Top 100 Players in Baseball

The 2023 baseball season is rapidly approaching. To celebrate, Pitcher List put together our list of the Top 100 Players in Major League Baseball!

We generated our list using myriad stats throughout the past two seasons, along with player projections for 2023. The 2022 season carried the most weight, but we felt it was important not to rely on last year entirely.

For hitters, we leaned heavily on “value stats” like fWAR but also incorporated all-encompassing offensive stats such as  wRC+, wOBA, and OPS+ and defensive metrics including DRS, OAA, and UZR. For pitchers, in addition to fWAR, we relied on ERA+, FIP+, WHIP, K/BB%, and, of course, Pitcher Lists’ newest stat, PLV.

Please note that these are not fantasy rankings — defense counts! The goal was to acknowledge and celebrate the game’s best players who contribute in all facets. Below Renee Dechert and I count down to #1, starting with:

 

Numbers 100-91

100. Andrew Benintendi (CWS) – OF

99. Starling Marte (NYM) – OF

98. Randy Arozarena (TBR) – OF

97. Luis Robert (CWS) – OF

96. Gleyber Torres (NYY) – 2B

95. Tommy Edman (STL) – SS

94. Robbie Ray (SEA) – SP

93. Alejandro Kirk (TOR) – C

92. Ian Happ (CHC) – OF

91. Cristian Javier (HOU) – SP

 

The 91-100 section of the rankings teems with outfielders, who populate half of this section and raise some compelling questions. Can Luis Robert live up to expectations and avoid injury (e.g., COVID, blurred vision, and wrist)? How will Randy Arozarena take advantage of new rules (that seem tailor-made for him) and build on his 30 stolen bases in 2022, or will some issues persist? Since Ian Happ finds himself on a much-improved Cubs team and coming off the best full season of his career, can he build on 2022 and set himself up for a big payoff in free agency? Will Starling Marte bounce back after playing through a core injury in the second half 0f 2022 and undergoing surgery in the offseason? Can Andrew Benintendi continue to be productive at the plate after signing the largest deal in White Sox history (five years, $75M)? — Renee Dechert

 

Numbers 90-81

90. Adolis García (TEX) – OF

89. Lance Lynn (CWS) – SP

88. Tim Anderson (CWS) – SS

87. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA) – OF

86. Taylor Ward (LAA) – OF

85. Andrés Muñoz (SEA) – RP

84. Yandy Díaz (TBR) – 3B

83. Ozzie Albies (ATL) – 2B

82. Devin Williams (MIL) – RP

81. Logan Webb (SFG) – SP

 

There’s a lot of bling in this section of the rankings, and with all that glitz comes some key questions. How will Jazz Chisholm Jr. adust to moving from second to center field and remain good for baseball? Can Tim Anderson stay healthy and return to his offensive form? (A trip to Driveline may help.) Can Yandy Díaz continue to get on base while growing as a hitter? Will Lance Lynn regain the velocity he’s lost while boldly exploring the possibilities of profanity? — Renee Dechert

 

Numbers 80-71

80. Christian Walker (ARI) – 1B

79. Matt Chapman (TOR) – 3B

78. Kyle Schwarber (PHI) – OF

77. José Abreu (HOU) – 1B

76. Bobby Witt Jr. (KCR) – SS

75. Tyler Glasnow (TBR) – SP

74. Alek Manoah (TOR) – SP

73. Willy Adames (MIL) – SS

72. Yu Darvish (SDP) – SP

71. Emmanuel Clase (CLE) – RP

 

This group has a lot of power in the form of Walker, Chapman, Schwarber, and Adames, who all hit 27+ HRs with an ISO of over .200 last year. Conversely, Abreu’s power disappeared in 2022 as the former MVP notched only 15 dingers with an ISO of .141. However, moving to Houston could be the perfect elixir to get him back on track. Bobby Witt Jr., the other hitter in this block, posted a 20/30 rookie season for the Royals. However, his defense will need to improve if he wants to stay at shortstop. His -18 DRS was the worst among players who logged 500+ innings at short last year.

Three starters and one reliever round out the group of 71-80. Glasnow returned for 6.2 innings last year and won’t be ready for Opening Day due to an oblique strain. Before tearing his UCL in June 2021, though, he was dominant. Manoah and Darvish were excellent last season, while Clase posted the highest fWAR among relievers in the AL. — Scott Youngson

 

Numbers 70-61

70. Wander Franco (TBR) – SS

69. Joe Musgrove (SDP) – SP

68. Zac Gallen (ARI) – SP

67. Michael Harris II (ATL) – OF

66. Framber Valdez (HOU) – SP

65. Steven Kwan (CLE) – OF

64. Julio Urías (LAD) – SP

63. Bryan Reynolds (PIT) – OF

62. Dylan Cease (CWS) – SP

61. Dansby Swanson (CHC) – SS

 

Starters, outfielders, and shortstops comprise #70 down to #61. Three players from this group are entering their second or third year, including Franco, Harris, and Kwan. Not long ago, Franco was the number one prospect in baseball. Injuries limited him last season, but he could make a giant leap in 2023. Harris and Kwan surprised last year with excellent rookie campaigns. Kwan showed elite on-base skills, and the NL Rookie-of-the-Year Harris dominated offensively and defensively after his call-up in late May.

All of the starters in this block were excellent in 2022, four of whom (Gallen, Valdez, Urias, Cease) finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting in their respective leagues. Swanson is coming off a career year with a WAR much higher than his rank of #61. His second half reflected most of his career at the plate, though, and he joins a far less star-studded offense in Chicago than the one he left behind in Atlanta. — Scott Youngson

 

Numbers 60-51

60. Kevin Gausman (TOR) – SP

59. Cedric Mullins Jr. (BAL) – OF

58. Spencer Strider (ATL) – SP

57. Edwin Diaz (NYM) – RP

56. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) – SP

55. Daulton Varsho (TOR) – OF

54. Luis Castillo (SEA) – SP

53. Max Fried (ATL) – SP

52. Shane Bieber (CLE) – SP

51. Salvador Perez (KCR) – C

 

Pitchers dominate this block of ten, including Edwin Diaz, the only reliever with a higher fWAR than Emmanuel Clase last year, and six starters. The starters run the gamut from the legendary Kershaw to the phenom Strider. Kersh isn’t the workhorse he used to be, but he’s still very effective when he pitches. Strider finished second in the Rookie-of-the-Year voting to his teammate, Harris, after striking out an unbelievable 13.8 batters per nine. Gausman’s 12-10 record and 3.35 ERA don’t seem that impressive, but his 2.38 FIP was third in the league, suggesting a bit of bad luck.

Among the hitters, Mullins and Perez regressed in 2022 after their outstanding 2021 seasons. Perez’s defense behind the plate continues to slip, but he’s still one of the most dangerous offensive catchers in the league. Former catcher Varsho transitioned almost exclusively to the outfield last year with much success. His UZR was the highest among qualified outfielders, and his DRS tied for best with Michael A. Taylor. In addition, the new Blue Jay adds plenty of pop and good speed on offense. — Scott Youngson

 

50. Sean Murphy (ATL) – C

The Braves had a fairly low-key offseason, but they did sign recently acquired Murphy to a six-year, $73m extension. Given that he consistently hits the ball hard and has the third-highest fWAR among catchers since his debut in 2019, the move makes sense. Combining Murphy with Travis D’Arnaud gives Atlanta one of the best catching duos in baseball. Now Murphy just needs to show he can bring to Atlanta what he had in Oakland. — Renee Dechert

 

49. Jeff McNeil (NYM) – 2B

After a down 2021, McNeil was back with a passion in 2022, winning the NL batting title and a Silver Slugger while slashing .327/.382/.454. (An 83.1% zone swing rate will do that.) In addition to his bat, McNeil proved an effective and versatile defender, playing second as well as left and right. He’s signed a four-year, $50m contract extension, allowing the Mets to keep their offensive core together. — Renee Dechert

 

48. George Springer (TOR) – OF

In a much-changed Blue Jays outfield (both in terms of personnel and the Rogers Centre itself), Springer will move from center to right, which should reduce some of the wear and tear he’s experienced. After recovering from a concussion and shoulder injury suffered in the Jays’ Wild Card Series loss to the Mariners, he also had a bone spur removed during the offseason. In 2023, he will need to show he can stay healthy and continue to produce offensively, building on his career OPS+ of 132. — Renee Dechert

 

47. Adley Rutschman (BAL) – C

One of the most exciting young players in baseball, Rutschman has already won over the fans (the hair! the hugs!). After getting off to a slow start with the Orioles, Rutschman found his footing and finished the season with an OPS of .806 and 18 DRS, which resulted in his being a Rockie of the Year semifinalist. In 2023, he just needs to pick up where he left off. — Renee Dechert

 

46. Matt Olson (ATL) – 1B

Replacing Freddie Freeman was never going to be easy, but Olson did his best and was consistent until crashing into a September slump that eased just before the season’s end. Olson hit 34 homers and earned an fWAR of 3.1. Going forward, he needs to remain productive and show he’s worth his eight-year, $164m contract. — Renee Dechert

 

45. Brandon Woodruff (MIL) – SP

When you’re a two-time All-Star who hasn’t had an ERA above 3.05 since 2019 and had a SO/9 of 10.3, you know you’re doing something right. Last season, Woodruff was, again, excellent though he missed three weeks with an ankle sprain. Here’s hoping for good health in 2023 so that he can keep his four-seam fastball and sinker working. — Renee Dechert

 

44. Alex Bregman (HOU) – 3B

After an injury-filled 2021, Bregman was back in 2022 with an OPS of .820, his best since his juggernaut 2019 (1.015). In addition to hitting 23 home runs (fourth most on the Astros), he walked more than he struck out (87 times and 77 times, respectively, a feat he has accomplished three times in the last five seasons). Bregman can hit high-velocity fastballs without sacrificing plate discipline. He’s also a solid defender and a key part of an Astros team positioning itself to repeat in the World Series. — Renee Dechert

 

43. Byron Buxton (MIN) – OF

Can Buxton stay healthy? If he can, he’s a powerhouse — in 2022, he hit 26 homers while slugging .526. But he only appeared in 92 games due to a persistent knee injury. This is part of a worrisome trend for Buxton since 2019. All that power doesn’t matter if he can’t stay on the field. — Renee Dechert

 

42. Jose Altuve (HOU) – 2B

In 2023, Altuve will mark his 13th season with the Astros. There’s a reason why he’s the face of the franchise through the excellent and the considerably less good times. In 2022, Altuve had another solid season — his OPS improved by almost 100 points, going from .839 to .921. Although he’s probably past his career-best years (2014-2017), he’s just eight home runs short of 200 and lacks only 21 doubles to reach 400, goals he will almost certainly meet in 2023. — Renee Dechert

 

41. Marcus Semien (TEX) – 2B

Semien got off to a slow start in 2022 (which tends to be his way) but finished by having a solid, if unremarkable, season for the Rangers. He hit 26 home runs and stole 25 bases, finishing the season with 4.2 fWAR. Defensively, he was also solid. The Rangers signed Semien, in part, for his leadership, and as the team prepares to make a run in 2023, they will need him to continue to perform. — Renee Dechert

 

40. Bo Bichette (TOR) – SS

In his fifth big-league season, Bichette finds himself on a much-changed Blue Jays team. He spent much of 2022 as a just-above-average player, and his stolen base numbers were down. But then, he heated up as the season ended, posting some of the best numbers of his career (.406/.444/.662 in the last 32 games). In 2023, Bichette surely hopes to pick up where he left off offensively while working to improve his defense (-16 DRS?). — Renee Dechert

 

39. Shane McClanahan (TBR) – SP

After the Rays traded Black Snell and lost Charlie Morton in free agency, they looked to McClanahan for a rotation cornerstone, and he was up for the task — at least in the first half of the season (1.71 ERA), which led to All-Star honors. After that, however, he struggled with shoulder and back injuries and inconsistency, resulting in a disappointing 4.20 ERA. In 2023, he’ll need to show he can stay healthy, and that changeup will need to return to “revelation” form. — Renee Dechert

 

38. Pete Alonso (NYM) – 1B

The Met’s most consistent offensive player, Alonso, hit 40 home runs in 2022, making him the first Met to hit 40 home runs in two separate seasons. He has a career total of 146 homers and an OPS of .884. (Also, the Polar Bear is very fun, which doesn’t figure into these rankings, but perhaps should.) The two-time All-Star is earning $14.5m in 2023 after avoiding arbitration, but Mets fans want an extension. Don’t bet against it. Steve Cohen has shown he’s willing to spend. — Renee Dechert

 

37. Xander Bogaerts (SDP) – SS

Bogaerts joins a turbocharged (but infield-heavy) Padres team, signing an 11-year, $280m contract. He brings durability and a bat known for making consistent contact. Since 2018, he has had an average OPS+ of 132, which will even out a Padres lineup of sluggers — and cement Fernando Tatís Jr.’s new home in the outfield. — Renee Dechert

 

36. Andrés Giménez (CLE) – 2B

A centerpiece of the Francisco Lindor trade, Giménez needed to show he could deliver — and deliver he did, including being voted the starting second baseman for the AL All-Star Team, winning a Gold Glove, and finishing sixth in MVP voting. This is the logical outcoming of being only the fourth second baseman in MLB history to produce 7.4 WAR. Key questions for 2023: Can he maintain this level of play, and will he and the Guardians agree on an extension? — Renee Dechert

 

35. Austin Riley (ATL) – 3B

A key part of Atlanta’s offense since 2021, Riley looks to keep improving. In 2022, in addition to a career-high OPS+ of 142, he had a torrid July that resulted in him being named the NL Player of the Month, selected to the All-Star Game, and sixth in NL MVP voting. Oh, and he hit 38 home runs. In short, he is an elite hitter. If he can reduce his strikeouts, increase his walks, and improve on defense, Riley looks to reach the next level. — Renee Dechert

 

34. Justin Verlander (NYM) – SP

Coming off winning the Cy-Young and a season with an astonishing 220 ERA+, Verlander will try to repeat his Houston success in New York. Reports from Spring Training indicate that he’s developing his changeup (a pitch he rarely threw last season). Adding that pitch to his arsenal would make an already Hall-of-Fame bound pitcher even better — and worth his two-year, $86m contract. — Renee Dechert

 

33. Bryce Harper (PHI) – OF

In 2022, Bryce Harper was not always his best self due to a thumb injury. But none of that mattered when his .963 OPS and some iconic moments powered the Phillies into the World Series. (Robert Suarez certainly remembers.) Harper will still be rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in the first half of the season, but the Phillies expect him back around the All-Star Break. — Renee Dechert

 

32. Fernando Tatis Jr. (SDP) – OF

In  2021, Tatís slashed .282/.364/.611 with an NL-leading 42 home runs before missing the 2022 season first with a wrist injury from an off-season motorcycle accident and then an 80-game PEDS suspension. He’ll have to sit out 20 more games in 2023 before returning to the Padres in late April. He’s Fernando Tatís Jr., so it’s safe to expect a strong return. Perhaps the bigger question is his adjustment to playing outfield after a career spent as a shortstop. — Renee Dechert

 

31. Kyle Tucker (HOU) – OF

This first-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner finished 16th in ML MVP voting. In short, he had another stellar season, even though his 2022 OPS (.808) dipped slightly from 2021 (.917). On the Astros’ roster, only Yordan Alvarez hit more home runs than Tucker’s 30. Moreover, Tucker should benefit from a ban on the shift. He won’t become a free agent until 2025, but another strong season surely sets him up for a contract extension. — Renee Dechert

 

30. Brandon Nimmo (NYM) – OF

Nimmo stayed healthy in 2022 and continued his trend of consistently getting on base (Career OBP: .385; Career OPS: .827). Having signed an eight-year, $162m contract, he’s set to continue his role as the Met’s outfield cornerstone (and his signature sprints to first base whenever he walks). Perhaps in 2023, he can finally punch his ticket to the All-Star Game. — Renee Dechert

 

29. Will Smith (LAD) – C

The Dodgers’ durable catcher (and durability is a real asset in a catcher) had another strong 2022, slashing .260/.343/.465, including 24 home runs and an OPS of .807. His career OPS is .856 — and, again, he’s a catcher and not yet 28. In short, Smith is elite, a fact too often overlooked (e.g., no All-Star appearances). He became arbitration eligible this year and will earn $5.25m. An offensively consistent catcher is a rare bird, but the Dodgers have developed one. The question is whether they will extend Smith given their depth at the position. — Renee Dechert

 

28. Rafael Devers (BOS) – 3B

After the Red Sox traded Mookie Betts and let Xander Bogaerts leave, they needed to stabilize their roster and placate fans. So it makes sense the Red Sox would sign their face-of-the-franchise third baseman to an 11-year, $331m extension. Now, a defensively improved Devers will need to continue to be a productive hitter  (65 home runs over the last two seasons) while anchoring a team that seems rudderless. — Renee Dechert

 

27. Aaron Nola (PHI) – SP

Nola was essential to the Phillies’ 2022 World Series run, establishing himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball and banishing some September demons. (As a reminder, he struck out 235 and allowed only 39 walks). If Nola can keep locating his fastball and that beautiful curve (49.8% chase rate), he’ll continue to ground the Phillies’ rotation (and set himself up for free agency). — Renee Dechert

 

26. Carlos Rodón (NYY) – SP

Rodon parlayed his breakout 2021 into an equally exciting 2022, the Yankees’ biggest contract from outside the organization. His upper-90s heat and wipeout slider make him one of the game’s dominant pitchers. If he remains healthy, he’ll be worth every penny of his new $162m contract, and with Gerrit Cole, give the Yankees one of MLB’s best 1-2 starting duos. — Renee Dechert

 

25. Carlos Correa (MIN) – SS

Nobody had a more interesting offseason than Correa, who had contracts pulled back from the Giants and Mets due to failed physicals before resigning with the Twins to a six-year, $200m contract. The Twins are undoubtedly happy he fell back into their lap, as Correa is one of the top shortstops in the league. He owns a lifetime .279/.357/.479 slash line and is one of the top defenders at his position in baseball. In 2021, Correa took the AL “Platinum Glove” award, given to the league’s best overall defender. — Scott Youngson

24. J.T. Realmuto (PHI) – C

Baseball fans know that Realmuto is one of the best offensive catchers in the league, and last year may have been his season at the plate. The three-time All-Star slashed .276/.342/.478 with 22 HRs, 84 RBI, and 21 SBs. Getting that kind of production from your catcher is invaluable. What many may not realize, though, is that Realmuto is also one of the best defenders behind the dish. He has two Gold Gloves on his mantle, including last season when he led NL catchers in putouts, double plays, caught stealing %, and TZR. His offensive and defensive contributions led the to tenth-highest fWAR in baseball last year. — Scott Youngson

 

23. Corey Seager (TEX) – SS

Corey Seager has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball since his Rookie-of-the-Year season in 2016 when he finished third in the MVP voting. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner was the Dodgers’ best player in their 2020 World Championship, taking home MVP honors in the NLCS and World Series. Last season, his first as a Ranger, Seager slugged 33 HRs, scored 91 runs, and drove in 83. His career-low batting average of .245 looks like a fluke, as his K% was consistent with his career average, while his BABIP of .242 was nearly 100 points lower than his career norm. — Scott Youngson

 

22. Zack Wheeler (PHI) – SP

The five-year, $118m contract Wheeler signed with the Phillies before the 2020 season looks like a bargain as he has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since moving to the City of Brotherly Love. In 2021, Wheeler finished second in the NL Cy Young voting after leading the league in innings, complete games, shutouts, and strikeouts with a 2.78 ERA, 2.59 FIP, and 1.0 WHIP. Last year, Wheeler finished fourth among all pitchers (minimum 100 IP) with a PLV of 5.36. All four of Wheeler’s primary pitches in 2022 (four-seam fastball, slider, sinker, curveball) had a PLV of 5.25 or greater. — Scott Youngson

 

21. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) – OF

Julio Rodriguez stormed onto the scene last year, winning Rookie-of-the-Year after slugging 28 HRs with 84 runs, 75 RBI, 25 SBs, and a .284 average. The young centerfielder also made the All-Star team, took home a Silver Slugger, and led the Mariners in fWAR during his debut. The sky is the limit for this just-turned-22-year-old with the skills to ascend quickly as one of the premier players in MLB. His plate discipline could use some improvement, but when you have a top ten Hard Hit % as a rookie and are one of the fastest players in the league, you can more than compensate. — Scott Youngson

 

20. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) – 1B

After his breakout in 2021, when he slashed .311/.401/.601 with a league-leading 48 dingers, 123 runs, and 111 RBI, Guerrero came back to Earth in 2022. He only hit 32 HRs with 90 runs, 97 RBI, and a .274/.339/.480 slash-line last season. That’s a career year for most players, but Guerrero has set a high bar for himself. Vlad hits the ball hard – only Shohei Ohtani had a higher maxEV than him last year, yet he doesn’t strike out at a high rate. As he doesn’t turn 24 until March 16, Guerrero will remain one of the league’s most feared hitters for years to come. — Scott Youngson

 

19. Max Scherzer (NYM) – SP

The ageless Max Scherzer dominated again in 2022, winning 11 games with a 2.29 ERA, 2.62 FIP, 0.91 WHIP, and 10.7 K/9. The only knock on his season was that he threw only 145 innings, the lowest full-season total of his career, thanks to a pair of oblique injuries. Mad Max’s slider remains elite, with a PLV of 5.4 in 2022 and a 26.7% SwStr%. His impeccable control led to one of the best K/BB rates in the league last season and will keep him among MLB’s best pitchers, even if his stuff starts to ebb a bit. — Scott Youngson

 

18. Sandy Alcantara (MIA) – SP

Sandy Alcantara rode a tremendous first half of 2022 to the NL Cy Young award last season. Despite a 98 MPH heater, Alcantara doesn’t generate as many strikeouts as most of the top pitchers in the game, but he’s elite at inducing ground balls and changing speeds. Sandy’s also a workhorse, tossing 434 innings over the past two seasons – 36 more than any other pitcher. If the Marlins’ offense can provide him with more run support this season, he should scream past the 14 wins he earned in 2022. — Scott Youngson

 

17. Francisco Lindor (NYM) – SS

Lindor struggled offensively in 2021, perhaps pressing to live up to the ten-year, $341m contract extension the Mets gave him after trading for him in January. However, his defense remained elite, and last year, the offense returned. Lindor slashed .270/.339.449 in 2022 with 26 HRs, 98 runs, 107 RBI, and 16 SBs. His tremendous mix of offense and defense led to an fWAR of 6.8 last year, the sixth-highest among position players and best among shortstops in MLB. — Scott Youngson

 

16. Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL) – OF

After tearing his ACL in July 2021, Acuna returned in late April last year and ran more. His 29 stolen bases in 2022 ranked second in the NL, even though he only played in 119 games. Acuna’s power dropped off last year as he hit only 15 HRs. That should rebound in 2023 as his surgery gets farther in the rearview mirror. The Braves protected their young star upon his return, DH’ing him in 27 of his 115 starts, but he should be a fixture in right field this year, where he’s above-average defensively when healthy. As one of the most talented young players in MLB in one of the league’s top offenses, Acuna’s rank next year could be much higher on our list. — Scott Youngson

 

15. Paul Goldschmidt (STL) – 1B

Paul Goldschmidt had one of the best years of his career in 2022 at the age of 34. The Cardinals’ veteran first baseman led the NL in SLG, OPS, and OPS+ en route to his first MVP. Goldy often gets overlooked, but he’s had a remarkable career. He’s never had an fWAR under 2.8 over a 162-game season and has five Silver Sluggers, four Gold Gloves, and seven All-Star appearances to his name. With a few more good seasons, Goldschmidt should be able to punch his ticket to Cooperstown. — Scott Youngson

 

14. Gerrit Cole (NYY) – SP

Cole had an off year by his standards in 2022, yet he still was among the league leaders in IP, K/9, K/BB, xFIP, SIERA, and PLV. He simply allowed too many HRs last year, 33 to be exact. That should regress back to normal this season, although pitching his home games at Yankee stadium won’t help. Cole still possesses one of the league’s top fastball/slider combos and is on the shortlist among the best pitchers in terms of SwStr% and CSW%. Perhaps most importantly, the Yankee ace’s durability routinely sees him toss 200+ innings per season. — Scott Youngson

 

13. Juan Soto (SDP) – OF

Soto had the worst season of his short career in 2022 and still posted a 3.8 fWAR.The slugger dealt with a lack of lineup protection and trade rumors in Washington. In San Diego, he appeared to be pressing. Soto doesn’t have to be a savior in the star-studded Padres’ lineup this year. You can’t pitch around a player surrounded by the likes of Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Soto is primed to return to form in 2023, just in time for his impending free agency, which will make him a very, very rich man. — Scott Youngson

 

12. Yordan Alvarez (HOU) – OF

To rank this high on our list despite playing subpar defense when he’s not the designated hitter tells you just how good a hitter Yordan Alvarez is. The Astros’ slugger had the second-highest wRC+, wOBA, ISO, and OPS in 2022 to the AL MVP, Aaron Judge. He doesn’t strike out at a high rate for a player who makes hard contact at one of the highest rates in the league and also possesses excellent plate discipline. Undoubtedly, the Dodgers would like a do-over when they traded him for Josh Fields in 2016. — Scott Youngson

 

11. Nolan Arenado (STL) – 3B

Nolan Arenado is one of the best defensive third basemen in the history of the game. He’s won a Gold Glove in every season of his ten-year career and has taken home the Platinum Glove the past six years. In addition, he’s one of the best offensive run producers in the league. Arenado has averaged 32 HRs and 104 RBI with a .273 batting average over the past two seasons since coming to the Cardinals from the Rockies. He’s proven without a doubt that he can hit anywhere, not just in the thin air of Denver. — Scott Youngson

 

10. Freddie Freeman (LAD) – 1B

Freddie Freeman is among the best pure hitters in baseball. He owns a lifetime .298 batting average and has batted over .300 in six of the last seven seasons. Freeman is also incredibly durable, having missed only ten games over the past five years and leading the league in plate appearances in 2021 and 2022. The six-time All-Star and former MVP is a tough out. He doesn’t strike out often and is not afraid to draw a walk, as evidenced by his 0.82 BB/K ratio last season, which was the tenth-best in baseball. Freeman is showing no signs of slowing down either, posting the best fWAR of his career last season at 32 years old. — Scott Youngson

 

9. José Ramírez (CLE) – 3B

Ramirez could end up on the short list of the greatest players in Guardians’ history. The four-time All-Star and Silver Slugger took less than market value to stay in Cleveland, which few stars have done in recent years. Ramirez rewards Guardians’ fans as a player who does it all. He can hit, owning a .279 career batting average. He can hit for power, hitting as many as 39 dingers in a season. He can run, routinely stealing 20+ bases. He can defend, ranking third in UZR among all third basemen over the past five seasons. In Ramirez, Cleveland has a cornerstone player at the hot corner who should remain there for several years. — Scott Youngson

 

8. Manny Machado (SDP) – 3B

Even those who aren’t fans of his outspoken ways have to admit that Manny Machado is one of the best players in the game. The six-time All-Star rarely misses a game, is a consistent offensive threat, and has played elite defense throughout his career. Last season may have been his best. He posted a .298/.366/.531 line with 32 HRs, 100 runs, and 102 RBI as the NL MVP runner-up. The Padres just rewarded the 30-year-old with an 11-year, $350m contract extension, which should keep him in San Diego for the rest of his career. — Scott Youngson

 

7. Mookie Betts (LAD) – OF

The Dodgers likely value Betts’ leadership as much as his play. He assumed his position in the clubhouse almost immediately after coming to Los Angeles when he asked manager Dave Roberts if he could address the team. On the field, Mookie has more than backed up any words he has spoken. He was the MVP runner-up to new teammate Freddie Freeman in his first year with the Dodgers, which culminated in their first World Championship in over 20 years. Last year, Betts led the NL in runs, attended his sixth All-Star game, won his sixth Gold Glove, and his fifth Silver Slugger. He’s a generational talent who contributes with his bat, glove, legs, arm, and example. — Scott Youngson

 

6. Trea Turner (PHI) – SS

Turner is taking his talents to Philadelphia in 2023 after signing an 11-year, $300m free agent contract this off-season. It’s easy to see why the Phillies would make such a massive investment in Trea. He’s an excellent defensive shortstop who’s won a batting title, has led the NL in stolen bases twice, has good power, and can even be a run producer, as he proved by driving in 100 runs last year. In short, Turner can pretty much do it all and should be a perfect addition to the reigning NL champs in their quest to return to the World Series. — Scott Youngson

 

5. Corbin Burnes (MIL) – SP

Burnes has the highest fWAR among starters over the past three seasons. Since 2020, he has 27 wins in 70 starts with a 2.62 ERA, 2.40 FIP, 0.96 WHIP, and 11.9 K/9. His effectiveness correlates with heavier use of his cutter, which is one of the best in MLB. Burnes led the league in starts and strikeouts last year and ERA and FIP in 2021 when he was the NL Cy Young. If the Brewers opt to rebuild and trade him later this season, the prospect haul would be substantial, as he could tip the scales for several contenders. — Scott Youngson

 

4. Jacob DeGrom (TEX) – SP

DeGrom was on a historic pace in 2021. Through his first 12 starts, he was virtually untouchable. The Mets’ ace had only allowed four earned runs in 72 innings (0.50 ERA) while striking out 117 (14.6 K/9) with only ten walks (1.3 BB/9). Not only was deGrom on pace to win his third Cy Young, but he was putting together a season for the ages. Then, his elbow flared up, and after three more starts in 2021, he didn’t pitch again for over a year. DeGrom made only 11 starts in 2022 but dominated again with five wins, 14.3 Ks per nine, 1.1 walks per nine, a 0.75 WHIP, a 2.13 FIP, and a seemingly unlucky 3.08 ERA. Despite the injury risk, the Rangers gave the 34-year-old a five-year, $185m contract this off-season, crossing their fingers that he can stay on the field. — Scott Youngson

 

3. Mike Trout (LAA) – OF

Most baseball fans understand that Mike Trout is the best hitter of his generation. Ten All-Star nods, nine Silver Sluggers, and three MVPs will bring you that recognition. However, Trout’s relative inability to stay on the field the past several seasons masks the fact that he’s still one of the most dangerous hitters in the league when he’s in the lineup. Last season, Trout ranked third in OPS and fourth in wRC+ and wOBA behind the two MVPs and Yordan Alvarez. The only problem was that he played in only 119 games. If we can get 140+ games out of Trout in 2023, you can bet his name will be in the mix for MVP. — Scott Youngson

 

2. Aaron Judge (NYY) – OF

Judge had a season for the ages in 2022. The Yankees slugger led the league in a myriad of categories, including HR, RBI, runs, walks, ISO, OBP, SLG, OPS, OPS+, wOBA, wRC+, and fWAR. It’s no wonder he was named the AL MVP. Judge has been a great hitter since winning Rookie-of-the-Year in 2017, but he set career highs in almost every offensive category last season. His timing was excellent, given he hit free agency after the World Series. Unsurprisingly, Judge re-upped with the Bombers on a nine-year, $360m deal which will keep him in pinstripes through 2031. AL East pitchers undoubtedly hoped Judge would end up elsewhere. — Scott Youngson

 

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAA) – SP/DH

Shohei Ohtani would’ve been ranked as a Top 25 hitter if he only hit. He would have been a Top 10 pitcher if all he did was pitch. Doing both, he earned the highest fWAR in baseball over the past two seasons and led the Angels in fWAR among hitters and pitchers in 2021 and 2022. Even the great Babe Ruth never accomplished this (he did it in separate seasons)! What Ohtani is doing is monumental. Baseball has never seen a player quite like him and may never again. It’s no wonder the rumors persist that he will be the first player in MLB history to earn a $500m contract next winter when he hits free agency. — Scott Youngson

 

That’s the list, folks. Jump into the conversation on Twitter, Reddit, or Discord if you feel your favorite player deserves better! Enjoy the season, everyone. Long live baseball!

 

Photos by Icon Sportswire | Adapted by: Chris Corr (@Chris_Studios on Twitter)