MLB 2026 Rankings: Buster Olney’s Top 10 Players at Every Position
Spring training is underway, and with it comes the annual exercise of evaluating the state of Major League Baseball. ESPN’s Buster Olney has completed his ranking of the top 10 players at every position for the season, a process informed by surveying those around the industry. The focus, Olney emphasizes, is on current ability – who will perform at the highest level this season, not who projects to be the best in the years to come.
Olney’s positional rankings, rolled out over two weeks, cover the spectrum from starting pitchers and relievers to catchers, infielders, outfielders, and designated hitters. The rankings aren’t simply lists of the most famous names; they reflect a nuanced assessment of current form and projected impact. The process highlights the tricky choices facing evaluators, particularly at premium positions like shortstop and in the pitching ranks.
The Pitching Picture: Skubal vs. Skenes
The debate over the top starting pitcher is particularly compelling, pitting Tarik Skubal against Paul Skenes. Olney notes that this was the most contentious discussion among those he consulted, suggesting a remarkably close competition at the top of the pitching hierarchy. The full rankings for starting pitchers, and for relievers, are available on ESPN.com.
Raleigh Sets the Standard Behind the Plate
Behind the plate, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has emerged as the standard-bearer. His historic season, characterized by exceptional power hitting for a catcher, has placed him at the top of the rankings. The question now is whether another catcher can surpass him in .
Infield Battles: Veterans and Rising Stars
The rankings at first base feature a compelling contrast between a seasoned veteran enjoying continued success and a young slugger poised for a breakout season. The competition for the top spot promises to be one to watch. Second base showcases a mix of established performers and emerging talents, while the hot corner boasts stars like Jose Ramirez, Alex Bregman, Manny Machado, Bo Bichette, and Carlos Correa, creating a highly competitive landscape.
Shortstop Depth and Outfield Power
The shortstop position is particularly deep, featuring a wealth of talent including Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Geraldo Perdomo, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, and even Mookie Betts, making for a fiercely contested ranking. The corner outfield positions are similarly stacked with established stars and rising players.
Ohtani Leads the DH Rankings
As expected, Shohei Ohtani tops the list of designated hitters. His remarkable combination of hitting prowess and pitching ability – when healthy – makes him a unique force in the game. Olney notes Ohtani’s success as a leadoff hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he has scored the most runs in the sizeable leagues over the past two seasons, with 153 home runs and an adjusted OPS+ of 184 over his last three seasons.
Olney’s rankings provide a snapshot of the current landscape of Major League Baseball, offering a valuable perspective as the season gets underway. The complete rankings for all positions are available on ESPN.com, offering fans and analysts alike a detailed look at the players expected to make the biggest impact this year.