What Defines an Exciting Baseball Player?

In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), excitement is a subjective yet palpable element that can turn a game into a spectacle. As ESPN's 2025 Most Exciting MLB Player Bracket reveals, the essence of excitement in baseball is multifaceted, with players like James Wood of the Washington Nationals and Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers leading the charge.

James Wood: A Multidimensional Talent

At just 22 years old, James Wood is already making waves in the MLB. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7, Wood combines his physical stature with a quick bat that generates hard contact. His swing speed ranks in the 95th percentile, and his average exit velocity is in the 98th percentile, according to Statcast. But it's not just his hitting that makes him exciting; Wood's ability to affect the game in multiple ways—whether it's running the bases, playing defense, or chasing down fly balls in center field—sets him apart.

"Just being able to hit for power and run the bases, play defense, just affect the game in a lot of different ways," Wood said. "I think that's the way to bring excitement."

Wood's admiration for left-handed hitters like Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano has shaped his game, and while he once tried to model his play after Barry Bonds, comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield are now more frequent.

Brice Turang: The Brewers' Dynamic Force

On the other side of the spectrum is Brice Turang, who embodies the Brewers' dynamic and multifaceted approach to the game. As a Gold Glove second baseman, Turang's defensive prowess is unmatched, but he's also added power to his arsenal, making him a standout player in a team that excels in fielding, sprint speed, and baserunning.

"We just got guys who are gamers," Turang said. "I'm not saying other teams don't, but the guys in here have competitive at-bats, steal bases, drop bunts, play great defense. We are just playing every aspect of the game."

Turang's early admiration for Ken Griffey Jr. and later interests in Ichiro Suzuki and Vladimir Guerrero Sr. have influenced his style, but it's his ability to excel in today's fast-paced, athletic game that truly makes him exciting.

The Broader Picture: Excitement Across the MLB

The 2025 Most Exciting MLB Player Bracket highlights a diverse array of talents, from power hitters like Kyle Schwarber to dominant pitchers like Shohei Ohtani. What unites these players is their ability to captivate fans, whether through home runs, strikeouts, or breathtaking defensive plays.

"I feel like the game is faster than it's ever been, so athletic," Wood said. "The power and speed combo, there's a lot of guys who did it, but I feel like now there are more than ever. There's a ton of guys who can hit 30 and steal 30."

As the MLB continues to evolve, the definition of excitement will undoubtedly expand, but one thing remains constant: the thrill of watching these extraordinary athletes push the boundaries of what's possible on the diamond.