Top MLB Young Stars: Best Players by Age 16–25

This article dives into Kiley McDaniel’s third annual ranking of the world’s best baseball players by birth year. It covers ages 16 to 25, mixing current big leaguers with prospects from all over the sport.

Think of it as a snapshot of where talent stands right now. It also hints at what fans and scouts might want to watch as MLB’s draft and international signing periods get closer.

Why Birth-Year Rankings Matter in Modern Baseball

Ranking players by birth year might seem odd at first, but it’s become a smart way to track talent as it develops. McDaniel groups players by age, not by league or level, which lets us compare players with very different paths side by side.

This approach really shines in the offseason. Front offices and analysts use it as they gear up for the amateur draft and international signings. When you look at the same age groups each year, patterns start to pop up—some players surge, others stall, and a few break out way ahead of schedule.

A Stable Elite Tier at the Top

This year’s rankings show real stability at the top. The top four players across all ages landed in the same order as last year, which says a lot about their staying power.

These guys have either already turned elite tools into production or are right on the edge of making their MLB mark.

Breakouts, Disappointments, and Rising Names

The elite group didn’t budge, but the rest of the list saw plenty of movement. Several players jumped up after strong performances, shaking up the middle tiers of their age groups.

Notable Breakout Performers

McDaniel points out a few who forced their way in this year:

Some well-known prospects didn’t keep pace, though. Roki Sasaki, Anthony Volpe, and Ethan Salas couldn’t quite hit the marks needed to hold their spots. Baseball development isn’t always kind, is it?

Prospects on the Rise

Meanwhile, others seized their moment. Roman Anthony and Kevin McGonigle climbed after eye-catching seasons.

It’s a reminder that strong performance—even for players years from free agency—can flip the script fast.

The Role of Drafts and International Talent

McDaniel’s analysis really highlights how much recent drafts have shaped these rankings. The 2023 and 2025 draft classes stand out, loading the 2004–2006 birth years with top talent from both college and high school.

International Players Shaping the Lists

International names matter, too. Players from the KBO, the Dominican Summer League, and recent international signings show up all over these lists.

Guys like Munetaka Murakami, Ahn Hyun-min, and Jesus Made have put up numbers that are hard to ignore.

Some prospects just missed making their birth-year lists but still landed inside the overall top 100. At the youngest ages, the difference between making it and missing out is tiny, and one hot or cold season can change everything.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

McDaniel shines a light on sleepers and high-upside preparatory prospects who could impact the 2026–2028 drafts. We’re talking about high school standouts and international amateurs who might command serious bonuses once they’re eligible.

The top of each age-based list usually stays pretty stable, anchored by proven performance. The lower tiers, though? Those are a different story—fluid, unpredictable, maybe even a little chaotic.

Development never really follows a straight line, does it? These rankings try to embrace that uncertainty, blending what we know with some educated guesses.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Who are MLB’s top young stars? Ranking baseball’s best players at every age from 16 to 25