2013 MLB Season Preview: Top 25 Young Players to Watch
Top 25 Young Players
The baseball season is about to start in just a matter of days, and the great thing about this is that every MLB team believes they have a chance to win the World Series. The fans for all 30 clubs also believe that their team can win as well. The reality is that there will only be eight teams out of a possible 30 that will earn this opportunity to play in the fall classic when the regular season is over.
There are some predictions as to which teams will actually make the playoffs and be able to win it all. The popular pick among experts is the Washington Nationals representing the National League. The Nationals have a good group of young players mixed with veterans, and they have a very experienced manager in Davey Johnson. The popular pick to represent the American League would be the Detroit Tigers, and they also have an experienced manager in Jim Leyland. Detroit also has the last two MVP winners in Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera. The team that has won two of the last three World Series, which is the San Francisco Giants, also has a chance to repeat.
Once the season gets underway there will be a surprise team that shocks the baseball world by how well they play this season.
There are a group of 25 young players to watch during the 2013 season that will have an impact on their team's chance of earning the opportunity to win the World Series.
Robinson Cano
The New York Yankees have one of the best second baseman in all of MLB on their roster. They will need him to be the best while Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez nurse their injuries.
Adam Jones
Adam Jones was one of the main reasons why the Baltimore Orioles were one of the surprise teams from the 2012 season, and Jones will need to continue improving for Baltimore to contend for a playoff spot.
Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria will have to stay healthy for the Tampa Bay Rays to have a successful season.
Brett Lawrie
Brett Lawrie will begin the season on the disabled list, but he is a key component for the Toronto Blue Jays this season. Lawrie has a style of play that is unmatched, and shows his emotions.
Jacoby Ellsbury
Jacoby Ellsbury possesses a rare combination of power and speed for an outfielder his size.
Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander is the ace of the Detroit Tigers pitching staff. He pitches like one each time he is on the mound, and the Tigers success this season depends on him having a great year.
Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer had a lackluster second season for the Kansas City Royals. They will need him to rebound to have success this season.
Joe Mauer
Joe Mauer is one of the best hitting catcher's in MLB, and the Minnesota Twins will need him to continue that trend this season.
Josh Reddick
Josh Reddick was one of the many reasons why the Oakland Athletics were able to surprise everyone last season and win the AL West title. They will need Reddick to continue his development as a hitter.
Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler is one of the Texas Rangers better offensive players. Kinsler last season had 67 extra-base hits, and needs to continue showing that kind of offensive prowess with the departure of Josh Hamilton.
Mike Trout
Mike Trout had one of best seasons a rookie can have last season. Trout will look to improve this season and lead the Angels to a playoff berth.
Felix Hernandez
Felix Hernandez in the offseason signed a deal that made him a Seattle Mariner for life. Felix is one of the better pitchers in the American League.
Stephen Strasburg
Stephen Strasburg will be expected to lead the Washington Nationals into the playoffs this season. Strasburg is one of the better young pitchers in all MLB.
Craig Kimbrel
Craig Kimbrel is the type of closer any team would love to have. When Kimbrel comes in the game he throws lights out, and he is one of the better young closers in MLB.
David Wright
David Wright will be the best player on the New York Mets team this season. Wright is one of the best defensive third baseman in MLB.
Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton has the type of power that most hitters would dream of. Stanton also improved his pitch recognition last season, and that means trouble for opposing teams this season.
Chase Utley
Chase Utley will need to stay healthy for the Philadelphia Phillies to have any chance of making the playoffs this season.
Brandon Phillips
Brandon Phillips is one of the better defensive second baseman in the National League. He has improved his offense over the past couple of seasons.
Matt Carpenter
Matt Carpenter is one of the better young first baseman in the NL, and he is improving as a pinch-hitter.
Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun is one of the best power-hitting outfielders in all of MLB, and he has plenty of speed to go along with that power.
Andrew McCutchen
Andrew McCutchen broke out last season and showcased all of his tools to the baseball world. He will be an MVP candidate this year and for years to come.
Chase Headley
Chase Headley was one of the better offensive third baseman last season, and led the NL in RBI with 115.
Paul Goldschmidt
Paul Goldschmidt will be the Diamondbacks main power threat this season with the departure of Justin Upton.
Clayton Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw is the Dodgers best pitcher, and a candidate for the Cy Young every year. Kershaw will be crucial to the Dodgers success this season.
Buster Posey
Buster Posey is one of the reasons why the San Francisco Giants have won the World Series twice within the last three years, and Posey is one of the better offensive catchers in MLB.
