Pittsburgh Review

The youngest player in MLB this season is Jackson Chourio, born on March 11, 2004. It highlights the increasing difficulty for older players to remain in the sport, as there are no current players who were in the Majors in 2004.

Two years ago, Michael Harris II played against Albert Pujols, who debuted the year Harris was born. This year, Rich Hill was called up by the Red Sox at age 25, a year after Chourio was born. The trend shows younger players entering MLB while older ones find it harder to stay.

However, experience and wisdom can sometimes compensate for age in baseball. This analysis identifies the best player at each age based on their "baseball age" as of June 30 this year.

20: Jackson Chourio, CF, Brewers

Chourio has made significant strides this season and is now one of the best hitters on a first-place team with Christian Yelich out for the year.

Runner-up: Jackson Holliday, 2B, Orioles

21: Jackson Merrill, CF, Padres

Merrill has been a key player for the Padres with numerous dramatic homers.

Runner-up: James Wood, CF, Nationals

22: Elly De La Cruz, SS, Reds

De La Cruz has ascended quickly despite some strike zone issues last year.

Runner-up: Paul Skenes, SP, Pirates

23: Gunnar Henderson, SS, Orioles

Henderson stands out on a strong Orioles team.

Runner-up: Julio Rodríguez, OF, Mariners

24: Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals

Witt Jr. has had an exceptional season and could be an AL MVP contender.

Runner-up: Mark Vientos, 3B, Mets

25: Juan Soto, LF Yankees

Soto continues to impress and is expected to command a significant contract soon.

Runner-up: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B Blue Jays

26: Ronald Acuña Jr., RF Braves

Despite being injured this season Acuña remains a top player.

Runner-up: Adley Rutschman C Orioles

27: Tarik Skubal SP Tigers

Skubal is likely to win his first Cy Young Award this year.

Runner-up Yordan Alvarez DH Astros

28 Dylan Cease SP Padres

Cease leads his age group amid several injuries among peers.

Runner-up Zac Gallen SP D-backs

29 Shohei Ohtani DH Dodgers

Ohtani’s selection as best player at this age was straightforward.

Runner-up Corbin Burnes SP Orioles

30 Ketel Marte 2B D-backs

Marte often underappreciated earns recognition here

Runner-up Francisco Lindor SS Mets

31 Mookie Betts RF Dodgers

Betts returns from injury just in time for playoffs

Runner up José Ramírez 3B Guardians

32 Aaron Judge CF Yankees

Judge follows one of baseball's greatest hitting seasons with another stellar performance

runner up Mike Trout CF Angels

33 Gerrit Cole SP Yankees

Cole returns strong after early-season injuries runner up Marcell Ozuna DH Braves

34 Freddie Freeman IB Dodgers only on his team could Freeman be overlooked runner up Zack Wheeler SP Phillies

35 Chris Sale SP Braves Sale’s return may finally earn him Cy Young Award runner up Miguel Rojas SS Dodgers

36 Clayton Kershaw SP Dodgers Kershaw maintains form as long as he stays active runner up JD Martinez DH Mets

37 Andrew McCutchen DH Pirates McCutchen quietly posts another above-average season runner up Kirby Yates RP Rangers

38 Carlos Santana IB Guardians Santana excels offensively and defensively leading all first basemen in Outs Above Average runner up Chris Martin RP Red Sox

39 Max Scherzer SP Rangers Scherzer’s potential return next season remains uncertain but anticipated runner up Justin Turner DH Mariners

40 Charlie Morton SP Braves Morton consistently gives his team chances to win every fifth day runner up Jesse Chavez RP Braves

41 Justin Verlander SP Astros Verlander expected to deliver vintage performances in postseason runnerup None

44 Rich Hill LHP Red Sox Hill back for his fourth stint with Red Sox ties second-most teams played for in MLB history drafted initially in1999

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