Top 10 Players Under 25 to Build Your MLB Franchise Around

1. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks – 24 Years Old

A few short years ago, Corbin Carroll burst onto the scene with a unanimous Rookie of the Year nod and hasn’t looked back since. Even after a rocky start in 2024, he rebounded in a big way — proving that a “down year” by his standards still outpaces most big leaguers. Before a recent wrist setback, Carroll was mashing at a .255/.341/.573 clip with 20 homers, on pace to crush his career high.

Don’t let his size fool you. Carroll’s max exit velocity of 115.8 mph ranks in the top four percent of MLB hitters, and he’s already banked 3.5 fWAR this season alone. For the Arizona Diamondbacks, there’s no clearer sign of hope than Carroll patrolling the outfield for years to come. If you’re drafting a cornerstone under 25, look no further.

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9. Jacob Wilson – 23 Years Old

Drafted out of Grand Canyon University, Jacob Wilson wasn’t a national name before 2025. He’s changing that in a hurry. Only three rookies in the last four decades have racked up at least 2.9 fWAR by early June: Albert Pujols, Aaron Judge…and Jacob Wilson.

He’s batting .338 and controlling the zone like a seasoned vet — his 7.4% strikeout rate is in the top 1% across the league, paired with a 91.9% zone contact clip. Add in nine surprise homers and slick shortstop defense, and the Athletics have found their next franchise pillar — no matter where they call home next.

8. Junior Caminero – 21 Years Old

Junior Caminero didn’t need much ramp-up time to prove he belongs with the Tampa Bay Rays. After giving fans a glimpse with 43 games in 2024 (.248/.299/.424, six homers), he’s arrived with force this season.

Already at 20 bombs with a wRC+ of 127, Caminero is driving the ball harder than ever — his max exit velocity of 116.5 mph sits comfortably among MLB’s elite. The glove still needs polish, but the bat projects as a big league middle-of-the-order anchor for years. If you’re betting on raw power and youth, Caminero is the name you want.

7. Riley Greene – 24 Years Old

A season ago, Riley Greene earned his first All-Star nod and guided the Detroit Tigers back into October baseball. His 24 homers, 74 RBIs, and 4.0 fWAR set the table for what’s become an even bigger 2025.

This year, Greene has unlocked the full version of his game — hitting for average and thump with a .296/.348/.539 line. Detroit’s young star is tracking for back-to-back All-Star trips and is right in the middle of a Tigers squad that’s quietly become one of baseball’s best. After years of rebuilding blues, Comerica Park finally has a true franchise cornerstone roaming the outfield.

6. Jackson Merrill – 22 Years Old

Jackson Merrill made the leap straight out of camp in 2024 and didn’t flinch when the San Diego Padres shifted him to center field. He proved he’s more than just a shortstop, posting 11 Outs Above Average at a brand-new position while slashing .292/.326/.500 in year one.

Though injuries have cost him some reps in 2025, Merrill has kept producing when on the field — batting .294 with a sturdy 126 wRC+ through 51 games. His plate discipline is also trending upward, with a walk rate increase from 4.9% to 7.4%. Locked in with a new team-friendly extension, Merrill’s blend of defense, contact skills, and youthful upside makes him the perfect bridge piece for San Diego’s pricey veteran core.

5. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs – 23 Years Old

Pete Crow-Armstrong has flipped the script. After an empty 2023 cup of coffee and an underwhelming 2024, PCA’s 2025 season has vaulted him into elite territory. How elite? The only players age 23 or younger since 2000 to log 19+ homers and 20+ steals through 72 games: Fernando Tatis Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

PCA’s all-around game — .262 average, 21 homers, 25 steals, 3.9 fWAR, and Gold Glove-level defense (12 OAA, 11 DRS) — screams franchise cornerstone. He’s the Chicago Cubs’ present and future in center field — the blueprint of the modern five-tool star.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

4. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles – 23 Years Old

Gunnar Henderson has already shown his superstar ceiling. Last year, he mashed 37 homers with a 155 wRC+ and carried the Baltimore Orioles lineup on his back. This season’s slight power dip (.275/.347/.436, nine homers) hasn’t masked his upside — he remains one of the top shortstops in the game at just 23.

Even as Baltimore hits rough waters, Henderson’s defensive stability (5 DRS at short) and past MVP-level production make him a no-brainer building block for any club looking for a durable, two-way anchor in the infield.

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3. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds – 23 Years Old

Elly De La Cruz is baseball’s walking highlight reel. His rookie campaign teased us, but 2024 was the explosion: 25 dingers, 67 swipes, and 6.5 fWAR. Now in 2025, the Cincinnati Reds’ electric shortstop has tapped into another level — 18 homers, 57 RBIs, and real strides with his approach.

He’s cut his strikeout rate from a worrisome 31.3% to a more manageable 25.2%, all while continuing to torch baseballs with top-end exit velos north of 117 mph. The glove might still need polish, but with Elly’s rare mix of speed, pop, and swagger, he’s the kind of generational talent you build a winner around.

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2. James Wood, Washington Nationals – 22 Years Old

When James Wood debuted in 2024, flashes of superstardom were evident. Fast-forward to 2025, and the Washington Nationals have a franchise centerpiece on their hands. Wood has punished pitchers with a .283 average, 22 bombs, and a gaudy .938 OPS — fifth-best in MLB. His 56.9% hard-hit rate puts him among the league’s elite bashers.

Defensively, he’s turned a corner too, flipping negative DRS numbers to solid positives in just one year. While fans overlooked him in All-Star voting, smart franchises see exactly what he is: a complete slugger who’s only getting better.

1. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks – 24 Years Old

A few short years ago, Corbin Carroll burst onto the scene with a unanimous Rookie of the Year nod and hasn’t looked back since. Even after a rocky start in 2024, he rebounded in a big way — proving that a “down year” by his standards still outpaces most big leaguers. Before a recent wrist setback, Carroll was mashing at a .255/.341/.573 clip with 20 homers, on pace to crush his career high.

Don’t let his size fool you. Carroll’s max exit velocity of 115.8 mph ranks in the top four percent of MLB hitters, and he’s already banked 3.5 fWAR this season alone. For the Arizona Diamondbacks, there’s no clearer sign of hope than Carroll patrolling the outfield for years to come. If you’re drafting a cornerstone under 25, look no further.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.