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There are so many prospering young players in the MLB, that it’s almost overwhelming. You have guys like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, who at the ripe ages of 23 and 22, can already do it all; then you also have guys in another spectrum. These guys are around the same age as the aforementioned superstars, but are deemed to be relatively “late bloomers” as far as the “do-it-all” talent goes. Let’s have a look at some of the young studs in baseball that could very well soon overtake Trout and Harper to become the best of the best in our nation’s finest game.
When I think “young talent”, one name immediately comes to mind: Giancarlo Stanton. Yes, the Miami Marlins’ right-fielder is still considered to be young, believe it or not. The all too powerful slugger is, after all, only 25 years-old, despite already being in his 6th major league season. He, along with several other young, talented players have attempted to make a run for the NL East title, but have repeatedly been cut short by injuries, lack of roster depth, and several other factors. It can be argued that Stanton has taken over as the team’s leader, having slugged at least 22 home runs in each of his 6 seasons with the club, and is on pace to set a career high this season, with 27 already. The reason I say that Stanton has not officially become “the best of the best” is because of his large number of strikeouts and inability to keep the ball in play. Stanton’s career low in strikeouts is 123, posted in a season in which he only played 100 games. So, when he isn’t putting balls over the fence or in gaps, he isn’t putting it anywhere. If the right-handed slugger can learn to shorten up his swing and knock a base hit when it’s convenient, then I believe that he will eventually get his batting average up past the .300 mark, eventually winning an MVP award or two.
Another name that comes to mind at the mention of a young star is the Atlanta Braves’ first baseman, Freddie Freeman. This one seems to be overlooked quite often, due to the amount of talent that surrounds him, and the fact that Freeman does not typically flaunt himself as much as other young stars have been known to do. Aside from his play, Freddie is known for his “bro hugs”, as well as his widespread likeability around the league. But back to his actual stats, you may be surprised at some of his numbers. Freeman’s power numbers are not outrageous, but they certainly get the job done, with his 162-game home run average of right at 23. This, along with his ability to drive in around 90-100 runs in a season sets him apart from most players, but, like Stanton, the strikeout numbers are just eating him alive. Freddie has struck out at least 121 times in his first four full seasons in the MLB, as well as being on pace for right at 100 this injury-bitten season. His 2013 numbers were quite impressive, batting .319 with 23 home runs and 109 RBIs, as he finished 5th in the NL MVP voting. In the years to come, if Freddie Freeman can cut back on his strikeout numbers, and amp up his power game just a bit, the left-handed slugger will become a household name, and not just for Braves fans.
Let’s head over to Pittsburgh for our third and final player analysis. Now, usually, when you think of an impact player, you think of an everyday guy who can contribute to his club’s success every day. However, not in this situation. Pittsburgh Pirates’ right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole has been stellar for the club since being called up back during the 2013 season. Cole, now 24, is currently leading the National League in wins, with 13, and has pitched to the tune of a 2.30 ERA through 18 starts this season. He’s had a close eye on him since day one, but people have been hesitant to deem him one of the faces of the league, or even the face of the Pirates’ club, due to the presence of outfielder Andrew McCutchen. But the young righty has, without a doubt, contributed to his team’s success, helping them to a wild card leading 54-39 record by losing just 3 games this season. Aside from being a great team player, going out and giving his all every 5 days, Cole has shown very impressive individual stats, such as his 4.14:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season to go along with his first career All-Star nomination. Gerrit Cole is the youngest of the three players on this list. In my opinion, he is the best of the three. With a few more seasons to follow suit to his already remarkable 2015 season, as well as a few extra accolades (Cy Young award, All-Star nominations, etc.), this young man will make his presence felt in baseball, and will soon be deemed as one of the best in the game.
I’ve almost definitely left out some huge names in baseball, but, again, these are just my personal top 3 “late bloomers”, if you will. Not to say these players haven’t already shown their worth in the big leagues, but they aren’t quite ready to be considered the best in the game. Feel free to sound off in the comments section below, and tell Couch Rider Report who YOU think will soon be one of the top talents in the league. As always, this is my original baseball perspective, from my couch to yours. Thanks for reading!
Tyler Wilson is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.