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
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| PLAYER | TEAM | AGE |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Walker | St. Louis Cardinals | 20 |
| Ezequiel Tovar | Colorado Rockies | 21 |
| Gunnar Henderson | Baltimore Orioles | 21 |
| Anthony Volpe | New York Yankees | 21 |
| Michael Harris II | Atlanta Braves | 22 |
| Wander Franco | Tampa Bay Rays | 22 |
| Julio Rodriguez | Seattle Mariners | 22 |
| C.J. Abrams | Washington Nationals | 22 |
| Riley Greene | Detroit Tigers | 22 |
| Corbin Carroll | Arizona Diamondbacks | 22 |
| Bobby Witt Jr. | Kansas City Royals | 22 |
| Luis Garcia | Washington Nationals | 22 |
| Nolan Gorman | St. Louis Cardinals | 22 |
| Alek Thomas | Arizona Diamondbacks | 22 |
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.