2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #35 - #31

#35: Kirby Yates, Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kirby Yates continues to defy age and expectations as one of baseball's premier relief pitchers. At 38, the Hawaii native has found a new home with the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a one-year, $13 million contract in January 2025.

Yates is coming off an exceptional 2024 season with the Texas Rangers where he posted a remarkable 1.17 ERA with 33 saves and 85 strikeouts in 61⅔ innings, earning his second career All-Star selection and All-MLB Second Team honors.

The right-hander's career has been defined by resilience. After going undrafted and starting in the independent leagues, Yates has overcome multiple injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries. His arsenal features a devastating splitter that has become his signature pitch and helped him achieve success later in his career.

As the Dodgers' current closer, Yates brings veteran leadership and elite ninth-inning reliability to a team with championship aspirations. His ability to miss bats while limiting walks makes him one of the most efficient relievers in baseball, even as he approaches 40.

#34: Manny Machado, Third Baseman, San Diego Padres

Entering his 14th MLB season, Manny Machado remains one of baseball's most complete infielders. The 32-year-old cornerstone of the San Diego Padres continues to produce at an elite level both offensively and defensively.

Machado is coming off another strong season in 2024, batting .263 with 29 home runs and 105 RBIs while earning his second career Silver Slugger Award. His consistent production helped lead the Padres to postseason success.

What sets Machado apart is his combination of power and defensive excellence. A six-time All-Star with two Gold Gloves, Machado's arm strength and range at third base often draw comparisons to Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson. His ability to make difficult plays look routine has been a hallmark of his career.

Machado's leadership role has grown since signing his first massive contract with San Diego in 2019, which was extended in 2023 to keep him with the Padres through 2033. As the franchise's all-time home run leader and a cornerstone of their lineup, Machado's importance to the team goes beyond statistics.

#33: Emmanuel Clase, Pitcher, Cleveland Guardians

Emmanuel Clase has established himself as baseball's most dominant closer. The 27-year-old fireballer for the Cleveland Guardians led the American League in saves for the third consecutive season in 2024 and earned his second AL Reliever of the Year Award.

Clase's success comes from his signature pitch - a cutter that consistently reaches 100 mph with exceptional movement and precision. This devastating offering, combined with a low-90s slider, has made him nearly unhittable during the regular season, where he posted a microscopic 0.61 ERA in 2024.

Since becoming Cleveland's closer in 2021, Clase has been selected to three consecutive All-Star teams. In 2024, he surpassed Cody Allen to become the Guardians' all-time saves leader with over 160 career saves.

Clase's ability to throw high-velocity pitches with pinpoint control (just 1.6 walks per 9 innings) sets him apart from other hard-throwing relievers. Despite some playoff struggles in 2024, Clase's regular season dominance cements his place among baseball's elite arms.

#32: Corbin Burnes, Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks

Corbin Burnes begins a new chapter of his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks after signing a massive six-year, $210 million contract in December 2024. The 30-year-old right-hander arrives in the desert after a stellar single season with the Baltimore Orioles.

Burnes continued his excellence in 2024, posting a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 194⅓ innings. This performance earned him his fourth consecutive All-Star selection and All-MLB First Team honors.

The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner has developed into one of baseball's most complete starters. After virtually abandoning his four-seam fastball in favor of his cutter, Burnes now features six effective pitches, including a newly developed second curveball unveiled in 2024.

Known for his analytical approach and ability to adapt, Burnes gives the Diamondbacks a true ace at the top of their rotation. His durability and consistency (he's made at least 32 starts in each of the past three seasons) make him one of the most reliable frontline starters in the game.

#31: Jackson Merrill, Center Fielder, San Diego Padres

The meteoric rise of Jackson Merrill has been one of baseball's most exciting storylines. At just 21 years old, the San Diego Padres center fielder has quickly established himself as one of the sport's brightest young stars after making his MLB debut in 2024.

Originally drafted as a shortstop with the 27th overall pick in 2021, Merrill's transition to the outfield has been seamless. His rookie season exceeded all expectations as he earned an All-Star selection, becoming the first rookie in Padres history to make the Midsummer Classic. His performance also earned him All-MLB Second Team honors and a Silver Slugger Award.

Merrill's left-handed swing combines natural power with impressive bat control, allowing him to hit for both average and power. Defensively, his athleticism and arm strength have made him a natural fit in center field despite being relatively new to the position.

The Padres recognized Merrill's immense potential by signing him to a 9-year, $135 million extension in April 2025. With his combination of youth, talent, and potential for further growth, Merrill represents the future of the franchise and appears poised to climb even higher on future editions of this list.