This continues my list of the top 10 players in MLB, moving onto centerfielder, where the Braves have a rising star roaming. If you missed any of the previous editions of this series, follow the links below.
Top 10 Centerfielders in MLB
- Mike Trout
- Julio Rodriguez
- Michael Harris II
- Byron Buxton
- Brandon Nimmo
- Bryan Reynolds
- Cedric Mullins
- Luis Robert
- Corbin Carroll
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.
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The top spot doesn’t even need to be discussed. Mike Trout is still the best player in baseball, even if his teammate, Shohei Ohtani, is making that a legit discussion.
Julio Rodriguez was the AL Rookie of the Year, and Michael Harris was the NL Rookie of the year. They are the future of the position, and while I understand why some might think Byron Buxton should be ahead of them, I can’t just overlook the fact that he hasn’t played in over 100 games since 2017 — the only time he’s done so in his career. Still, Buxton clocks in at #4 on the list.
At fifth comes one of my least favorite players in the league. However, a lot of it is out of respect. He’s a pest that does everything he can to help the Mets win ballgames. Nimmo gets on base, plays elite defense, and showed a surge in the power department this past season. He’s a top five centerfielder in the game.
Bryan Reynolds just missed out on the top five, but he’s an All-Star caliber player. It wouldn’t surprise me if he were much higher on this list a year from now.
Mullins was a legitimate MVP candidate in 2021, blasting 30 homers and stealing 30 bases. His 2022 campaign wasn’t as eye-popping, but he remains an elite centerfielder in the game.
Coming in at #8 is Luis Robert. He has superstar potential, but health has been an issue. He only played in 68 games in 2021 and 98 in 2022. If he can stay healthy for an entire season, Robert should end up much higher on this list next season.
The ninth man on the list is still considered a prospect, but if Michael Harris and Julio Rodriguez taught us anything, Carroll shouldn’t be discounted. In just 32 games last season, he accrued 1.2 WAR.
The last spot goes to Jazz Chisholm Jr. I wasn’t sure the Marlins were serious about putting him in center field, but it looks like that’s the plan. I probably will have him higher next season if he proves he can handle himself in a new position. He’s undeniably one of the most talented players in the league.
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Who would be on your list of MLB’s top 10 centerfielders?
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