MLB Rank 2025: Breaking Down the Hits and Misses

ESPN's annual ranking of the top 100 MLB players for the 2025 season has arrived, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. Our panel of experts - Bradford Doolittle, Kiley McDaniel, Buster Olney, Jeff Passan, and David Schoenfield - dive deep into the list to identify where we nailed it and where we missed the mark.

Biggest Surprises on This Year's List

David Schoenfield questions the decision to rank Mookie Betts above Aaron Judge: "Even acknowledging that voting occurred before Betts' illness, this doesn't add up. Judge just had the greatest season ever for a right-handed batter and has eclipsed 10 WAR in two of the past three seasons. Judge should arguably be No. 1 - certainly not fourth."

Buster Olney points to the overemphasis on potential: "We seemed to buy into expectations rather than accomplishments. Ranking Roki Sasaki ahead of proven pitchers like Jacob deGrom before he's even completed four MLB innings is bonkers. But as fans, we get excited about potential too."

Most Notable Snubs

Jeff Passan on Sonny Gray's omission: "The lack of respect for Sonny Gray is inexplicable. After striking out 203 against just 39 walks in 166 innings, he doesn't make the list? By season's end, he'll have logged more innings with better stats than many listed pitchers."

Olney makes the case for Eugenio Suarez: "With nearly 300 career homers and consistent performance, Suarez has been undervalued despite his 116 OPS+ last season and six 150-game seasons since 2014. Front offices clearly value him - three teams have targeted him during his $80 million career."

Underrated and Overrated Players

Kiley McDaniel highlights breakout pitchers: "Bryce Miller and Cristopher Sanchez combine solid performance with improved traits that could make them frontline starters. Sanchez's velocity bump could increase strikeouts, while Miller has refined his cutter - one of seven pitches."

Passan on Cal Raleigh's underappreciation: "Raleigh is arguably baseball's best catcher yet trails Adley Rutschman by 50+ spots. Coming off a Platinum Glove season with 34 HRs and 100 RBIs, this switch-hitting defensive standout deserves higher recognition."

Future Stars to Watch

Passan predicts Junior Caminero's rise: "Caminero could debut as a top-25 player in his first full Rays season. His power, plate discipline, and swing decisions make him a key to Tampa's AL East contention."

McDaniel spots emerging talent: "Roman Anthony will likely be called up soon by the Red Sox. His hitting and defensive skills could immediately place him among baseball's best young players."

Predictions for 2028's Top Five

Olney forecasts "The Jacksons" - Merrill and Chourio - joining Ohtani, Witt Jr., and Soto in the top five by 2028.

Doolittle on Soto's enduring excellence: "Soto controls plate appearances like no one I've seen. Even as a full-time DH, he's a top-five player now and will be in 2028, potentially sparking all-time hitter debates."

[Related: MLB Breakout Candidates for 2025 | Top 10 Position Players | Fantasy Baseball Signup]