MLB · 10 months ago

Ranking the Top 5 Utility Players for the 2025 MLB Season

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1. Brendan Donovan – St. Louis Cardinals
2024 Stats: 153 G, .278/.342/.417, 34 2B, 14 HR, 73 RBI, 115 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
Positions Played: LF (105 G), 2B (53 G), 3B (9 G)

At the top of the list is Brendan Donovan, the definition of a Swiss Army knife in today’s MLB. Donovan ranked among the Cardinals' leaders in nearly every offensive category in 2024 while boasting elite plate discipline, including a 12.4% strikeout rate and a .278 batting average. His ability to provide solid defense in the outfield and infield, combined with his steady offensive production, makes him the most valuable utility player in the game heading into 2025.

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5. Josh Smith – Texas Rangers
2024 Stats: 149 G, .258/.337/.394, 30 2B, 13 HR, 62 RBI, 11-13 SB, 111 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR
Positions Played: 3B (83 G), SS (49 G), LF (4 G)

Josh Smith emerged as one of baseball's most versatile players in 2024, excelling in his first full season as an everyday contributor for the Texas Rangers. He raised his wRC+ by 31 points and improved his batting average to .258, showcasing a reliable bat. Smith's solid defense across multiple positions and double-digit stolen bases make him a valuable piece for Texas, solidifying his spot among the league’s best utility players.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
4. Willi Castro – Minnesota Twins
2024 Stats: 158 G, .247/.331/.385, 31 2B, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 14-23 SB, 108 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
Positions Played: SS (56 G), 2B (40 G), LF (34 G), CF (30 G), 3B (27 G)

Willi Castro has become an indispensable player for the Minnesota Twins, thriving with his ability to play five different positions. His 2024 All-Star selection came after a career year where he set personal bests in RBIs and home runs while stealing double-digit bases for the second straight season. With Minnesota’s frequent injury issues, Castro’s flexibility and above-average offense have made him one of the most reliable utility players in MLB.

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3. Ha-Seong Kim – Free Agent
2024 Stats: 121 G, .233/.330/.370, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 22-27 SB, 101 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR
Positions Played: SS (121 G)

Though Ha-Seong Kim played exclusively at shortstop in 2024, his impending free agency likely means a return to a utility role. Kim is an elite contact hitter with a disciplined approach at the plate, ranking in the 98th percentile in chase rate and 96th in walk rate. His defense, combined with the ability to swipe over 20 bases, makes him a coveted addition for any team in need of a versatile infielder.

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2. Matt McLain – Cincinnati Reds
2023 Stats: 89 G, .290/.357/.507, 23 2B, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 14-19 SB, 127 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
Positions Played: SS (53 G), 2B (37 G)

After missing all of 2024 due to shoulder surgery, Matt McLain is poised for a comeback season in 2025. His 2023 rookie campaign was exceptional, with a .290 average and .864 OPS that ranked ahead of stars like Rafael Devers and Julio Rodríguez. With power potential and defensive versatility, McLain could thrive alongside Elly De La Cruz, giving the Reds a dynamic duo up the middle.

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1. Brendan Donovan – St. Louis Cardinals
2024 Stats: 153 G, .278/.342/.417, 34 2B, 14 HR, 73 RBI, 115 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
Positions Played: LF (105 G), 2B (53 G), 3B (9 G)

At the top of the list is Brendan Donovan, the definition of a Swiss Army knife in today’s MLB. Donovan ranked among the Cardinals' leaders in nearly every offensive category in 2024 while boasting elite plate discipline, including a 12.4% strikeout rate and a .278 batting average. His ability to provide solid defense in the outfield and infield, combined with his steady offensive production, makes him the most valuable utility player in the game heading into 2025.

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5. Josh Smith – Texas Rangers
2024 Stats: 149 G, .258/.337/.394, 30 2B, 13 HR, 62 RBI, 11-13 SB, 111 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR
Positions Played: 3B (83 G), SS (49 G), LF (4 G)

Josh Smith emerged as one of baseball's most versatile players in 2024, excelling in his first full season as an everyday contributor for the Texas Rangers. He raised his wRC+ by 31 points and improved his batting average to .258, showcasing a reliable bat. Smith's solid defense across multiple positions and double-digit stolen bases make him a valuable piece for Texas, solidifying his spot among the league’s best utility players.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

Ranking the Top 5 Utility Players for the 2025 MLB Season

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