drives his six-pitch arsenal, which also includes a nasty cutter as a complement. Now that he's locked down a rotation spot, it'll be fascinating to watch how he does over a full season. Schlittler's clearly not afraid of the big stage, and the Yankees will be better with him on the mound.
There aren't a ton of bright spots in Anaheim these days, so Neto's emergence as a top shortstop has been a welcome development. A defensive wizard, Neto led all AL shortstops in defensive runs saved last year. His bat has also started to come around over the last two campaigns, as he's improved his OPS annually while showing flashes of 30-30 potential. Another jump in production could be in store this season, and he'll team with Mike Trout to form the heart of the Angels' order. Neto will be an important piece of this franchise for a long time.
After a dominant start to his pro career in Japan, Sasaki faced adversity in his first MLB season, battling injuries that hampered his performance. But he gave the world a glimpse of what makes him so special in the playoffs, emerging as a relief ace during the Dodgers' championship run. However, Sasaki's bullpen stint appears to be a one-off, as he'll open this season at the back of L.A.'s rotation. Perhaps a year of MLB experience will help him find success. The tools are certainly there. Even amid his struggles, opponents hit just .146 and slugged .220 against his devastating splitter. Sasaki has the track record from NPB to become a top-tier starter. If he puts last year behind him, look out.
Misiorowski stunned the baseball world by becoming a 2025 All-Star in his rookie season after just five starts, shattering Skenes' record of 11 appearances set in 2024. Misiorowski returned to Earth after his hot start, but he has all the tools to become a future ace. The hulking right-hander possesses a fastball averaging over 99 mph, a slider topping 94 mph, and a changeup that sits above 92 mph. He'll start Opening Day for Milwaukee this year.
Langford emerged as the Rangers' best hitter not named Corey Seager in his second big-league season. He delivered a 20-20 campaign in 2025, leading the team with 22 homers while playing plus defense in both left and center field. He clearly has all the tools required to help anchor the Rangers going forward. Even if he does it quietly, Langford is a young star you should be watching closely as he prepares to truly break out atop Texas' lineup.
Soderstrom spent his first two seasons shuttling between the majors and Triple-A, but he left the minors behind for good after a breakout 2025 campaign. In his first full year, the 24-year-old hit 25 homers with a .820 OPS, earned a Gold Glove finalist nod in left field, and secured a seven-year, $86-million extension. Soderstrom, a converted catcher, has become a brilliant defensive outfielder and can also slot in at first base when needed. His two-way play will make him a staple in West Sacramento and eventually Las Vegas for years to come.
The Athletics have another staple at shortstop in Wilson, an All-Star starter in his rookie year before inking a long-term extension this winter. His speciality is contact: he rarely strikes out, has a brilliant eye, and puts most balls in play, making him a near lock to hit .300 at a time when that number is going extinct. If not for a fractured forearm, he might've beaten Aaron Judge for the AL batting title. Wilson also has some pop, recording 13 homers and 39 extra-base hits last year. Don't expect the 23-year-old to stop teeing off on pitchers any time soon.
McLean enters this season as MLB's top pitching prospect and one of the NL Rookie of the Year favorites after accumulating 1.2 fWAR in just eight starts following his debut in mid-August. The right-hander earned a spot in Team USA's World Baseball Classic rotation alongside reigning Cy Young winners Skenes and Tarik Skubal. U.S. teammate Bryce Harper also had high praise for Mclean, saying the rookie pitcher had the "best arm" the two-time NL MVP saw in 2025.
Greene, a two-time All-Star, took his powerful bat to the next level last year by hitting 36 homers and driving in 111 runs to win his first career Silver Slugger. He's become an essential part of the Tigers' lineup and can play all three outfield positions. While strikeouts and some ongoing challenges against left-handed pitching remain, the good outweighs the bad here. Greene has perennial 30-homer power, and it feels like he's ready to reach new heights.
Wood has eye-popping Statcast metrics for such a young player. Earning his first All-Star selection in 2025, he placed in the 94th percentile or better for average exit velocity, barrel rate, hard-hit percentage, and bat speed. The Nationals outfielder has the potential to hit 50-plus homers at some point in his career, but he has to cut down his strikeouts. Wood had an MLB-high 221 last season.
Crow-Armstrong is a rare five-tool player who can take over a game with his bat, speed, or glove. The gifted outfielder became the first player in Cubs history to have at least 30 homers, 30 steals, and 30 doubles in a single season when he accomplished the feat in 2025. His stellar play in center field also resulted in his first Gold Glove. PCA has a chance to be an elite difference-maker on both sides of the ball for years to come.
Merrill took a little step back last year due to injuries, which may cause some to forget just how great he was in his 2024 All-Star season. That year, he posted 5.3 fWAR, won a Silver Slugger, finished NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, and ranked ninth in NL MVP voting - all at just 21 years old. Merrill's strong play in the outfield and speed on the basepaths also give him a good chance for sustained stardom.