MLB is filled with young superstars that are already making themselves household names in their early 20’s.
Major League Baseball is currently blessed with an elite pool of talent that is 22 years old or younger. Legends like Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Mike Trout were all dominant that early in their careers, posting impressive numbers during their age 22 season or earlier. All of them were MLB All-Stars before the age of 22.
All of these players proved themselves at such a young age and they all have something in common; they went on to have long and prosperous careers.
Dominance at such a young age, something that used to be a rarity, is something that has become a common theme in today’s league.
Narrowing down the talented players 22 years old or younger was not easy. Here are the honorable mentions for the best hitters 22 or younger.
Ozzie Albies, 2B, ATL
Ozzie Albies falling short of the top five just illustrates how many great hitters there are that are 22 or younger.
In his already third season, Albies led the National League in hits and at-bats. He batted .295 and stole 15 bases, both 10th respectively in the NL.
The 22-year-old hit 24 home runs for the second consecutive season, while driving in 86 runs, slugging 43 doubles though 160 games.
The All-Star second baseman improved his consistency at the plate in 2019. He raised his average 34 points compared to last season while appearing at the plate 16 more times this season.
Albies has already proven to be an emerging star in this league and is one of the long-team pieces of the consecutive National League East champion Atlanta Braves, as he signed seven-year, $35 million extension prior to this season.
Vlad Guerrero Jr., 3B, TOR
As he is an honorable mention for this list in 2019, Guerrero Jr. has a strong chance to be at the top of this ranking at the end of next season.
His explosive power was on display at the 2019 Home Run Derby when he broke the record for most home runs in a derby with 91.
The 20-year-old had 126 hits, 15 home runs and 98 RBI, while batting .272. These stats are beyond impressive for somebody this young. However, Guerrero has not reached his potential yet. His development will continue as he ages, and he is going to get better and better throughout his career.
2020 will be his first full season and everybody is looking forward to seeing what kind of numbers he puts up in his age 21 season.
Fernando Tatis Jr., SS, SDP
Despite missing most of his rookie season, Tatis Jr. displayed his ability to be a five-tool player. He was swift with great range at shortstop, quick on the base paths, and hit for both power and average.
Through 84 games, the shortstop has 106 hits, 22 home runs, 53 RBI, and 16 stolen bases, while batting .317 with an OPS of .969. This was pure dominance through just over half a season.
Just like Guerrero Jr., he is 20 years old and the best has yet to come. He is far from his ceiling and has more potential to fulfill.
As San Diego searches for a new manager, they look forward to the return of Tatis Jr. and hope to make 2020 a brighter season.