MLB's 25 Best Players Under 25 Years Old in 2023 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Emily Wong 20. LHP Reid Detmers, Los Angeles Angels (Age: 23)
Detmers was one of the first players from the 2020 draft class to reach the majors when he made his MLB debut on Aug. 1, 2021, and he became a regular member of the starting rotation this past season. The left-hander posted a 3.77 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 122 strikeouts in 129 innings, and he tossed a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 10.
19. SS Vaughn Grissom, Atlanta Braves (Age: 22)
Grissom had eight multi-hit performances in his first 14 games, and he closed out his rookie season with a 121 OPS+ and 11 extra-base hits in 156 plate appearances. An injury to Ozzie Albies forced him into action at second base last year, and he will now take over as Atlanta's starting shortstop after Dansby Swanson walked in free agency.
18. IF/OF Christopher Morel, Chicago Cubs (Age: 23)
Morel showed a nice mix of power, speed and versatility last season when he posted a 107 OPS+ with 19 doubles, 16 home runs, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored and 10 steals in 113 games. He made double-digit starts at second base, shortstop, third base and in center field, and he is expected to be the primary guy at the hot corner in 2023.
17. OF Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals (Age: 24)
Carlson finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2021 when he posted a 115 OPS+ with 31 doubles, 18 home runs and 3.3 WAR in 149 games. He missed time with thumb and hamstring injuries last year and his production dipped as a result, but the tools are all still there for him to be a star in center field.
16. RHP Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 23)
Greene averaged 98.9 mph with his fastball last season and finished with a 4.44 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 164 strikeouts in 125.2 innings. The 6'5" right-hander has some of the best pure stuff in baseball, and he finished his rookie season on a high note with a 0.78 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 23 innings over his final four starts.