Top 10 MLB Players at Each Position

Ashley Landis (Associated Press)

Up to this point, I haven't written any MLB articles. For anybody unaware, Major League Baseball's CBA (collective bargaining agreement) expired without extension for the first time in 25 years. In other words, there's a lockout.

With nothing happening in baseball, it was hard to preview anything, considering we have no clue when the league will return to action. What we do know is that when it does, there will be a lot to talk about.

We are in the midst of a free agency period in which several stars like Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman, Trevor Story, and Japanese prodigy Seiya Suzuki are still on the market.

For now though, I decided to take a look at the top 10 MLB players at each position. This will be somewhat similar to my top 50 NHL players, except it will be split into positions. This is mainly due to the fact that it is almost impossible to compare some positions in baseball. For example, there is no way of distinguishing whether a certain starting pitcher is more valuable than a particular shortstop.

With that out of the way, let's get started with the catchers.

CATCHERS

Yasmani Grandal (Nam Y. Huh, Associated Press)

1. Yasmani Grandal, Chicago White Sox

After an absolutely unreal year in 2021, I had to put Grandal in first. He had a wRC+ of almost 160 at a position where there isn't as much elite talent. His defense may not be as good as some underneath him, but his bat is so special.

2. J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies

Realmuto is so close to Yasmani Grandal. It's all about preference. Realmuto is the most complete catcher in baseball. His athleticism and batting ability makes him one of the most valuable players in the game and the Phillies will not be regretting his contract extension for a long while.

3. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

Once known for being the best defensive player at his position, Perez has suddenly become more of an offensive dynamo as he's grown older. He has regressed defensively, but after a historic season with 48 home runs, I can't put him any lower than this.

4. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers

The last of the elite catchers in baseball, Will Smith has every chance to become the best catcher in the sport in 2022. His numbers were right there with the top 3, but because of their longevities, I put Smith at number 4. The young Dodgers catcher has a very high ceiling, though.

5. Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs

Not a great defensive catcher, but Willson Contreras has had good seasons every year he's been in the MLB. He has never been a below average offensive catcher, and I value that consistency more than I do of the flashes from the players below him.

6. Mike Zunino, Tampa Bay Rays

Zunino had a major breakout season, showcasing that his previous flashes of offensive potential were real. He's always been a good defensive catcher, but now he is barreling the baseball at a higher rate than literally anybody in the sport.

7. Sean Murphy, Oakland A's

Murphy is one of the best young defensive catchers in the game, especially after winning the Gold Glove for the catcher position in the AL. His offense took a slight downturn in 2021, but he has shown the ability to hit to all fields previously.

8. Omar Narvaez, Milwaukee Brewers

Narvaez started off last season on fire, looking like one of the best catchers offensively in the league. He's a monstrous offensive force against right-handed pitching and now that Milwaukee has a possible platoon partner in Pedro Severino, Narvaez should be in for a big season.

9. Mitch Garver, Minnesota Twins

Garver is certainly a more offensive catcher than he is a defensive catcher. He'll hit above .250, with close to a .900 OPS. If you want to be a one-dimensional offensive catcher, you need to be able to hit the ball. Garver certainly can hit it.

10. Jacob Stallings, Miami Marlins

Stallings doesn't have anything special about him offensively, but his defense and throwing ability behind the plate make him a good choice for this top 10. The reigning NL Gold Glover will try to replicate his Pittsburgh success with the Marlins this year.

First Basemen

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Julio Aguilar, Getty Images)

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

The best hitter in the MLB in my mind, Vlad Guerrero broke out in a big way in 2021. If not for Shohei Ohtani's generational season, Guerrero would be an MVP after hitting for a 1.002 OPS last year. He's the keystone to the Blue Jays' exciting future.

2. Freddie Freeman, free agent

The first of two Canadians on this first baseman list, Freeman followed up his 2020 MVP campaign with a World Series ring. If he continues on this trajectory, he is going to be a Hall of Famer someday. Expect him to sign a massive contract somewhere this offseason.

3. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals

Since getting comfortable in St. Louis, Goldschmidt has once again found his place among the league's best hitters. He hits for a high average, shows some good pop, and has always been one of the best fielders in the game.

4. Matt Olson, Oakland Athletics

It seems unlikely that Matt Olson will be with the A's next season. He became much more disciplined at the plate in 2021 and showcased his incredible strength with 39 home runs. He's an excellent fielder as well.

5. Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers

I was considering dropping Muncy to 6 because of his scary injury which could keep him out next season. However, I can't deny how good he is. He can play all over the infield and mashes the ball. He shows a lot of power and discipline at the plate.

6. Pete Alonso, New York Mets

Known for breaking out in the Home Run Derby and having an incredible season with 53 homers back in 2019, Alonso improved upon his 2020 season. He should be a good bet for 40 homers and a .280 average at least next year.

7. Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox

After a stunning MVP campaign in 2020, Abreu wasn't as incredible in 2021, though he was still quite good. His consistency is scary. He will go for over 100 RBIs practically every season. His defense is the only thing holding him back from the top-5.

8. Joey Votto, Cincinatti Reds

A major bounce-back season for the legendary Canadian in 2021. He hit 36 home runs last year with an average near .270. He's been a good fielder for many years now and had a typically solid year with the glove in 2021.

9. Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants

Possibly the most underrated infielder in all of baseball, Belt was a major part of the Giants' return to the top of the NL West. He hits for power and hits for average, which not many first basemen do.

10. Yuli Gurriel, Houston Astros

At age 38, there is no stopping Yuli Gurriel. In 2021, he won the Gold Glove at first base, hit .319 for the batting title, and had an OBP approaching .400. You'd expect him to slow down at some point, but for now, he is definitely a top 10 first baseman in the MLB.

Second Basemen

Marcus Semien (Richard W. Rodriguez, Associated Press)

1. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers

Newly acquired Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien is the best in at his position in all of baseball. I think we can rule 2020 as a fluke, as in 2019 and 2021, he has been an MVP candidate. He's an extra base machine and is really comfortable in the field.

2. Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays

The best position player on one of the league's best teams, Brandon Lowe deserves way more media attention. He was just under 40 home runs and 100 RBIs last season, and his batting skills are 37% better than league average. Lowe should be an MVP candidate in 2022.

3. Jose Altuve, Houston Astros

Though his legacy has been tainted a bit following the Astros' sign-stealing scandal, Altuve proved in 2021 that he still has the legs to make a difference in this league. He hit 31 home runs with a .278 average last year, showcasing his impressive bat.

4. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte's injury problems overshadow his skill a little bit. Despite that, his versatility, plate vision, and hard contact are all plus tools. I would love the Blue Jays to extend an offer for Marte, as the only thing keeping him from being considered one of the MLB's best second basemen is the lack of attention.

5. Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves

After winning the World Series in 2021, Ozzie Albies' skill was broadcasted to the world. He hits for an .800 OPS every season, is a monster on the basepaths, and plays solid defense. Albies is incredibly underpaid and the Braves must be thrilled with his presence.

6. Jake Cronenworth, San Diego Padres

Just a couple years after being traded for Tommy Pham, Cronenworth is showing that he can hold his own. He's great at the plate and rarely strikes out. If the Padres are to bounce-back, Cronenworth's 5 tool skillset will be a major part of that.

7. Jonathan India, Cincinnati Reds

India had a truly remarkable rookie season, establishing himself as a top second baseman in the game. He showcased great plate discipline, hit 30 homers and has a flashy glove. If all goes well, India should be part of the Cincinnati Reds for years to come.

8. Chris Taylor, Los Angeles Dodgers

A true do-it-all infielder, Taylor is an underrated piece of the Dodgers well-oiled machine. He steals bases, hits for about 20 home runs, gets on base 30% of the time, has a solid glove, and his arm can translate into the outfield.

9. Whit Merrifield, Kansas City Royals

Whit Merrifield is a very solid player. He hits for a solid average, steals quite a few bases and hits a lot of doubles. He might take another step back in 2022, but Merrifield has a lot of tenure and deserves a spot on the list.

10. Kolten Wong, Milwaukee Brewers

We've always known that Wong has an elite glove at second base. He makes plays that nobody else can. Since moving to Milwaukee, he has shown more ability with the bat. He can hit for singles pretty consistently.

Third Basemen

Jose Ramirez (Jason Miller, Getty Images)

1. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

One of the most consistently awesome players in the league for the last 5 years, Jose Ramirez is my top third baseman. He took a major step defensively last year, which was previously his only weakness. He walks almost as much as he strikes out and led all regular third basemen in OPS with .839 in 2021

2. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres

A prime regression candidate for 2021, Machado proved the analytics wrong with another MVP-calibre season. His arm is top-tier and he mashes the ball. At the heart of the Padres' lineup, Machado is one of the league's biggest stars,

3. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals

While his offensive numbers took a step down following the trade out of Coors Field, Arenado still showed that he has a lot in the tank. He had another 30-homer, 100-RBI season and his ability to make plays from the hot corner is second to none.

4. Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

Despite a down year in 2021, I still have belief that Bregman can be one of the best players at the hot corner in the whole league. He walks a lot, rarely strikes out, can hit the ball to all fields, and is a very respectable fielder.

5. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

Not the most inspiring on the defensive side of the ball, it frankly doesn't matter for Devers, perhaps the best hitter at third base in the MLB. He had nearly a .900 OPS last season and hit 38 home runs. Time to put respect on Devers' name.

6. Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves

One of the biggest breakouts of 2021, Austin Riley established himself as one of baseball's best young players. He's average in the field, but his bat is incredible. Combine 30 homers with a .300 average, and you have one of baseball's best young infielders.

7. Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels

Rendon has had several nagging injuries in his Angels career. When he's on the field, he absolutely mashes the ball. He hits at an elite level and is fairly good with his glove. If the Angels have any chance of breaking their playoff drought, they need Rendon to step up.

8. Matt Chapman, Oakland Athletics

Just a couple years ago, Matt Chapman was one of MLB's best players, not just third basemen. His bat has taken a major drop since 2019. We know his glove is absolutely brilliant, as he was a Platinum Glove winner a couple of years ago. Maybe he'll find his batting ability and bounce back.

9. Kris Bryant, free agent

Kris Bryant can play all over the field, at third base and all three outfield positions. The 2016 NL MVP is not the most spectacular of players, but he is always going to provide a valuable bat in the lineup and should make a lot of money somewhere.

10. Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox

Moncada has been inconsistent since moving to Chicago in a blockbuster trade a few years ago. His power hasn't translated as expected since he was the top prospect a few years ago, but he makes hard contact, has cut out on the strikeouts that often plagued him previously, and has a good glove.

Shortstop

Fernando Tatis Jr. (Scott Taetsch, USA Today)

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres

Possibly the most talented player in all of baseball, Tatis needs to stay on the field for me to give him the title as top-3 player in the league. Despite that, he is ridiculous at the plate. He hit 42 homers, with a .975 OPS last year. His WAR was among the highest of all infielders. At just 22, Tatis is going to be a superstar, if he isn't already.

2. Carlos Correa, free agent

Once Correa is signed, I will possibly put an article about how I think Correa might not be a great signing, especially if gets the contract he is looking for. Nevertheless, he is a stud at the position. He won the Platinum Glove at shortstop, lowered his strikeout rate, and went for close to a .900 OPS.

3. Trea Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers

After being acquired by the Dodgers in a blockbuster deal last season, Trea Turner showed just how good he with the bat. He can hit the ball absolutely everywhere. He is one of the league's premier base stealers and provides unreal hitting ability.

4. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

Despite having stone hands at shortstop, it's hard to look past Xander Bogaerts' bat. He hits for average and power. If Boston are to surprise like they did last year, they need Bogaerts to absolutely rake once again.

5. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

Despite having had some tough seasons injury-wise, we know just how good Corey Seager is. His bat may be hindered by playing in a pitcher-friendly park. His defense and baserunning are nothing special, but his bat is generational and he adds a focal point to Texas' offense.

6. Brandon Crawford, San Francisco Giants

Last season, Brandon Crawford found his prime form, with a .328 average and an .895 OPS. His glove is still excellent, but he has added a new element to his game. It will be hard for him to replicate his 2021 season, but I can't drop him any lower after his great year.

7. Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox

I need to see a full season from Tim Anderson, but we all know he can hit the ball well. He showcases lots of pop, has improved defense, and will hit above .300 every year. Definitely one of the most fun players to watch as well.

8. Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays

Despite only playing 70 games in his MLB career, I have to fit Franco on to my top 10 list. He hit for a .288 average with an .810 OPS last season. He makes a lot of tough plays in the field. Sooner rather than later, Wander Franco is going to be at the very top of this list.

9. Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays

Bichette is an offensive beast and if not for a stacked shortstop position, he'd be even higher. The glove is slightly shaky, but he is another guy who combines 30-homer potential with a .300 average. He will be a darkhorse MVP candidate next year.

T10. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

The king of smiles, Francisco Lindor didn't adjust to New York as you may have expected. Despite that, we know that he has an incredible glove, he has started to walk more, and if you follow xwOBA, you can expect him to have a much better season in 2022, especially with better players around him.

T10. Trevor Story, free agent

I simply could not differentiate between Story and Lindor. In 2020, they were two of the best in the game, but down seasons from the two of them dropped them all the way down the order. The thing is, I couldn't leave either of them off the list. Story has a top-tier bat and a very good glove. Let's see if a team can pick up a bargain in Story this offseason.

Left Fielders

Tyler O'Neill (Joe Puetz, USA Today)

1. Tyler O'Neill, St. Louis Cardinals

Easily the best left fielder in my mind, Canadian Tyler O'Neill is a do-it-all player. He is quick, has power, hits the ball hard, and is very solid in the field. He should challenge for a .300 average with 30 home runs next season.

2. Jesse Winker, Cincinnati Reds

Not known for his defense, Jesse Winker absolutely rakes for the Reds. He hit .305 last season with 24 home runs at the heart of the Reds' lineup. His plate vision lets him get on base almost 40% of the time.

3. Joey Gallo, New York Yankees

Despite struggling after being traded to the Yankees last season, Gallo should bounce-back in 2022. His contact ability is lacklustre, but he's a very good fielder and hits for huge power. He strikes out an awful lot, but that can be forgiven due to his sky-high walk rate.

4. Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays

After shining in the 2020 playoffs, Randy Arozarena won the Rookie of the Year in 2021 with a very high walk rate, some good power, and incredible contact skills.

5. Michael Brantley, Houston Astros

He doesn't have the power to hit the ball like some others on this list, but Brantley's ability to connect his bat to the ball is among the best in the MLB. He's a good bet for a .300 average every year and he rarely strikes out.

6. AJ Pollock, Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite an injury-riddled Dodgers career so far, AJ Pollock combines an incredible bat with a decent glove. He has a lot of power, evidenced by his 37 home runs over his past 162 games. Pollock is an underrated part of the Dodgers lineup.

7. Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves

Though his off-field actions are jeopardizing his 2022 season, on the field, he's a great offensive player. He should hit 30 homers with 70 XBH over a full season with the potential for a lot more. He could even push for 40 dingers next campaign.

8. Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers

Arguably the MLB's best player just a couple years ago, Yelich has uncharacteristically struggled in recent seasons. If he can find his form where he was hitting 35 home runs with a .330 batting average, Milwaukee is going to be a World Series contender

9. Mark Canha, New York Mets

A very low-key addition for the Mets, Canha walks a lot, has shown some great power in recent years for the Athletics, and plays very solid defense. Canha might be the most underrated player on this list.

10. Eloy Jimenez, Chicago White Sox

Despite being injured for much of last season, Jimenez is one of the top hitting left fielders in the game. His fielding is below average, but when you hit as well as he does, that can be excused. He'll form an exciting duo with Luis Robert in the White Sox outfield for years to come.

Center Fielders

Mike Trout (Kim Klement, USA Today)

1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

The most obvious selection on the list, Mike Trout is the best player in all of baseball. He's the top hitter of his generation. In the 36 games he played last year, he was 90% better than the average hitter. His defense is nothing special, but Mike Trout is one of the best hitters to ever play the game.

2. Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh Pirates

A worrying 2020 season was thrown out the window by another great year from Bryan Reynolds. He plays almost every game, hits for good power and contact, and is fantastic with the glove.

3. George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays

One of the best hitting center fielders in the game, Springer has been plagued by injuries for a couple years now and his defense has taken a slight step back. Despite that, with a .907 OPS last year, Springer is going to be incredible next season.

4. Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins

Everybody in baseball knows how good Buxton is. A fully healthy Buxton is the second best center fielder in the game. However, he is injured an awful lot. Despite that, I can't argue with a 1.005 OPS last season. He's an amazing fielder and makes plays that cause your jaw to drop.

5. Starling Marte, New York Mets

Marte was stunningly good last year and the Mets were definitely convinced, giving him a very expensive contract. He is good with the glove, had a career high walk rate in 2021, and stole 47 bases last season.

6. Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox

Robert was injured for much of last season. However, we know from the small sample that he can mash. His power hasn't blown anybody out of the water, but I am predicting a 30-homer, .300 average season for Robert next season.

7. Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Orioles

Cedric Mullins dropped the switch hitting at the start of 2021 and went off. He was a borderline MVP candidate. With 30 homers, 30 stolen bases, and an .878 OPS in 2021, Mullins is a really good player. Let's see if he can keep it up next year.

8. Trent Grisham, San Diego Padres

Grisham had a rollercoaster season last year. He could've gone much higher or much lower, but I think 8 is a good spot. He is a top-tier fielder, makes good contact, and walks over 10% of the time.

9. Ramon Laureano, Oakland Athletics

A PED suspension slowed down Laureano's ascent, but looking back at his past numbers, he is a deserving inclusion on the list. His arm is elite and he makes really good contact with the ball. It'll be interesting to see whether this was influenced by the steroids.

10. Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers

Bellinger's struggles are well-documented. His numbers from 2021 are not deserving of a spot on this list. However, we know how good Bellinger can be. He won the MVP in 2019, plays great defense, and started to showcase his immense skill once the playoffs started.

Right Fielders

Juan Soto (Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images)

1. Juan Soto, Washington Nationals

The only player who can rival Vlad Guerrero Jr. for best hitter in the league, Soto is on pace for a Hall of Fame career. His wRC+ over the past two years is at a 180, meaning he is 80% better than the average hitter. Soto is a special talent.

2. Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves

An injury kept Acuna out of Atlanta's World Series run, but in the half season he was a part of, he was on pace for something rare. He's the most likely player to have a 40-40 season in the MLB today and he will have a good shot at it next year.

3. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies

The reigning NL MVP, Harper put in his best year since 2015. He is generational with the bat, hitting it to all fields. His 18% walk rate is simply ridiculous. He is a true superstar.

4. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

His rookie season will never be forgotten, but Aaron Judge is much more than a one-season wonder. He is shockingly good in the field for a player of his size and his power is elite. Unfortunately for him, the three players ahead of him are all just a bit better.

5. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

A disappointing 2021 season has dropped Mookie Betts on my list. Despite that, he's an unreal defensive talent and has a really good bat. If an .854 OPS is considered disappointing, you've done something right.

6. Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros

Kyle Tucker has always had potential, as a former top prospect. He hit 30 home runs last year with a .917 OPS. He walks a lot, cut down on strikeouts, and is very good in the field. Tucker is the type of player you want on your team.

7. Brandon Nimmo, New York Mets

Brandon Nimmo is one of the league's most underrated players. He has a .402 OBP over his last two seasons, showcasing just how special his plate vision is. He's a very solid fielder as well. Put it all together, and Brandon Nimmo is getting close to the top 5.

8. Nick Castellanos, free agent

Castellanos simply mashes at the plate. He had a .939 OPS last season paired with 100 RBIs. He's average defensively, but with his incredible bat, Castellanos is a very valuable player.

9. Alex Verdugo, Boston Red Sox

Verdugo always hits for a very high average, makes good plays with the glove in right field, and is all around a very solid player. He doesn't jump off the page, but he's better than most at the position.

10. Michael Conforto, free agent

We have seen Conforto be a very good player for many years. He had a down year in 2021, but his bat is really solid. If he can string together a fully healthy season, he's going to be a bargain free agent signing.

Designated Hitters

Shohei Ohtani (Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

This only includes Ohtani as a hitter, not as a pitcher, and he is still my number 1 designated hitter. He had a season unlike anybody else has ever had, winning the MVP unanimously. His power is incredible and his bat to ball skills make him one of the league's best hitters.

2. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros

Despite having some injury issues, Alvarez has a major impact on the Astros. He hits for a high average and his Statcast numbers are very impressive. He had 33 home runs and 104 RBIs last season, showing just how good he can be.

3. Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Blue Jays

A Silver Slugger in right field over the past two seasons, Hernandez proved that 2020 wasn't a fluke. He is a fan favourite in Toronto. His potential and speed all convinced me that he deserves to be in the top 3.

4. Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees

Just barely missing out on the top 3, Stanton's longevity is incredible. He hit 35 homers in his first fully healthy season in a while. He still does strike out a lot, but his K rate was actually lower this season than it was in 2020.

5. Nelson Cruz, free agent

The ageless wonder, Nelson Cruz is still one of the league's best hitters at age 41. He can hit for a fairly good average, has loads of pop in his bat, and is simply aging like a fine wine.

6. JD Martinez, Boston Red Sox

A slight drop off from Martinez in the past two seasons means he just misses out on the top 5. However, we've seen elite run production from JD in the past, and you can't rule out another big season.

7. Franmil Reyes, Cleveland Guardians

One of the most powerful hitters in the league, Reyes is capable of hitting moonshots. His exit velocity is consistently defying human logic. If he could learn some more plate discipline, he'd rise much higher.

8. Austin Meadows, Tampa Bay Rays

Meadows is a very strong offensive player. He walks a lot, rarely strikes out, and has shown good power in the past. With a track record of success, expect another good season from Meadows next year.

9. Jorge Soler, free agent

Soler has a lot of history as one of the league's best DHs, as he hit 48 home runs just two seasons ago. He was a key part of Atlanta's championship. Definitely a worthy inclusion here.

10. Garrett Cooper, Miami Marlins

When the universal DH is inevitably implemented, Cooper is going to show just how strong he really is. He doesn't have the power of some other guys on this list, but he gets on base and can slug it for extra base hits.

Starting Pitchers

Jacob de Grom (Mike Stobe, Getty Images)

1. Jacob deGrom, New York Mets

If deGrom can demonstrate that he is healthy in 2021, he will prove to be a top-5 player in the MLB, not just the best pitcher. Listen to these numbers. In 92 innings last year, deGrom had a 1.08 ERA, a 0.55 WHIP, a 1.24 FIP and a 45% strikeout rate. In other words, he was superhuman.

2. Corbin Burnes, Milwaukee Brewers

Reigning NL Cy Young winner, Corbin Burnes, had a historic 2021 campaign. In 167 innings pitched, Burnes allowed just 7 home runs. He overpowers any batter he faces and every time somebody hits the ball hard off of Corbin Burnes, it's usually one of the game's best hitters.

3. Max Scherzer, New York Mets

Newly acquired New York Met, Max Scherzer, has been utterly dominant for a decade. He strikes out batters for fun, doesn't really allow hard contact and is one of the most consistent players in the game. With Scherzer as their ace, the Mets are going to have a scary pitching staff next year.

4. Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees

Despite struggling after MLB's crackdown on sticky substances in the middle of the year, we've seen Gerrit Cole be too good for too long and I couldn't drop him any further. Even in a down season, he still finished second in AL Cy Young voting with a 3.23 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

5. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

Zack Wheeler is the perfect modern-day pitcher. He punishes guys for swinging too much. Not many pitchers have the combination of command and velocity, but Wheeler packaged it into a Cy Young-calibre season in 2021.

6. Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers

Every team needs a guy to throw out on the mound every 5 days and expect 7 good innings. Buehler fits that to a tee. He rarely doesn't put up a quality start and though his stuff may not be as overpowering as those higher on the list, he just barely misses out on the top 5.

7. Shane Bieber, Cleveland Guardians

Bieber was unbelievable in 2020 and though he wasn't as dominant in 2021, he showed that he is going to stick as one of the game's best pitchers. He strikes out about 30% of the batters he faces and walks less than 10%.

8. Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers

One of MLB's most underrated pitchers, Woodruff is a clear-cut top 10 pitcher. He is intimidating at the mound and can just pound the strike zone. He had a second consecutive sub-1.00 WHIP season in 2021. Though he doesn't have as much movement on his pitches, he gets great results.

9. Trevor Bauer, Los Angeles Dodgers

Held back by an ongoing sexual assault case, Bauer is still a top-10 pitcher on skill alone. He was made the most expensive player of all time by the Dodgers last year, due to his filthy stuff. The ball moves really well off of his release and he's always going to be among the league leaders in Ks.

10. Clayton Kershaw, free agent

One of the most consistent pitchers of his generation, Kershaw was still quite good in 2021. His WHIP was right around 1.20. He probably isn't going to be able to anchor a pitching staff like he could a few years ago, but he can still be a very good number 2 pitcher on a contending team.

Relief Pitchers

Josh Hader (Brett Davis, USA Today)

1. Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers

Hader is one of the most dazzling pitchers to watch in baseball. He strikes out close to 50% of the batters he faces. His stats against left-handed batters in 2021 were disgusting. He allowed just one XBH to a leftie all season.

2. Liam Hendriks, Chicago White Sox

Just missing out on the number 1 spot, Hendriks is the league's most relentless pitcher. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 16.1-to-1 is frankly unfair. No reliever has as good a command of the zone.

3. Raisel Iglesias, Los Angeles Angels

The Angels still need pitching help, but in Iglesias, they have one of the MLB's best closers. Unlike most relievers, he has a lot of variability in his pitching. He uses three different pitches to attack the zone against both righties and lefties.

4. Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians

Clase's stuff is some of the most spectacular in recent memory. He combines a 101 mile per hour fastball with a dominating slider to induce a lot of contact on the ground. He can easily come in during a pinch and get a double play ball.

5. Ryan Pressly, Houston Astros

Mostly known as solid reliever for the majority of his career, Pressly stepped up in a big way for the Astros last season. He delivered the lowest walk rate of his career. He doesn't give up many extra base hits, and is one of the many trustworthy guys in Houston's bullpen

6. Devin Williams, Milwaukee Brewers

Williams has some of the most filthy stuff in the league. He rarely throws it in the strike zone (he had the fourth lowest strike zone rate of all relievers with 70+ innings pitched), yet still strikes out a lot of guys. Though he's occasionally erratic, he limits contact better than any other reliever.

7. Blake Treinen, Los Angeles Dodgers

Former Oakland Athletics closer, Blake Treinen, had a great year in LA. He has a nasty slider that he combines with a sinker that veers straight down. He had the highest rate of soft contact among all relievers last year.

8. Taylor Rogers, Minnesota Twins

Possibly the most underappreciated pitcher in all of baseball, Rogers struck out 36% of the batters he faced last year. His ERA wasn't great, but he never walks opponents. He gets lots of swings and misses and if he can work on keeping the contact down, Rogers is going to be a top reliever for years to come.

9. Edwin Diaz, New York Mets

Far from the league's most consistent pitcher, Diaz finds a frustrating balance between losing his composure and throwing 10 consecutive balls in the dirt or crushing hitters with a 91 mile per hour slider.

10. Craig Kimbrel, Chicago White Sox

Kimbrel wasn't as excellent as expected after being traded from the Chicago Cubs last year, but he still had a very strong season. With a 2.26 ERA last year, he deserves a closer spot on his own.

Sincere Sports

Search This Blog