ESPN's new MLB Top 100: Astros, Braves, Dodgers lead the way

ESPN has dropped its annual Top 100 players list and, as expected, three teams dominated the list with the Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers accounting for a combined 25 players. 

The Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics did not have a player make the list for the second year in a row.

Here is how the top teams fared in the 2024 list:

Atlanta Braves: eight players

Taking the crown as the top-ranked player on the list is the reigning National League Most Valuable Player outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., fresh off the first 40-70 season in MLB history. The 26-year-old is just reaching his peak and should contend for the top player in baseball for years to come. 

Joining him in the Top 100 were teammates first baseman Matt Olson, pitcher Spencer Strider, third baseman Austin Riley, pitcher Max Fried, second baseman Ozzie Albies, outfielder Michael Harris II and catcher Sean Murphy.

Making six straight playoff appearances including a World Series Championship in 2021, the Atlanta Braves are one of the most feared teams in baseball. With talent all over the diamond, they are one of the World Series favorites in 2024. 

Houston Astros: eight players 

The Houston Astros are in the middle of a dynasty, making the American League Championship Series in each of the past seven seasons. They've earned four World Series appearances in that span so it's no surprise to see them tied atop the list.

Leading the way ranked at No. 8 in the Top 100 is designated hitter Yordan Alvarez. The 26-year-old slashed .293/.407/.583 with 31 home runs and 97 RBI in 114 games played last year.

He is joined in the Top 100 by second baseman Jose Altuve, outfielder Kyle Tucker, third baseman Alex Bregman, pitcher Justin Verlander, pitcher Framber Valdez, relief pitcher Josh Hader and shortstop Jeremy Pena.

Los Angeles Dodgers: seven players

After an offseason spent loading up on more talent, the Los Angeles Dodgers are well-represented in the Top 100 list and rightfully so.

Recently named starting shortstop Mookie Betts takes home the honor of top Dodger at No. 4 on the list, coming off a year that saw the 31-year-old slash .307/.408/.579 with 39 home runs and 107 RBI. He will continue to anchor the Dodgers even with their new reinforcements. 

Betts is joined on the list by first baseman Freddie Freeman, designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, catcher Will Smith, pitcher Tyler Glasnow and pitcher Walker Buehler.

Other teams with multiple players ranked include the Philadelphia Phillies with six and the Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners and New York Mets with five each. 

In terms of quality over quantity, the New York Yankees join the Dodgers as the only teams with three players in the top 10.