Every year the MLB Network has a Top Ten Right Now series at every Position and here I will breakdown my top 10 at every position. Some you may agree with and some you might not everyone’s list would probably be different in some way shape or form and that’s the beauty of baseball always something to debate. Here we go with the next list my Top 10 Right Fielder’s Right Now.
TOP 10 RIGHT NOW BEGINS WITH MY 10TH BEST RIGHT FIELDER RIGHT NOW IS JOSH REDDICK
Josh Reddick of the 2017 World Champion Houston Astros has had an up and down career mostly due to injuries. And while they were a small factor in 2017 Reddick had a very productive year for the Astros and looks to be a continued asset in 2018.
ON TO THE #9 MAN ON THE COUNTDOWN AVISAIL GARCIA
Avisáis Garcia or as he is sometimes nicknamed “Little Miggy” had a breakout year and was acknowledged as a All Star in 2017. Having an OPS+ of 137 is a true All Star caliber player. Look for Garcia to continue to improve and be in the middle of an up and coming core in Chicago’s Southside.
THE 8TH SPOT BELONGS TO DOMINGO SANTANA
Domingo Santana a name unknown around most of baseball until last season. And in a breakout year Santana hit 30 homeruns drove in 85 with a slash line of .278/.371/.505 and a OPS+ 126. If Domingo Santana can have another season of consistent contribution in 2018 he can climb higher up this list.
NUMBER 7 OF THE TOP 10 THIRD BASEMEN RIGHT NOW IS YASIEL PUIG
The enigmatic Yasiel Puig has been a source of debate for many years. Is he a superstar or a flash in the pan ? In 2017 Puig had a big year and played quite well for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. If Puig can keep his head on straight look for a big year in 2018.
NUMBER 6 IS NELSON CRUZ
Nellie Cruz may seem like a man who doesn’t belong on this list but since it seems like MLB Network isn’t having a Designated Hitter list this year I’m putting Cruz in with the Right Fielders. Cruz is a perennial 40 homerun caliber type player now while he loses some value in his fielding ability he still provides such a potent bat that he belongs on this list.
MY 5TH BEST RIGHT FIELDER RIGHT NOW IS JD MARTINEZ
JD had a remarkable season in 2017. He was a clear game changer when he was traded to Arizona at the deadline. 29 homneruns and 62 RBI’s in only 62 games for the Snakes. Obviously, that pace is difficult to maintain all season but JD is a legitimate bat in any lineup, even if his defense leaves something to be desired.
ON TO THE NITTY GRITTY NUMBER 4 IS BOSTON’S MOOKIE BETTS
Mookie Betts is a phenomenal player and is easily the best player on the Red Sox. Look for a big season in 2018 from Mookie Betts. For a more in depth look at Mookie Betts, read my article entitled “The Betts on Mookie”
3RD ON MY LIST OF TOP 10 RIGHT FIELDERS RIGHT NOW IS GIANCARLO STANTON
Now I’ll just make this statement right now off the bat this part of the list is 1-a, 1-b, 1-c and can be interchangeable. Stanton is coming off of a 59 homerun season and a NL MVP winning season. Stanton was traded to the New York Yankees and will look to bring even more value to his impressive career arch by helping the Yankees get to and ultimately win the World Series. Stanton will have some serious protection in the Yankees lineup and will have another monster MVP caliber type season in 2018.
Next up or 1-B is
AARON JUDGE
Aaron Judge coming off of a 52 homerun season a Rookie of the Year win and finishing second in the AL MVP race had a year one would dream about. And going into 2018 will have Giancarlo Stanton there with him and they will play off one another and have a friendly rivalry throughout the season and it will push them both to incredible seasons in 2018. Look for the rebirth of the “M & M Boys” with this pairing. Judge and Stanton will have over 100 homeruns combined again this season mark my words.
AND NUMBER 1 ON THE TOP 10 RIGHT FIELDERS RIGHT NOW IS…BRYCE HARPER
Harper is going into his walk year and become a free agent at the conclusion of 2018, therefore look for Harper to have a monster season like he had in 2015 where he Slugged over .600. Harper will make his case for the greatest player in 2018 leading to the biggest contract in the history of MLB. Bryce is entering his age 25 season and will look to dominate entering his “Prime Years” of his MLB career.
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