MLB Top 10 Rankings: Players by Position for 2026

Baseball fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks as MLB Network unveils its annual rankings of the top 10 players at every position. The network’s “The Shredder” utilizes a comprehensive methodology, combining past performance with both traditional and advanced statistical analysis, to determine the best players in the game right now.

A Deep Dive into the Rankings

The rollout began with second basemen and starting pitchers, and will continue with a scheduled release of lists for shortstops, center fielders, catchers, right fielders, third basemen, relief pitchers, and first basemen. The full schedule is detailed below.

Upcoming Ranking Schedule

Jan. 29, 8 p.m. ET: Top 10 shortstops
Jan. 30, 8 p.m. ET: Top 10 center fielders
Feb. 2, 7 p.m. ET: Top 10 catchers
Feb. 3, 7 p.m. ET: Top 10 right fielders
Feb. 4, 7 p.m. ET: Top 10 third basemen
Feb. 9, 7 p.m. ET: Top 10 relief pitchers
Feb. 10, 7 p.m. ET: Top 10 first basemen

Did You Know? The rankings are based on analysis from the MLB Network research team, incorporating both advanced statistics and traditional numbers.

Shifts at the Top

Among starting pitchers, the 2025 Cy Young Award winners, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, have risen to the top of the list, claiming the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. Zack Wheeler, previously ranked No. 1, now sits at No. 3, while Chris Sale dropped to No. 4. A significant number of newcomers are making their debut in the top 10, with Cristopher Sánchez and Garrett Crochet, both Cy Young runners-up, leading the charge.

The rankings aren’t static elsewhere either. Jarren Duran of the Red Sox now leads the center fielders, displacing Yordan Alvarez, who fell to No. 7 after an injury-affected season. Roman Anthony and Cody Bellinger have also broken into the top five, showcasing strong performances in their recent seasons.

Expert Insight: The influx of new players into these top 10 lists suggests a changing landscape in Major League Baseball, with emerging talent challenging established stars. This could signal a shift in competitive dynamics across the league.

Second Basemen Remain Consistent

Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks continues his reign as the top second baseman for the second consecutive year, and the fourth time in his career. Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs has also seen a rise in the rankings, moving up to No. 3 after winning his second career Gold Glove. New faces Xavier Edwards and Brice Turang have also earned spots in the top 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria does “The Shredder” use to create these rankings?

“The Shredder” uses rankings based on past performance, various offensive and defensive metrics (including both advanced statistics and traditional numbers) and analysis by the MLB Network research team.

When will the Top 10 relief pitchers be revealed?

The Top 10 relief pitchers will be revealed on February 9th at 7 p.m. ET.

Which players have seen the biggest changes in their rankings?

Yordan Alvarez has dropped from No. 1 to No. 7 in the center fielder rankings, while Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes have risen to the top two spots in the starting pitcher rankings.

As the MLB Network continues its position-by-position rankings, will these early shifts in power continue, and what other new names will emerge as contenders for the top spots?