Electric Under-25 Shortstops Set A Tone In Major League Baseball

It is difficult to remember when Major League Baseball fans were treated to so much incredible talent at the shortstop position.

To this old scout, three MLB shortstops under the age of 25 are among the most consequential players in the game.

They include:

Bobby Witt Jr.-Kansas City Royals-Age 24

Elly De La Cruz-Cincinnati Reds-Age 23

Gunnar Henderson-Baltimore Orioles-Age 23

It is one thing to be able to hit home runs. Everyone loves to watch their favorite players hit the ball out of the park.

The three shortstops listed above are far more than home run hitting power threats. Each has a superb hit tool, with the capability of hitting for a high batting average, while scoring and driving in runs.

Each of the three has the ability to steal a base, almost at will. Each has speed, but more importantly, each has outstanding baseball instincts at the plate, and in the field.

Each can hold his own at shortstop.

Bobby Witt Jr.-Bats Right Handed

6-1, 200 pounds

Witt Jr. still is not in his prime baseball productivity years. He won’t turn 25 until June 24, 2025.

Witt Jr. has a remarkable “feel” for the game, both on offense and defense.

The son of pitcher Bobby Witt, perhaps Witt’s baseball acumen is in his genes.

A former 1st round pick of the Kansas city Royals in 2019, Witt Jr., received a franchise record (at the time) $7.789 million signing bonus.

In parts of only three seasons in the big leagues, Witt Jr. won a Gold Glove in 2024, won a Silver Slugger Award in 2024, and was a 2024 All Star.

Last year, Witt Jr., hit .332/.389/.588/.977, with 125 runs scored, 45 doubles, 11 triples, 32 home runs, and 109 RBIs in 709 plate appearances. Witt Jr. stole 31 bases in 42 attempts.

Elly De La Cruz-Bats Both

6-5, 200 pounds

Tall and lean for a shortstop, De La Cruz has immense athletic ability in a lithe, flexible frame.

There is little De La Cruz can’t accomplish on a baseball field; from hitting home runs, to stealing bases, to throwing a runner out from the hole at short.

De La Cruz was signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic for just $65,000 in 2918. That turned out to be an outstanding value for the Reds.

De La Cruz has spent only parts of two seasons at the big league level, but he has already become a threat to break up a game with his loud, lightning fast bat, or his knack for stealing bases, using good speed and superb baseball instincts.

The major flaw to De La Cruz’s game is his high strikeout rate. He whiffed a massive 218 times last season. Under new manager Terry Francona, De La Cruz looks more measured and focused at the plate.

Last year, De La Cruz hit .259/.339/.471/.809, with 105 runs scored, 36 doubles, 10 triples, 25 homers, and 76 RBIs in 696 plate appearances. he stole 67 bases in 83 attempts.

Gunnar Henderson-Bats Left

6-3, 220 pounds

Currently dealing with an intercostal strain, Henderson may not be quite ready for the start of the new season.

That said, when he is on the field, Henderson changes games in an Orioles lineup that is strong enough to give him opportunities to drive in runs.

Powerful and fast, Henderson mixes his speed and power to get on base, steal, and score. He can also hit the ball out of any park with strong hands and wrists, and a very athletic frame.

In an Orioles organization loaded for years with top flight prospects, Henderson made his big league debut at the age of 21.

A 2nd round draft pick in 2019, Henderson received a $2.3 million signing bonus.

Last year, his third with Baltimore, Henderson hit .281/.364/.529/.893, with 118 runs scored, 31 doubles, seven triples, 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 25 attempts.

Each of the shortstops above exudes electricity. And confidence. And they are terrific baseball players.