These 12 players are on the rise entering ’25
The full list of MLB Network’s Top 100 Players Right Now for 2025 was unveiled this week. This year’s edition featured many players who vaulted up the list from last year and 33 others who were outside of the top 100 in 2024.
Let’s take a moment to recognize those who make the biggest leaps — specifically, the three players who improved at least 50 spots from last year and the nine who landed inside the top 50 after being unranked a year ago. Whether they were rookies, breakout stars or established veterans who found a near gear to their game, these 12 players opened eyes last season. With Spring Training upon us, we can’t wait to see what this group will do this season.
De La Cruz’s exciting tools were on display during his 2023 rookie year, but his game still needed a lot of refinement. Last year, he was able to take his tantalizing raw materials and blend them with a better feel for the game. Elly still struck out a lot, but his K rate fell by two percentage points while his chase rate fell by about six points. He made optimal contact more often, showcased by a 4.2-point improvement in his barrel rate, and his outs above average increased from four to 15, tied for 11th-most in the Majors.
Elly’s ascent is similar to that of another uber-talented shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals’ franchise player was No. 92 in the Top 100 Right Now in 2023. Last year, he was No. 20. This year, he is No. 3. De La Cruz could make that leap from star to superstar this summer.
