With the 2026 MLB season approaching, a new generation of young stars is already climbing toward the top of the league. Across Major League Baseball, teams are getting younger, and 2026 could be the season the MLB youth movement fully takes over.
Bobby Witt Jr. has had a stellar career in Kansas City since his MLB debut in 2022, and 2026 seems to be right on track if his performance in the WBC is anything to go by. Witt, 25, has been a cornerstone at shortstop for the United States through two games, with five hits and three stolen bases.
Although Witt’s offense has impressed, the Texas native has contributed far beyond the batter’s box for Team USA. Witt Jr. put his Gold Glove-winning defense on display during the USA’s 5-3 victory over Mexico, with a pair of standout plays that helped the team maintain the edge. Witt Jr.’s ability to impact the game offensively and defensively represents exactly what MLB wants from its next generation of stars. This is especially true since young fans will likely try to replicate his dynamic style of play long after the World Baseball Classic ends.
Given Witt’s skill at such a young age, the game of baseball has a lot to look forward to, especially for fans of the Kansas City Royals. Witt will be there for the long haul after signing an 11-year, $288 million deal in 2024, and he’ll look to help the team get back to the playoffs after failing to qualify in 2025.
Alongside Witt Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong has made quite the impact in his short time as a major leaguer. The 22-year-old delivered one of the most exciting half-seasons in baseball during 2025, earning his first MLB All-Star selection. While Crow-Armstrong saw a dip in production during the back half of 2025, the center fielder remained at the top of his game defensively, resulting in a 2025 Gold Glove award.
The Chicago Cubs’ center fielder has become known for his ability to make unreal catches in the outfield, a talent he has taken with him to the United States team during the 2026 WBC. Having a player like Crow-Armstrong is great for growth and visibility, especially considering that MLB is expected to experience a viewership spike once the season begins.
Paul Skenes has been one of MLB’s most popular young players since the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him first overall in the 2023 draft. The 2025 Cy Young winner posted a 1.97 ERA to lead all pitchers last season and has brought his talent to the United States during the WBC.
Skenes, 23, threw five scoreless innings against Team Mexico Monday, and is prepared to pitch for the USA again during the semifinals round and beyond should the team advance that far. Despite his young career, Skenes has already established himself as one of MLB’s most dominant pitchers.
A repeat Cy Young performance is certainly in the cards for Skenes as he gears up for the 2026 MLB season, and he’ll be one of the game’s most-watched players once again. The Pirates have a lot riding on 2026, with the National League Central division not being as strong as it was in years past. Fans, therefore, could be seeing Skenes play MLB postseason baseball for the first time in 2026.
With baseball steadily gaining popularity over the past few years, the 2026 season signifies an opportunity to catapult the game back into the national spotlight. One of the best ways to do so is to highlight the players fans want to watch, and the league has three perfect examples at their disposal heading into 2026.
The game is getting younger by the day, as fans have seen with the quick rises of players like Witt Jr., Crow-Armstrong, and Skenes. Leaning into that will be crucial for MLB going forward, especially with the young stars continuing to make waves ahead of the 2026 season. The buzz is there, and the league will have to take advantage of what those three players offer them before it’s too late.
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