By Bernie Pleskoff, Contributor.

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium. The Kansas City Royals' rising star is a part of an impressive generation of MLB shortstops that is drawing significant attention from fans and scouts alike.

Historically, the shortstop position has always attracted exceptional talent, but the current crop of players under the age of 25 may be the most remarkable yet. Among this elite group are three players poised to make a significant impact on the game: Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds, and Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles. Each of these athletes exhibits a unique blend of skill, speed, and baseball intelligence that sets them apart.

Bobby Witt Jr., at just 24 years old, has already established himself as a formidable player. Standing 6'1" and weighing 200 pounds, Witt Jr. remains on the brink of his prime baseball years, with his 25th birthday coming up on June 24, 2025. His baseball lineage is noteworthy; he is the son of former pitcher Bobby Witt. Drafted by the Royals as a first-round pick in 2019, he signed a record-setting contract at the time with a $7.789 million signing bonus. In his short career, Witt Jr. has achieved remarkable accolades including a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award in 2024, proving his prowess both offensively and defensively. Last season, he boasted an impressive batting average of .332, notching 125 runs, 45 doubles, 11 triples, 32 home runs, and 109 RBIsall while stealing 31 bases out of 42 attempts.

Elly De La Cruz is another sensational young talent, standing tall at 6'5" and weighing 200 pounds. His athleticism is palpable, and he has shown flashes of brilliance on the diamond. The Reds signed him as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2018 for a mere $65,000, a decision that has proven to be a savvy investment. Although he has only played parts of two seasons in the majors, De La Cruz has quickly become known for his explosive bat and agility on the base paths. Last season, he struggled with a substantial strikeout rate of 218, but under new manager Terry Francona, he appears to be refining his approach. In 2024, De La Cruz recorded a .259 batting average, scoring 105 runs, hitting 36 doubles, 10 triples, and 25 home runs, along with 76 RBIs. His speed was evident as he successfully stole 67 bases out of 83 attempts.

Gunnar Henderson, representing the Baltimore Orioles, is currently managing an intercostal strain, which could affect his readiness at the start of the new season. However, when healthy, the 6'3", 220-pound Henderson is a game-changer. His combination of speed and power enables him to be a consistent offensive threat. Making his big-league debut at just 21 years of age as a second-round draft pick in 2019 with a signing bonus of $2.3 million, Henderson has made significant contributions to the Orioles' lineup. Last season, he achieved a batting average of .281, scored 118 runs, hit 31 doubles, and launched 37 home runs, adding 92 RBIs and stealing 21 bases in 25 attempts.

This exciting trio of shortstops not only showcases extraordinary talent but also embodies the future of Major League Baseball. They possess the skill set, confidence, and drive that can revitalize their respective franchises and capture the hearts of fans across the league.