MLB Pitchers Under 25
The Future is Bright
Starting Pitcher:
Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets (24)
It only took two years for “Thor” to take over New York City. With just 54 career starts, Syndergaard has gone 23–16 with a flashy 2.89 ERA. Batters struggle to just make contact against him, his blazing fastball helped him strike out 384 batters in only 333.2 innings pitched. However, they struggled even more to reach base, posting a .235 batting average against the 6'6 blondie. Last year was legendary for the sophomore’s standards. Syndergaard was named an All Star, ranked 4th amongst NL pitchers in strikeouts (218) and 3rd in ERA (2.60). He reportedly added 15 pounds of muscle, which means stronger pitches and outings. Watch out for this guy.
Aaron Sanchez, Toronto Blue Jays (24)
After two years of mediocrity and being stuck in the bullpen in Toronto, Aaron Sanchez finally elevated his game. This past season, Sanchez dazzled his through the MLB. With his 15–2 record, he led the American League in winning percentage (.882%), ERA (3.00) and Home Runs Per Nine Innings (.703). Sanchez’s ability to keep the ball in the park and off base (.244 opposing batting average) puts him in line to lead a team that is already prepared to contend for the playoffs.
Michael Fulmer, Detroit Tigers (23)
Last year’s American League Rookie Of The Year will try to take his game to the next level. After winning 11 games for the Detroit Tigers, Fulmer is looking to maintain his low ERA low (3.06) and his high strikeouts (132).
Julio Urías, Los Angeles Dodgers (20)
For my 16th birthday, I received MLB ’12 The Show. Julio Urías received a big fat check and an invitation to play baseball from the Los Angeles Dodgers for his Sweet Sixteen. The highly anticipated Mexican shined his way through the gloomy minor leagues. With a 12–8 record, Urias masterfully worked opposing batters. Sporting a tiny 2.66 ERA, while striking out 313 batters in 267.1 innings, Urías enjoyed the fruits of his labor. Entering the 2016 season, Urías was ranked the fourth highest minor league prospect. After three years, the Dodgers called up the 19-year old. The youngster proved that his minor league stardom was no fluke. During the 18 games Urías appeared in, he went 5–2 with an impressive 3.39 ERA. He struck out an, even more impressive, 84 batters in 81 innings. Along with arguably the greatest pitchers of all time mentoring him, Urías has the skills and tools to make a name for himself in the 2017 season.
Lance McCullers Jr., Houston Astros (23)
The 23 year old right hander is ready to break out. McCullers’ two year old career is poorly represented by a mere 12–12 record. However, a few columns to the right quickly refutes any notions that McCullers is mediocre. His 3.22 ERA and 235 strikeouts in 206.2 innings pitched perks some ears. McCullers has a nasty curveball that complements a blazing fastball. After the 2015 AL Cy Young winner’s dismal season, McCullers has an opportunity to rise up in the pitching staff. Additionally, the Houston Astros’ lineup consists of run scoring hitters that will provide McCullers with all the support needed. Similar to Urias, McCullers has the skills, talent and resources needed to lead him to a promising career.
Bullpen:
Roberto Osuna, Toronto Blue Jays (22)
In June of 2015, Roberto Osuna recorded his first career save against the Tampa Bay Rays. Neither the Toronto Blue Jays nor Osuna has looked back ever since. In only a season and a half as the Blue Jays’ everyday closer, the 22 year old Mexican has taken over the Canadian mound, shutting down opposing hitters on a consistent basis. His 56 career saves (with only nine blown saves)- have been a pleasant surprise for the Jays (in 2015, Osuna was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training with no expectations of making the MLB roster). The pressure of playing in the AL East clearly has not affected his performance. Osuna faces some of the toughest hitters routinely, and prevails. The Blue Jays are stocked with a great team and should be a playoff contending team for the next few seasons. Osuna shows no sign of slowing down so there is no reason why Osuna can not become one of the greatest closers of all time.
Edwin Diaz, Seattle Mariners (22)
On June 4th of last year, the Seattle Mariners called up Edwin Diaz. He instantly made a name for himself when he set a Mariners record by recording 11 consecutive outs via strikeouts between June 4th and July 6th. Less than a month later, Diaz replaced Steve Cishek as the Mariners’ closer and has been an unstoppable force ever since. In just 49 games, Diaz struck out 88 batters while recording up 18 saves. Starting off the 2017 season as the closer means more save (and strike out) opportunities for the 22 year old Puerto Rican.
