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buster olney
multiple authors
With spring training camps underway, it’s time to look at the state of baseball. As part of our 2026 MLB season preview, ESPN’s Buster Olney surveyed people from across the industry to help rank the top 10 players at every position.
The aim of this exercise is to identify the best players for the 2026 season and not who can be the best in five years or in their careers. Who will be the best pitcher to take the mound this season? Who are the most powerful hitters in the game in 2026? And how are key positions like shortstop and center field affected?
We took out one position per day over two weeks: starting pitcher, relievers, catchers, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, corner outfielder, center fielder And designated hitter.
Who are the best players today? See who makes the list at each position.
Top 10 starting pitchers
The question seems simple: Who is the best starting pitcher in MLB, tariq skubal Or Paul Skenes? But it was one debate that confused evaluators more than any other. Check out our top 10 »
Top 10 Relief Pitchers
MLB bullpens will again be filled with flamethrowers in 2026 — but there’s really no doubt who is No. 1 among relievers. Check out our top 10 »
top 10 catchers
from seattle cal raleigh Set the standard for hard-hitting catchers with a historic 2025 season. Can anyone beat him to the top spot? Check out our top 10 »
Top 10 first basemen
The battle for the top spot on our list at first base is between a veteran star who has been dominant in October and a young slugger who could be the talk of MLB in 2026. Which player is the best? Check out our top 10 »
top 10 second basemen
This year’s second basemen include accomplished veterans, young stars and players still new to the position. Here are the best of the best. Check out our top 10 »
Top 10 third basemen
Contains stars like Hot Corner jose ramirez, Alex Bregman, manny machado, bo bichet, carlos correa and more. Where do they all rank in the top 10? Check out our top 10 »
Top 10 Shortstops
The shortstop position is filled with big-name stars: bobby wit jr., Gunnar Henderson, Geraldo Perdomo, francisco lindor, corey seeger And mookie betsto name a few. But who earned the top spot at the premier infield position? Check out our top 10 »
Top 10 Corner Outfielders
The outfield corners are filled with future Hall of Famers, fast-rising young players and two sluggers who share one city. Check out our top 10 »
Top 10 center fielders
Center field is a spot ruled by some of baseball’s young stars – but which one of them tops our list? Check out our top 10 »
Top 10 Designated Hitters
You might be able to guess which superstar tops our list of the best designated hitters in baseball for 2026 — but who else joins him in our rankings? Check out our top 10 »
