Everyone loves a good list, right? Well, the Black Baseball Mixtape (BBM) is no different. We love to debate a great list. Debate is our thing. This is your window into the Black baseball barbershop conversation. For those who live it: You already know what it is.
Who is the greatest MCs of all time: Jay-Z, BIG, Nas, Kendrick, Drake, Black Thought? There are no wrong answers — just be prepared to stand by your word.
What is the best TV series: The Wire, Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, Vanderpump Rules? (Okay, I added that last one ). Who is the best baseball player of all time: Mays, Bonds, Paige, Trout, Shohei?
You get the point: WE LOVE THE DEBATE LIST!
This list informs you about the best young African-American players in baseball: 24 years old and younger. This list is not for prospects. Therefore you will not see names like Druw Jones, Temarr Johnson, or Elijah Green — all of which will be on this list one day. This list is for those in The Show or right on the cusp. So, let’s get it going.
#1 Michael Harris, OF, Braves, 22 (Reigning NL Rooke of the Year). Family, Full transparency: When I originally posted this list, I completely missed Harris. Michael Harris is clearly number #1. He is almost in a category by himself — which allowed him to be overlooked. But, no excuse: as Day-Day famously said in the cinematic masterpiece Friday After Next, “Players F-up.” Harris has to top this list. The 22 year-old ATLien has been hobbled by injury this season. He is batting 216/335/495 in 51 at bats (16 games). He’s hit 1 home run and 4 RBIs. He has also stolen 4 bases. But that is not really the story with Harris. He busted on the scene last year from AA and batted 297/339/514 with 19 HRs, 64 RBIs, and 20 SBs. He is a plus defender in centerfield; often making spectacular plays. And the Braves locked him up long-term with an 8 year / $72,000,000 contract. Harris is truly HIM.
#2. Hunter Greene, P, Reds, 23. It’s almost too easy for Greene to be at the top of this list. The 2023 opening-day starter has logged 32.2 innings in 7 starts, 47 Ks, and an ERA of 3.92. His 0-2 record doesn’t tell the story of his early season. The Reds are fully invested in Greene. They inked him to a massive six-year contract extension worth over $50 million. Greene’s $53 million contract is guaranteed through the 2028 season and includes a $21 million club option, with a $2 million buyout for 2029. Greene is becoming the total package on and off the field. He is starting to gain attention for his charitable work with young Black players nationwide.
#3. CJ Abrams, SS, Nationals, 22. At just 22, Abrams has played in 35 games this season. He is batting 241/OBP 296/SLG 362. He has 2 homers, 13 runs, 17 RBIs, and 4 SBs. His defense was touted to be much improved, but it remains a challenge. CJ has already logged in 8 errors. But the Nationals (16-21, last in the NL East) are not looking to win now. They want to develop players like Abrams, Jojo Gray, and MacKenzie Gore, so the Nats are letting the young boys cook. CJ has the potential to be a base-stealing star. And with the new throw-over limit, the sky is the limit — if he can get on base enough.
#4. Akil Baddoo, OF, Tigers, 24. This week, Akil became a viral sensation when he got hit — where no person wants to get hit — on a base-stealing attempt. He is batting 254/OBP 346/SLG 310 in 24 games (71 ABs). He has yet to homer, but has scored 9 runs with 2 RBIs, and 3 SBs, for the surprising (17-19) Tigers. Baddoo is starting to show what made him a highly sought-after prospect: plus speed and outfield versatility on a quality team.
#5. Taj Bradley, P, Rays (AAA), 22. Taj is must-watch TV. I haven’t been this excited about a young Black-American pitcher taking the bump since Doc Gooden in the 80s. The kid has all the tools and has shown well in his three starts. He is 3-0 — 15.1 IP, 23Ks, only 2 BB (walks), and a 3.52 ERA. The Rays sent him back to AAA to work in a 5-day pitching rotation, but he will return soon. Please believe.
#6. Jordan Walker, OF/3B, Cardinals, 20. If you follow the BBM YouTube page (Click Here), you can watch my comments and hear my questions about Jordan Walker. He is a hot topic. The 20-year-old rookie made major waves when he was named to the Cardinals’ opening-day 40-man roster. He started hot with a 12-game hitting streak, but struggled after. The Cards optioned him down to Memphis (AAA) to work on his swing and exit velocity. The move allows him to play every day. This move caused a stir because the Cards are trash right now. They are 13-24: one of the worst teams in baseball. Walker batted 274, with 2 HRs, 11 RBIs, and 2 SB. Needless to say, he will be back soon.
Those are my top 5 Black players to watch — under 25. I have an important note: Royce Lewis, 23, SS, Twins, will undoubtedly be on this list — but he is not entirely healthy. He is scheduled to come back around June 1st. He has torn two ACLs in 15 months. The report is that he is ahead of schedule and scheduled to play rehab games real soon.
Other honorable mention players for list consideration:
Austin Martin, 24, IF/OF, Twins
Justyn-Henry Malloy, 23, 3B, Tigers (AAA)
Xavier Edwards, 23, 2B, Marlins
Brennen Davis, 23, OF, Cubs (AAA)
Masyn Winn, 21, SS, Cardinals (AAA)
Lawrence Butler, 22, 1B, OF, A’s (AA)
