Breakout Stars: Young MLB Players Dominating the 2025 Season

By Oliver Wiener June 20, 2025 07:02

The 2025 MLB season is witnessing a surge of young talent making significant impacts across the league. These breakout stars, mostly 25 years old or younger, are not only boosting their teams’ playoff hopes but also staking claims as future faces of the sport. From potent bats to dynamic speed and improved defense, these players are reshaping the narrative of baseball’s next generation.

Jonathan Aranda: Tampa Bay’s Offensive Catalyst

Jonathan Aranda, the 24-year-old first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been one of the most impressive young hitters this season. Batting .317 with five home runs and a .971 OPS through early May, Aranda’s offensive leap is notable his OPS is more than 200 points higher than any previous MLB season. His ability to handle breaking pitches (.435 batting average against) and dominate right-handed pitching (1.066 OPS) has made him the Rays’ only regular hitter with an OPS above .800. According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, Aranda’s quality of contact metrics rank him second in MLB behind only Shohei Ohtani in hard-hit rate, underscoring his elite bat speed and power potential.

Victor Scott II: Speed and Defense for the Cardinals

Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II has transformed his game from a defensive specialist to a genuine offensive threat. After hitting just .179 in 2024, Scott is now batting .289 with a .772 OPS, while stealing 11 bases thanks to his blazing 30.0 ft/sec sprint speed, tied for third fastest in MLB. His improved plate discipline, including a significantly higher walk rate, and ability to crush fastballs (.373 average) have contributed to a 1.2 WAR this season, second only to Brendan Donovan on the Cardinals.

Brice Turang: Milwaukee’s Emerging Offensive Weapon

Entering his third MLB season, second baseman Brice Turang is showcasing a revamped offensive approach. After struggling with a .239 average in his first two seasons, Turang is batting .318 with three home runs and eight steals in 2025. His hard-hit rate and barrel rate have jumped dramatically, placing him in the 48th and 71st percentiles respectively, compared to bottom-tier rankings last year. This increase in exit velocity by 5.4 mph signals a newfound power and consistency that has made him one of Milwaukee’s key offensive contributors.

Parker Meadows: Detroit’s Center Field Star in the Making

Parker Meadows has flipped the switch after a difficult 2024 start, emerging as a vital piece for the Detroit Tigers. Standing 6-foot-5 with a lean frame, Meadows refined his swing mechanics, resulting in a .296/.340/.500 slash line after his August 2024 call-up. His game-breaking defense in center field complements his offensive upside, making him a potential all-around star. Analysts predict a breakout season featuring 25 home runs, a .350 on-base percentage, and highlight-reel defensive plays.

Other Notable Breakouts

Several other young players have made waves, including:

Luis Garcia Jr. (Washington Nationals): Combining speed and contact hitting, Garcia has nine stolen bases and a batting average north of .300.
Ivan Herrera (St. Louis Cardinals): A catcher showing offensive growth and defensive reliability.
Pete Crow-Armstrong (Chicago Cubs): A highly touted outfielder making steady progress.

These players exemplify the blend of youth, talent, and opportunity fueling the 2025 season’s excitement.

Impact on Teams and the Future

The emergence of these young stars is critical for their teams’ postseason aspirations. As MLB.com notes, when young hitters adjust to major-league pitching and find offensive consistency, they can power clubs deep into October or even to World Series glory. Tampa Bay’s Aranda, Milwaukee’s Turang, and Detroit’s Meadows are prime examples of players whose development could tilt playoff races in their teams’ favor.

The 2025 MLB season is proving to be a breakout year for a cadre of young players who combine power, speed, and improved plate discipline. Jonathan Aranda’s elite contact skills, Victor Scott II’s speed and defense, and Brice Turang’s power surge highlight the diverse ways these stars are impacting the game. As the season progresses, these players are not only making names for themselves but also shaping the future of Major League Baseball.