The 2021 season was epic, and it gave individual players time to shine, stay elite or emerge as part of that upper tier of the best of the best at each position. Continuing an annual tradition, MLB Network began their rundown of “Top 10 Players Right Now” for each position in a series of 10 weeknight specials that started on Monday.
Using rankings based on past player performance, a number of offensive and defensive metrics, both advanced data and traditional numbers, and analysis by the MLB Network research team, “The Shredder” gives us its input (output?) on which players are the 10 best at their positions right now.
Here is the schedule, with each show at 8 p.m. ET on MLB Network.
Freddie Freeman retains his spot as the top first baseman, but No. 2 is a player who, amidst a position change last year, wasn’t on any lists: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Matt Olson’s improved plate discipline, continued power slugging and stellar defense earn him a jump from eighth to third on the list. Two newcomers compared to last year’s lists, along with Guerrero, are Brandon Belt, who helped the Giants to a franchise-record 107 wins, and Joey Votto, who defied father time with a bounce-back performance.
Top 10 second basemen: Tuesday
Top 10 shortstops: Wednesday
Top 10 third basemen: Thursday
Top 10 starting pitchers: March 21
Top 10 relief pitchers: March 22
Top 10 right fielders: March 23
Top 10 left fielders: March 24
Top 10 center fielders: March 25