Ranking Youngest MLB Players in 2023

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St. Louis Cardinals' Jordan Walker singles during the second inning of an opening day baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday, March 30, 2023, in St. Louis.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Rachael Millanta @rachaelmillanta Apr 03, 2023, 7:43 PM
  • Jordan Walker is the youngest active MLB player in the 2023 season.
  • Walker is 20 years old and plays for the St. Louis Cardinals.

The average age of active players across the MLB in 2023 is around 27, but as of Opening Day, there are 14 active players aged 22 or younger. In fact, the league’s youngest player, Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals, is already at the plate at just 20 years old.

The youngest player in MLB history was Joe Nuxhall, who debuted in the MLB for the Cincinnati Reds on June 10, 1944, at 15 years of age. Nuxhall’s extremely early major league selection was the exception rather than the rule, but there are still plenty of players proving that sometimes career success comes sooner rather than later.

*Note, all ages are as of 2023 Opening Day.

Ranking Youngest MLB Players in 2023

PLAYERTEAMAGE
Jordan WalkerSt. Louis Cardinals20
Ezequiel TovarColorado Rockies21
Gunnar HendersonBaltimore Orioles21
Anthony VolpeNew York Yankees21
Michael Harris IIAtlanta Braves22
Wander FrancoTampa Bay Rays22
Julio RodríguezSeattle Mariners22
C.J. AbramsWashington Nationals22
Riley GreeneDetroit Tigers22
Corbin CarrollArizona Diamondbacks22
Bobby Witt Jr.Kansas City Royals22
Luis GarciaWashington Nationals22
Nolan Gorman St. Louis Cardinals22
Alek ThomasArizona Diamondbacks22

Jordan Walker — 20 years old

As if being the youngest player in the league isn’t enough, Walker is also featured on nearly every MLB Rookies to Watch list for the 2023 season and leads the NL Rookie of the Year odds at +350.

Walker was selected 21st overall by the Cardinals in the 2020 MLB draft and made his major league debut on Opening Day 2023. Having played third base throughout his career, he began playing in the outfield in August 2022, and that seems to be where St. Louis is interested in utilizing him this season.

During 2022 with the Springfield Cardinals (AA), Walker slashed .306/.388/.510 with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs in 461 at-bats.

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About the Author

Rachael Millanta

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Rachael Millanta is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM focusing on Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. Her work has been published in SB Nation, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and Slackjaw Humor. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Rachael now resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Rachael Millanta is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM focusing on Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. Her work has been published in SB Nation, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and Slackjaw Humor. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Rachael now resides in Chicago, Illinois.