ESPN MLB Insider Kiley McDaniel has released a detailed ranking of the best baseball players for each age from 16 to 25, offering a fresh perspective on the sport’s talent as the 2026 season approaches. Published on January 7, 2026, and widely reported by outlets like ABC7 New York within the last 24 hours, this birth-year-based analysis tracks player development across all levels, from established major leaguers to promising amateurs.
The ranking spans birth years from 2000 to 2009, starting with 25-year-old stars Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez, who retain their top spots due to consistent elite performance. Following them are players like Corbin Carroll and Riley Greene, with McDaniel noting the stability in this age group, though recent breakouts such as Bryan Woo and Maikel Garcia have earned places. For 24-year-olds, Gunnar Henderson leads, while Zach Neto and Wyatt Langford show significant upward movement, reflecting their growing impact in the majors.
In the 23-year-old category, pitcher Paul Skenes remains the standout, closely trailed by dynamic shortstop Elly De La Cruz, both of whom have already become key contributors for their teams. Younger age groups highlight rising prospects: Junior Caminero (22) and Roman Anthony (21) have impressed with strong big-league debuts, while Colt Emerson (20) and Konnor Griffin (19) top their respective lists, signaling bright futures. McDaniel emphasizes that these rankings help blend evaluations of players from diverse backgrounds, including international signees and college standouts.
Methodologically, McDaniel consulted sources worldwide, from scouts in Latin America to analysts in Asia, ensuring a comprehensive view. This approach is timely with the MLB international signing period starting January 15 and the draft season looming, providing teams and fans with crucial insights for roster planning. The ranking also reveals trends, such as the relative consistency among older players contrasted with the volatility of teenagers, where performances can shift rapidly due to development stages.
Notable inclusions extend to amateur talents like Grady Emerson (17) and Alfredo Sena (16), who represent the next wave of stars. McDaniel points out that players on the cusp, such as Matt Shaw or Chase DeLauter, could break into future lists with strong 2026 showings. The coverage by multiple reliable outlets, including ABC7 New York, underscores the ranking’s relevance and timeliness in current baseball discourse.
For MLB organizations, these insights are invaluable for strategic decisions, from trade negotiations to prospect promotions. Fans benefit by gaining a clearer understanding of which young players to monitor as they climb the ranks. As the 2026 season progresses, McDaniel plans periodic updates to track evolutions, making this ranking a dynamic tool for assessing baseball’s future landscape.
In summary, this ranking not only celebrates current excellence but also forecasts the emerging talents poised to shape the sport, serving as an essential resource for scouts, teams, and enthusiasts alike.
