At just 23 years old, Paul Skenes has firmly established himself as the premier pitcher in the National League by capturing the NL Cy Young Award in his first full Major League season. Over 32 starts and 187.2 innings pitched, Skenes posted a remarkable 1.97 ERA, baffling hitters every fifth game. His combination of elite velocity, diverse offspeed pitches, and pinpoint command has elevated him into a true superstar status, embodying the future face of baseball’s next generation.
While Skenes currently stands far above his peers under 25, several talented young players across the league are showing promise and could mount challenges in the years ahead. The competition for the title of the top under-25 talent is intense, even if none have yet reached Skenes’ extraordinary level. Below, we examine the most compelling candidates primed to bat for that crown in the current MLB season.
Emerging Power Hitters and Positional Challenges
At first base, Bryce Eldridge’s late-season debut with the San Francisco Giants hinted at his underlying potential despite a disappointing .107 batting average. His 68.8% hard-hit rate and a Triple-A OPS of .836 signal a strong offensive future. Positional competition complicates his path, especially with Rafael Devers entrenched at first and a crowded outfield limiting playing time. Eldridge’s 21 years and 70-grade power could maintain his value, potentially as a designated hitter as he hones his approach and plate discipline.
Breakout Pitchers Making Their Mark
Trey Yesavage, a right-handed pitcher, made an immediate impact late last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, playing a vital role in their deep playoff run. Using deceptive mechanics and an array of pitches like a sharp slider and splitter, Yesavage disrupted hitters consistently, though he still needs to refine his command. While surpassing Skenes right now seems unlikely, Yesavage has inserted himself into conversations as a potential future Cy Young contender in the National League.
Versatile Middle Infielders Ready for Big Roles
With his disciplined approach and well-rounded skillset, 23-year-old JJ Wetherholt looks poised to break into the St. Louis Cardinals’ major league lineup, although service time manipulation could delay his full-time role. Transitioning from shortstop to second base to accommodate Masyn Winn will not diminish Wetherholt’s value significantly, as he projects to remain a high-impact defender with promising power-speed upside.
Physical Tools and Power Potential in the Outfield
James Wood, an imposing 6-foot-7 outfielder, cruised under the radar with the struggling Washington Nationals but showed immense raw power potential despite leading the league in strikeouts. Wood’s bat speed is elite, generating exceptional exit velocities, yet his defensive struggles and need for improved plate discipline suggest a likely future as a designated hitter. His MVP upside remains tantalizing if Washington’s fortunes improve.
Third Base Talent With Emerging Strength
Junior Caminero impressed significantly in his third MLB season, benefiting from hitter-friendly ballparks but still showcasing advanced power numbers, disciplined plate work, and quick bat speed. While his defensive and baserunning capabilities are limited, he appears capable of securing a lasting role at third base, offering valuable offensive production for Tampa.
Speed and Defense Highlight Wyatt Langford
In Arlington, Wyatt Langford has developed into a foundational player for the Texas Rangers beside Corey Seager. Despite lacking elite raw power, Langford’s blend of speed, skill, patience at the plate, and Gold Glove-level defense in left field provide strong five-tool potential. With further development, he could join the 30-30 home run and stolen base club, making him a critical component for the Rangers’ future.
Promising Young Infielders Awaiting Major League Breakthrough
Detroit Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle faces uncertainty around whether he will open the season as the starting shortstop despite only reaching Double-A. At 21, he boasts a textbook swing generating notable power, combined with plate discipline and the potential to contribute at shortstop or third base. His offensive ceiling stands head and shoulders above most Tigers infielders, making him a key figure to watch in the season ahead.
Raw Athleticism Meets Steep Defensive Learning Curve
Elly De La Cruz emerged as an electrifying talent for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023, using his rare combination of 6-foot-5 size, exceptional speed, and strong arm to impact the game. Though defensively raw and leading the majors in errors, his potential to achieve Gold Glove-level performance remains if he refines his fundamentals. Offensively, De La Cruz’s aggressive approach yields significant power and base-stealing upside, projecting to be a game-changer in the near future.
Rising Pitchers with Advanced Repertoires
Mets rookie Nolan McLean quickly took on the mantle of ace for New York despite a team in decline. His sinker’s heavy movement sets up a devastating combination of curveball and slider that consistently frustrate hitters. McLean’s first spring start showed promise with four scoreless innings of nearly flawless pitching. At 24, he is among the few who could realistically challenge Skenes for NL pitching supremacy in coming seasons thanks to his poise and command.
Outfielders Blending Speed, Defense, and Power Potential
Pete Crow-Armstrong, known as PCA, dazzled early last season, joining the 30-30 club by his second MLB campaign and earning praise as one of the best defensive center fielders in the league. Despite a late-season slump, his all-around five-tool skill set and youth suggest a trajectory toward MVP consideration. If he harnesses patience at the plate and earns full managerial trust, PCA could elevate his team’s competitiveness substantially.
First Base Sluggers with Impact Potential
Nick Kurtz stormed into the majors midseason and quickly established himself as a dominant offensive force, ranking alongside the likes of Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh in rookie production. Though limited defensively and not a speed threat on the bases, Kurtz’s power and on-base ability compel pitchers to approach him cautiously. Sustaining this production will be crucial if he is to remain near the top of the NL’s ascending young stars.
Rookie Outfielders Showing All-Around Skill
Roman Anthony’s promising rookie season was cut short by injury, derailing Boston’s championship aspirations. Nonetheless, he fulfilled his potential by hitting for both average and power while exhibiting impressive exit velocities and in-depth plate discipline. Anthony’s defensive prowess in right field and ability to serve as a leadoff hitter showcase his versatility and emerging MVP candidacy heading into a healthy 2026 season.
Shortstop with a Complete Skill Set Set to Rebound
Gunnar Henderson, despite battling a shoulder impingement last year, remains an elite talent at shortstop with five-tool skills and a smart, adaptable offensive approach. His ability to generate power to all fields and speed places him on a clear 30-30 trajectory when fully healthy. Even during an off-year, Henderson ranked comfortably above peers, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone for Baltimore’s lineup.
Teenage Shortstop with Rare Athleticism and Potential
Konnor Griffin could make history as Pittsburgh’s Opening Day starting shortstop, the first teenager to do so since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989. After a rollercoaster climb through the minors, Griffin showcased power and speed with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases across three levels, backed by the athleticism of a former wide receiver. While he will require patience to fully refine his game, Griffith is considered perhaps the best prospect to rival current leaders like Skenes for under-25 supremacy in the near future.
Why Paul Skenes Remains the Standard to Beat
Paul Skenes’ 2025 season set an extraordinary benchmark for young pitchers with a WHIP under 1.00 and a steadfast 1.97 ERA across nearly 190 innings. His ability to consistently reach triple digits on the radar gun combined with exceptional offspeed offerings distinguishes him from all others, including Detroit’s Tarik Skubal as his closest peer. The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken active steps in the offseason to complement Skenes with a competitive supporting roster, underscoring the team’s belief in his ability to anchor their pitching staff for years.
While a deep pool of gifted young players is rising through the system, the sheer dominance and maturity Skenes has demonstrated at only 23 years old create a daunting barrier. Challengers abound, many with tantalizing tools and future potential, but none have yet matched Skenes’ rare blend of durability, command, and overpowering stuff. In the intense and demanding landscape of Major League pitching, it will take an extraordinary effort for anyone to dethrone Paul Skenes’ NL Cy Young reign anytime soon.
