Major League Baseball (MLB) is known for its talented players and its long history. The sport has been around for over 150 years, and thousands of players have competed in the league over the years. Many of these players were incredibly talented, and some even achieved legendary status.
However, MLB has also seen its fair share of young players over the years. While most of these players were in their twenties, there have been a few cases of 18 year olds making it to the big leagues. This begs the question: are there any 18 year olds in the MLB currently?
History of 18 Year Olds in the MLB
In the past, there have been a handful of 18 year olds who have made it to the MLB. The most notable of these is the legendary Jackie Robinson, who made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Robinson was the first African-American to play in the major leagues, and he went on to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Other notable players who made their MLB debut at the age of 18 include Joe Nuxhall of the Cincinnati Reds in 1944, and Dwight Gooden with the New York Mets in 1984. Both Nuxhall and Gooden went on to have successful careers in the majors, with Nuxhall eventually being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Current 18 Year Olds in the MLB
As of 2021, there are no 18 year olds currently playing in the MLB. However, there are a few players who are close to reaching the age of 18, and could make their debut in the near future.
The most notable of these players is Jarred Kelenic, an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners. Kelenic was drafted by the Mariners in 2018, and is considered one of the top prospects in the organization. He is expected to make his MLB debut in 2021, when he turns 18.
In addition, there are a few other players who could potentially make their debut at 18. These include the Chicago Cubs’ Miguel Amaya, the San Francisco Giants’ Marco Luciano, and the St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Gorman. All three players were drafted in 2018, and are expected to make their major league debuts in the next few years.
Conclusion
There may not be any 18 year olds in the MLB right now, but there are a few players who are close to reaching the age of 18 and could make their debut soon. These players are considered some of the top prospects in their respective organizations, and they could have long and successful careers in the majors.
Time will tell if any of these players make it to the big leagues at the young age of 18, but one thing is certain: the MLB will be watching their progress closely.