## MLB Network Unveils Top Players at Each Position for 2025
**Zack Wheeler Claims Top Starting Pitcher Honor**
in its annual ranking of the top 10 players at each position, MLB Network has declared Zack Wheeler the best starting pitcher heading into the 2025 season. This selection may surprise some, considering the presence of reigning Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale.
However,Wheeler’s consistency and remarkable stats make a strong case. He posted a 2.57 ERA and 2.80 expected ERA last year, comparable to Skubal (2.39, 2.72) and Sale (2.38, 2.80), while throwing a higher innings total (200).Wheeler also racked up 846 strikeouts.
His sustained excellence over the past four seasons further solidifies his ranking.He leads all pitchers with 22.7 fWAR, boasts a 2.94 ERA (fourth best) and a 2.93 FIP (first), while ranking third in innings pitched (758 1/3) during that time.
**Contreras Reigns Supreme Behind the Plate**
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras takes the top spot among catchers. His stellar age-26 season, which included a .281/.365/.466 slash line, 23 home runs, and 5.4 fWAR, propelled the Brewers to an unexpected NL Central title following the departure of ace Corbin Burnes and an injury to Brandon Woodruff.
Contreras’ offensive prowess spanned multiple categories. He ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in expected weighted on-base average (.358),average exit velocity (92.8 mph), hard-hit rate (49.5%), and walk rate (11.5%). This performance dethroned Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, who secured the second spot.
**Guerrero Jr. Dominates at First Base**
Toronto blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. emerges as the top first baseman for 2025 based on his remarkable performance in 2024.## MLB’s Elite: A Look at the Top Performers in 2024
The 2024 MLB season showcased incredible talent across the diamond.Some superstars continued to dominate, while others emerged as true game-changers. Here’s a look at some of the league’s top performers:
**Alvarez Reigns Supreme at DH**
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez earns the top spot for designated hitters. He crushed a career-high 35 home runs with an impressive .959 OPS in 147 games, earning his third consecutive All-Star nod and finishing in the top 10 of AL MVP voting for the second time in three years. Alvarez’s phenomenal contact quality, ranking in the 95th percentile or higher for metrics like expected batting average, expected slugging percentage, and average exit velocity, cemented his status as a feared hitter. [1]
**Ramírez Holds Court at Third**
José Ramírez reclaims his reign as the top third baseman after briefly ceding the spot to Manny Machado and Austin Riley. The Cleveland Guardians star delivered another exceptional season, coming agonizingly close to joining Alfonso Soriano as the only players to hit 40 doubles, 40 homers, and 40 steals in a single season. Despite falling just shy of the historic mark, ramírez posted a remarkable .872 OPS, drove in 118 runs, and secured a top-five finish in AL MVP voting for the fifth time in his career. [1]
**Henderson Makes His Mark at Shortstop**
Gunnar Henderson solidifies his place as one of baseball’s premier shortstops,finishing fourth in AL MVP voting. The Baltimore Orioles star showcased a potent combination of power and speed, slashing .893 OPS while launching 37 homers and stealing 21 bases in his second season. His impressive 9.1 bWAR in 2024 makes him just the fifth player as 2000 to achieve a bWAR of 9.0 or higher at age 23 or younger. [1]
**Marte Ascends at Second Base**
The second base landscape is witnessing a changing of the guard, with Pittsburgh Pirates star Bryan Reynolds rising rapidly. The young infielder enjoyed a career year in 2024, posting a .932 OPS and launching a career-best 36 homers to secure a third-place finish in NL MVP voting. Reynolds’ exceptional performance over the past two seasons, boasting the highest fWAR (10.6) among full-time second basemen in MLB, firmly establishes him as a top talent. [1]
Julio Rodríguez Leads the Pack in Early MLB Rankings
Julio Rodríguez reigns supreme as the top center fielder in baseball heading into the 2024 season, according to The Shredder rankings. The 24-year-old seattle Mariners star has quickly established himself as one of the game’s elite all-around players.
Despite being limited to 143 games due to injury last season, Rodríguez continued his incredible run, hitting at least 20 homers and stealing at least 20 bases for the third consecutive year. His exceptional performance is further evidenced by his top-15% ranking among qualified players in key metrics like Exit Velocity, Hard-Hit Rate, Average Bat Speed, Outs Above Average, and Sprint Speed.
judge Shifts to right Field, Remains a Powerhouse Threat
Aaron Judge, last year’s No. 1 center fielder according to The Shredder, moves to right field this season. Despite the position change, he is projected to dominate in right field heading into 2024. The reigning AL MVP, who set a single-season AL record with 62 home runs in 2022, had an even more impressive season by several metrics in 2023, hitting 58 homers with a .322 batting average, .458 on-base percentage,.701 slugging percentage, and a 10.8 bWAR. Judge is widely recognized as the most feared home run hitter in the
game.
Devin Williams Tops Reliever Rankings Again, joins Yankees
For the second consecutive year, Devin Williams enters the season as the Shredder’s top-ranked reliever. This year, he will wear pinstripes as a member of the New York Yankees after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 30-year-old right-hander continues to improve upon his already impressive skills. Despite missing most of last season due to injury, Williams posted a 1.25 ERA and saved 14 games in 22 late-season appearances for Milwaukee, striking out 43.2% of opposing batters with his devastating “airbender” changeup. Williams boasts a career 1.83 ERA, the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Award, and two All-Star selections.
How dose Aaron judge’s move to right field impact his performance and MLB rankings?
Julio Rodríguez Leads the Pack in Early MLB Rankings
Julio Rodríguez reigns supreme as the top center fielder in baseball heading into the 2024 season, according to The Shredder rankings. The 24-year-old seattle Mariners star has quickly established himself as one of the game’s elite all-around players.
Despite being limited to 143 games due to injury last season, Rodríguez continued his incredible run, hitting at least 20 homers and stealing at least 20 bases for the third consecutive year. His remarkable performance is further evidenced by his top-15% ranking among qualified players in key metrics like Exit Velocity, Hard-Hit rate, Average Bat Speed, Outs Above Average, and Sprint Speed.
judge Shifts to right Field, Remains a Powerhouse Threat
aaron Judge, last year’s No. 1 center fielder according to The Shredder, moves to right field this season. Despite the position change, he is projected to dominate in right field heading into 2024. The reigning AL MVP, who set a single-season AL record with 62 home runs in 2022, had an even more extraordinary season by several metrics in 2023, hitting 58 homers with a .322 batting average, .458 on-base percentage,.701 slugging percentage,and a 10.8 bWAR. Judge is widely recognized as the most feared home run hitter in the
game.
Devin Williams Tops Reliever Rankings Again, joins Yankees
For the second consecutive year, Devin williams enters the season as the Shredder’s top-ranked reliever. This year, he will wear pinstripes as a member of the New York Yankees after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 30-year-old right-hander continues to improve upon his already impressive skills. Despite missing most of last season due to injury,Williams posted a 1.25 ERA and saved 14 games in 22 late-season appearances for Milwaukee, striking out 43.2% of opposing batters with his devastating “airbender” changeup. Williams boasts a career 1.83 ERA, the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Award, and two All-Star selections.
Q&A: Unpacking The Shredder’s early MLB Rankings
Who is the top-ranked center fielder, and why is he considered so dominant?
Julio Rodríguez takes the top spot for center fielders. His blend of power (at least 20 homers for three straight years) and speed (at least 20 steals in the same span),coupled with his impressive rankings in key metrics like exit velocity and hard-hit rate,solidify his position as a truly elite player.
What happened to Aaron Judge, and how is he projected to perform?
Aaron Judge, last year’s top-ranked center fielder, has moved to right field. Despite the position change, he’s still projected to be a dominant force, thanks to his record-breaking home run power and impressive 2023 stats.
Devin Williams is the top reliever again.What makes him so effective?
Devin Williams’ “airbender” changeup is a devastating pitch, consistently fooling hitters. His career ERA of 1.83,a Rookie of the Year award,and two All-Star selections speak volumes about his abilities. Now with the Yankees, he’s poised for even more success.
Thes early rankings provide a tantalizing glimpse into the upcoming season. With stars like Rodríguez,Judge,and Williams leading the way,baseball fans are in for a treat.
