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In recent years, Major League Baseball has showcased an exceptional crop of talent at the shortstop position, presenting fans with an array of exciting players who are redefining the role. Among these, three young stars under 25 have emerged as some of the most significant contributors to their teams and to the league as a whole.
The talented trio includes:
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals – Age 24
Elly De La Cruz – Cincinnati Reds – Age 23
Gunnar Henderson – Baltimore Orioles – Age 23
While home runs often steal the spotlight, these shortstops bring much more to the game than just power. Each player possesses an exceptional hitting capability, consistently demonstrating their potential to achieve high batting averages, score runs, and drive in teammates. Their base running skills are equally impressive; they have the speed to steal bases with ease and the baseball instincts to excel both at the plate and in the field.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Right-Handed Hitter
Height: 6’1″, Weight: 200 lbs
Witt Jr. remains a player on the rise, still awaiting the peak of his career, as he will not turn 25 until June 2025. His understanding of the game is remarkable, showcasing both offensive and defensive skills that hint at his natural talent.
As the son of former pitcher Bobby Witt, it’s clear that baseball runs in his veins. Drafted first overall by the Kansas City Royals in 2019, Witt Jr. signed a franchise-record $7.789 million deal, a testament to the high expectations placed upon him. In just a few seasons, he has already claimed a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award in 2024, earning an All-Star nod the same year.
Last season, Witt Jr. boasted a stunning slash line of .332/.389/.588/.977, racking up 125 runs, 45 doubles, 11 triples, 32 home runs, and 109 RBIs over 709 plate appearances. He also demonstrated his speed with 31 stolen bases out of 42 attempts.
Elly De La Cruz – Switch Hitter
Height: 6’5″, Weight: 200 lbs
Possessing an athletic and flexible frame, De La Cruz stands out not only for his height but also for his remarkable versatility on the field. He has quickly gained recognition as a game-changer for the Reds, leveraging his power and speed to influence outcomes.
Signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic for just $65,000 in 2018, De La Cruz has proven to be an incredible bargain for the Reds. During his brief time in the majors, he has showcased a powerful bat and exceptional speed, becoming a serious threat on the bases.
However, a notable area for improvement is his strikeout rate, which was alarmingly high last season as he recorded 218 strikeouts. With the guidance of new manager Terry Francona, De La Cruz is expected to refine his approach at the plate.
In the last season, he recorded a .259/.339/.471/.809 batting line, with 105 runs, 36 doubles, 10 triples, 25 home runs, and 76 RBIs in 696 plate appearances. He managed to steal 67 bases in 83 attempts, showcasing his excellent base-running abilities.
Gunnar Henderson – Left-Handed Hitter
Height: 6’3″, Weight: 220 lbs
Currently recovering from an intercostal strain, Henderson’s readiness for the start of the new season is uncertain. Nonetheless, when healthy, he possesses the ability to significantly alter the dynamics of games for the Baltimore Orioles.
With a blend of power and speed, Henderson is adept at getting on base and driving in runs, equipped to hit home runs with an athletic frame that showcases his strong hands and wrists. He made his MLB debut at 21 after being drafted in the second round in 2019, where he received a $2.3 million signing bonus.
In the last season, Henderson’s performance included a .281/.364/.529/.893 batting line, with 118 runs, 31 doubles, seven triples, 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 25 attempts.
The energy and confidence exuded by Witt Jr., De La Cruz, and Henderson not only make them exciting players to watch but also highlight a promising future for the shortstop position in Major League Baseball.
Source
www.forbes.com