Image credit:
Shohei Ohtani (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Through the years, Baseball America has evaluated the potential for thousands of prospects. Now for the third year in a row, we are carrying that exercise through to major league players.
This year, we sorted all MLB players by BA Grades on the 20-80 scale and ranked the top 100. Every player in the top 100 receives a 55 grade or higher.
Players are ranked in terms of their projected 2025 impact only. No value beyond this season is factored into these evaluations. Capsules are included for the top 25 players as we head into 2025.
This ranking was developed by Matt Eddy, Geoff Pontes and Dylan White.
How to interpret BA Grades in the MLB 100:
• 75–80: Franchise player or No. 1 starter. WAR: 5.0 or more
• 65–70: Perennial all-star or No. 1/2 starter. WAR: about 4.0 to 4.9
• 60: Occasional all-star or No. 2/3 starter. WAR: about 3.5 to 3.9
• 55: First-division regular or No. 3/4 starter. WAR: about 3.0
By the numbers: The Braves have the most MLB 100 players with nine, followed by the Dodgers and Astros with eight each and the Padres with six. The Rockies and White Sox have zero representatives.
Breakdown by position for MLB 100 players: 24 righthanders, 16 shortstops, 10 lefthanders, 9 third basemen, 9 right fielders, 7 catchers, 7 left fielders, 6 first basemen, 5 second basemen, 4 center fielders and 3 designated hitters.
1. Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers, DH/RHP
Age: 30. | BA Grade: 80.
2024 ranking: 3. | 2023 ranking: 1.
To watch Ohtani is to watch history. He was baseball’s first 50-50 man and has won MVPs in three out of the past four seasons. In that time, Ohtani has averaged 45 homers and 29 steals per season while batting .286/.382/.602. On the mound he throws five plus pitch types: four-seamer, sinker, cutter, slider and splitter.
2. Bobby Witt Jr.
Royals, SS
Age: 25. | BA Grade: 80.
2024 ranking: 9. | 2023 ranking: 100.
Witt is the definitive five-tool player. He won the American League batting title and Gold Glove at shortstop last year. He is good for at least 30 homers and 30 steals annually. In fact, with two 30-30 seasons in his first three MLB seasons, he already has more than any shortstop in history.
3. Aaron Judge
Yankees, RF
Age: 33. | BA Grade: 80.
2024 ranking: 7. | 2023 ranking: 2.
As he embarks on his 10th season, Judge continues to push the bar higher. Since his 2016 debut, he leads…