MLB
Top 5 MLB Franchise Cornerstones Entering 2025
See why these 5 MLB franchise cornerstones entering 2025 are shaping baseball’s future ft. Bobby Witt Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and more!
Sports Illustrated
As Major League Baseball looks ahead to the 2025 season, the league’s brightest young stars are taking center stage as the top MLB franchise cornerstones. These players, all aged 25 or younger as of January 1, 2025, represent the future of the sport.
These stars combine elite talent in the present with the potential to lead their teams for the next decade. In a league where building a sustainable contender is more critical than ever, players like Bobby Witt Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Paul Skenes embody what it takes to be the foundation of a winning organization.
Teams today are investing heavily in youth, recognizing the value of long-term contributors who excel on both sides of the ball. These players bring a unique combination of power, athleticism, and leadership to their franchises. From an electrifying combination of speed and power to refined hitting prowess, and pitching dominance, each of these stars have already begun making their mark.
As the league evolves, the ability to identify and develop cornerstone talent has become a key ingredient for sustained success. These f ive players are not only future All-Stars but also leaders who can transform their franchises into perennial contenders, making them the perfect building blocks for the next decade.
HONORABLE MENTION: Fernando Tatis Jr., Riley Greene, Hunter Greene, James Wood.
– Kansas City Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr. combines elite speed and power, making him a rare five-tool talent in MLB.
– Witt came in the clutch consistently during his third big league campaign to elevate the Royals into playoff contention well before they were expected to arrive on the scene.
– At just 24 years old, Witt’s athleticism and strong defensive skills at shortstop anchor the Royals’ infield.
– His leadership and consistent improvement position him as the face of the Royals’ rebuild and future playoff pushes.
What is Bobby Witt Jr.’s ceiling?
“I don’t know if he has a ceiling… he’s the best all-around player in our game.” – Ron Darling@Royals | @officialBBWAA pic.twitter.com/1JerhFh5Rd
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 15, 2024
– Toronto Blue Jays 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is an offensive juggernaut with elite contact and power-hitting ability.
– A two-time Silver Slugger winner, Vladdy consistently ranks among league leaders in RBIs and OPS.
– At 25, his maturity at the plate and ability to deliver in clutch moments solidify his role as a franchise cornerstone.
– As the leader of Toronto’s young core, Guerrero Jr. is key to their pursuit of perennial playoff contention.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s career resume:
– 2021 All-Star & ASG MVP
– 2021 Silver Slugger & 2nd in AL MVP
– 2021 MLB HR (t-48), Runs (123), & TB (363) leader
– 2021 AL OBP (.401)/SLG (.601)/OPS (1.002) leader
– Most HR in HR Derby (91) & 1 round (40) everpic.twitter.com/SwBXqtTbXE— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 2, 2022
– Cincinnati Reds SS/3B Elly De La Cruz is a switch-hitting phenom with unmatched athleticism and raw talent.
– His 65+ stolen bases and 30+ home run potential make him a game-changer at the plate and once he inevitably reaches on base.
– At just 22 years old, his arm strength and defensive versatility add another dimension to his value.
– De La Cruz is a transformational player capable of elevating the Reds into consistent contenders.
Here’s the entire Elly De La Cruz sequence:
⚡ RBI Single
⚡ Steals 2nd
⚡ Steals 3rd
⚡ Steals HomeUnreal. 👽 #Reds #EDLC pic.twitter.com/PbsMumF6zT
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) July 8, 2023
– Pittsburgh Pirates SP Paul Skenes is a generational pitching talent with a triple-digit fastball and elite command.
– The 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Skenes dominated in the minors and became a Cy Young candidate right out the gate in 2024.
– His size, durability, and refined pitching arsenal position him as a top-tier starter in MLB.
– Not many Pitchers are top-tier franchise cornerstones but the 22-year-old Skenes provides the Pirates with a foundation to build a championship-caliber rotation around.
Paul Skenes has 46 K’s in 33.1 IP to start his big league career ⛽️
MLB’s top pitching prospect earns a standing ovation in St. Louis after his latest gem for the @Pirates:
6.1 IP
5 H
0 R
0 BB
8 K pic.twitter.com/1Do67wSIZY— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 12, 2024
– Baltimore Orioles INF Gunnar Henderson combines power, contact, and versatility, excelling at both 3B and SS.
– Henderson has demonstrated his ability to hit for average and power against top-tier pitching while being a real threat on the base paths as well.
– At 23, his advanced approach at the plate and reliable defense make him a cornerstone of Baltimore’s youth movement.
– Henderson’s presence in the lineup fuels the Orioles’ ascent to long-term success in a competitive AL East.
Gunnar Henderson leads it off for the @Orioles with his 34th home run of the season. 💪 pic.twitter.com/JMMa1N9Ir9
— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2024
If you love sports, please take a second to help Pro Sports Outlook continue to grow:
– Share this MLB franchise cornerstone rankings to Twitter and other platforms
– Click FOLLOW for high-quality sports content delivered to your email or your platform of choice
– Follow @PSO_Sports on Twitter & Instagram | Pro Sports Outlook on YouTube, Facebook, & LinkedIn
– Get 10% off canvases & posters on TheDesignStation.com: Code PSO10 at check out
