This exercise sparks intense debates and often ends with a respectful agreement to disagree. But that’s exactly what makes ranking the best players at each position in baseball so compelling. Continuing its annual tradition, MLB Network has unveiled its Top 10 Players Right Now at every position heading into the 2025 season.
Relying on past performance, a mix of offensive and defensive metrics—both advanced and traditional—and in-depth analysis from the MLB Network research team, The Shredder has made its picks. You can check out the full top 10 lists for each position here, but for now, let’s dive into the top player at each spot.
Starting Pitcher: Zack Wheeler, Phillies
With elite arms like reigning Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale in the mix, Wheeler topping The Shredder’s list might come as a surprise. However, his numbers tell a different story. The veteran right-hander posted a similar ERA (2.57) and expected ERA (2.80) to Skubal (2.39, 2.72) and Sale (2.38, 2.80) while also logging the most innings—Wheeler pitched 200 frames compared to Skubal’s 192 and Sale’s 177 2/3.
Beyond just last season, Wheeler’s sustained dominance over the past four years makes a strong case for his top ranking. Among pitchers with at least 450 innings in that span, he leads in fWAR (22.7) and FIP (2.93), ranks fourth in ERA (2.94), third in innings pitched (758 1/3), and fourth in strikeouts (846). With that level of consistency and performance, it’s easy to see why he’s considered the game’s best starting pitcher right now.
Catcher: William Contreras, Brewers
Contreras played a pivotal role in the Brewers’ unexpected dominance of the NL Central, helping them secure the division title despite trading ace Corbin Burnes and losing Brandon Woodruff to injury. In his age-26 season, the Milwaukee catcher put up an impressive .281/.365/.466 slash line with 23 home runs and a 5.4 fWAR, earning him a fifth-place finish in NL MVP voting.
Offensively, Contreras excelled across multiple advanced metrics, ranking in the 90th percentile or higher in expected weighted on-base average (.358, 90th), average exit velocity (92.8 mph, 94th), hard-hit rate (49.5%, 91st), and walk rate (11.5%, 90th). His all-around production landed him the top spot on The Shredder’s catcher rankings, unseating Adley Rutschman of the Orioles, who finished second.
First Base: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays was arguably the top first baseman in 2024—especially offensively—and Matt Olson set a Braves franchise record with 54 home runs the year prior, Freeman has been the most consistently elite at the position in recent years. Though his 2024 season may not have reached his usual high standards due to personal and injury-related challenges, “Steady Freddie” has remained the most productive first baseman since 2021, the year after he claimed the NL MVP Award. Over that span, he posted a .311/.397/.516 slash line and accumulated a 23.5 fWAR, outpacing Olson by six wins. Freeman also delivered in the clutch, playing a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory last fall, including hitting one of the most unforgettable postseason home runs in recent memory.
Second Base: Ketel Marte, D-backs
Long one of the game’s most underrated talents, Marte is finally earning recognition as one of baseball’s premier second basemen. With Astros veteran Jose Altuve entering his mid-30s, Marte is emerging as the new standard at the position. He delivered a career-best season last year, posting a .932 OPS and blasting a personal-high 36 home runs, earning him a third-place finish in the NL MVP race. Over the past two seasons, Marte leads all full-time second basemen in MLB with a 10.6 fWAR, cementing his status as one of the game’s elite.
Shortstop: Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
While Bobby Witt Jr. might seem like the obvious choice—especially after finishing second in AL MVP voting and winning the league’s batting title—Henderson has a compelling case as the top shortstop in the game. Coming off his 2023 AL Rookie of the Year season, he took another leap forward last year, finishing fourth in MVP voting with an impressive .893 OPS, 37 home runs, and 21 stolen bases for Baltimore. His 9.1 bWAR in 2024 put him in elite company, making him just the fifth player this century to record a bWAR of 9.0 or higher in a season at age 23 or younger.
Third Base: José Ramírez, Guardians
After briefly relinquishing the top spot to Manny Machado in 2023 and Austin Riley in 2024, Ramírez reclaims his title as the game’s premier third baseman. Long one of baseball’s most underappreciated stars, he continues to cement his legacy with another outstanding season. In 2024, he came agonizingly close to history, finishing just one double and one homer shy of becoming only the second player ever to record 40 doubles, 40 homers, and 40 steals in a single season (joining Alfonso Soriano in 2006). Still, “J-Ram” delivered an elite campaign, posting an .872 OPS, driving in 118 runs, and securing his fifth career top-five finish in AL MVP voting.
Left Field: Yordan Alvarez, Astros
For the second consecutive year, Alvarez sits atop The Shredder’s rankings, and his dominance at the plate makes it easy to see why. In a career-high 147 games, the Astros slugger crushed 35 home runs, posted a .959 OPS, earned his third straight All-Star selection, and finished in the top 10 of AL MVP voting for the second time in three years.
His underlying metrics were just as impressive as his surface stats—almost off the charts. Alvarez ranked in the 95th percentile or higher among qualified hitters in key categories such as expected batting average (.303, 97th), expected slugging percentage (.595, 99th), expected weighted on-base average (.411, 99th), average exit velocity (93.1 mph, 95th), and average bat speed (76.6 mph, 97th).
Center Field: Julio Rodríguez, Mariners
It’s easy to forget that Rodríguez is only 24 years old, given how quickly he has established himself as one of baseball’s elite all-around players. Making his debut as The Shredder’s top-ranked center fielder, J-Rod put together another dynamic season despite being limited to 143 games due to injury. He reached the 20-homer, 20-steal mark for the third straight year while continuing to provide stellar defense in center field.
Rodríguez’s underlying numbers further highlight his well-rounded excellence. He ranked in the top 15% of qualified hitters in expected batting average (.275, 87th), average exit velocity (91.7 mph, 87th), hard-hit rate (48.4%, 89th), and average bat speed (76.3 mph, 96th). Defensively and athletically, he stood out as well, placing in the 92nd percentile in Outs Above Average (7), 90th percentile in average arm strength (91 mph), and 96th percentile in average sprint speed (29.6 feet/second).
Right Field: Aaron Judge, Yankees
Who else? Given the elite competition at the position—including Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Kyle Tucker—Judge’s status as the top right fielder speaks volumes. After ranking No. 1 in The Shredder’s center-field rankings last year, he returns to right field for the 2025 season and once again leads the pack. The reigning AL MVP, who shattered the AL single-season home run record with 62 in 2022, was even better by several measures last year. He belted 58 homers while improving his batting average (.322), on-base percentage (.458), and slugging percentage (.701)—making him the first player to slug over .700 in a season since 2004. With a 10.8 bWAR and his unparalleled power, Judge remains the game’s most feared home run hitter.
Relief Pitcher: Devin Williams, Yankees
For the second straight year, Williams enters the season as The Shredder’s top-ranked reliever—this time in a Yankees uniform after spending six standout seasons with the Brewers. The 30-year-old right-hander continues to elevate his game, building on an already dominant track record. Though injuries limited him for much of last season, he was lights-out upon his return, posting a 1.25 ERA over 22 late-season appearances while converting 14 saves. His devastating “airbender” changeup helped him strike out 43.2% of opposing batters, reaffirming his status as one of baseball’s most unhittable arms. With a career 1.83 ERA, a 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Award, and two All-Star selections, Williams remains the gold standard in the bullpen.
Right Field: Aaron Judge, Yankees
Who else? Given the elite competition at the position—including Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Kyle Tucker—Judge’s status as the top right fielder speaks volumes. After ranking No. 1 in The Shredder’s center-field rankings last year, he returns to right field for the 2025 season and once again leads the pack. The reigning AL MVP, who shattered the AL single-season home run record with 62 in 2022, was even better by several measures last year. He belted 58 homers while improving his batting average (.322), on-base percentage (.458), and slugging percentage (.701)—making him the first player to slug over .700 in a season since 2004. With a 10.8 bWAR and his unparalleled power, Judge remains the game’s most feared home run hitter.
Relief Pitcher: Devin Williams, Yankees
For the second straight year, Williams enters the season as The Shredder’s top-ranked reliever—this time in a Yankees uniform after spending six standout seasons with the Brewers. The 30-year-old right-hander continues to elevate his game, building on an already dominant track record. Though injuries limited him for much of last season, he was lights-out upon his return, posting a 1.25 ERA over 22 late-season appearances while converting 14 saves. His devastating “airbender” changeup helped him strike out 43.2% of opposing batters, reaffirming his status as one of baseball’s most unhittable arms. With a career 1.83 ERA, a 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Award, and two All-Star selections, Williams remains the gold standard in the bullpen.
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