Every offseason, MLB Network runs through a series of programming. One such show is about the Top 10 Right Now at each position. And as we have done in both 2018 and 2019, we will go over our Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now.
Just a quick note about this list, it is a personal list, and everyone will value different things from each position. So I encourage you to make your own list and see who makes the cut on your list.
10. Trey Mancini- Baltimore Orioles
Trey Mancini is quietly producing a stable existence down in Baltimore. Over the last several seasons, Mancini has been one of the better outfielders in the game. And 2019 was a career year for Trey. With 35 homeruns, 97 RBIs, a career-low strikeout percentage (21.1%), and a wRC+ of 132, Mancini delivered big for Baltimore. Heading into 2020, Trey is unlikely to have protection in that Baltimore lineup once again. But a repeat performance can still happen as teams overlook the Baltimore Right Fielder. This places Trey at the base of my Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now.
9.Charlie Blackmon- Colorado Rockies
Charlie Blackmon’s been a stalwart on this list for several years. And this year I’m not breaking from that, as Blackmon ranks number 9 among my top choices of Right Fielders. Over the last few seasons, Charlie may not be the once elite level Center Fielder. But when examining the option pool, few have the track record and pedigree that Blackmon possesses.
8. Mitch Haniger- Seattle Mariners
Mitch Haniger’s been a man plagued by injuries, which have cost him dearly. During the only “Full” campaign of his career, Mitch Haniger had an OPS+ of 137, well above league average. As the 2020 season nears, if Haniger can remain healthy, another monster campaign could elevate him onto the upper portion of this list.
7. Nicholas Castellanos- Free Agent
The second of two similarily Miguel Cabrera-ly trained in the middle of my Right Fielders order. Nicholas Castellanos has become a very good hitter. Over the last four seasons, Castellanos has been well above average and deserves some recognition. Castellanos is now getting that attention as many teams inquired about his services. And those services will aid any team looking to content in 2020.
6. JD Martinez- Boston Red Sox
If there was a list for Designated Hitter, JD could likely top the list. However, Martinez is listed among Right Fielders, and that places him in the middle of the pack. JD Martinez has dominated while in Boston and been among the best hitters in the game. And despite being a poor defender, JD’s offensive game is so remarkable it merits his inclusion on this count down.
5. Christian Yelich- Milwaukee Brewers
Now here is where preference and favoritism really play a huge factor. Christian Yelich has been one of the overall best players in Major League Baseball over the past couple of seasons. (Honestly, ever since he left the albatross that is the Marlins organization.) And so Yelich could easily top this list. Over the last two seasons with the Brewers, Yelich has been nearly an 8 WAR player each year. On average, over the previous two seasons, 40 homeruns and 103 RBIs each year, all while slashing .327/.415/.631.
4. Ronald Acuna Jr- Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuna Jr is one of the most dynamic young talents in MLB. In 2019, Acuna Jr hit 41 homeruns, stole 37 bases, and finished 5th in the NL MVP voting. And arguably, that was worse campaign than his rookie season. Thus a player of this caliber is easily among the best in the game. Acuna Jr is going to be one of the mainstays for Atlanta during their run of success.
3. Bryce Harper- Philadelphia Phillies
I believe in Bryce Harper, I know that seems like just posturing because he’s at number 3 on the list. But of everyone on this list, Harper has proven the potential to go off on a “Ted Williams-esque” caliber season. In 2019, Bryce put together a quietly underrated season. Harper hit more homeruns (35) than any season other than his 2015 MVP season and drove in a career-high 114 RBIs. Bryce’s defense also improved over his 2018 campaign with the Nationals as well. Bryce is a dynamic talent that doesn’t get enough credit for his skill. I’ll say this I believe that Bryce Harper will have a monster campaign and lead Philly to the playoffs.
2. Mookie Betts- Boston Red Sox
Arguably the second-best player in all baseball, behind Mike Trout, is Mookie Betts. And with that elite level of player, it’s no wonder why Mookie makes it this high on the list. And many may argue that Mookie should be number one. And I would not argue that point. Mookie has put together an impressive Major League career. And when you factor the outstanding offensive ability and the dynamic defensive prowess, Mookie is a sure-fire “Betts” for the top of the charts.
1. Aaron Judge- New York Yankees
For me the best of the Right Fielders is Aaron Judge of my New York Yankees. And yes, you can claim that this is bias and in part, that would be true. But when you look at the ability, the 6’7″ man possesses there’s no denying the talent. If Aaron can remain healthy for a full season, it is easy to envision him winning the AL MVP award. Aaron Judge would hit 52 homeruns in a season that had a six-week spell with a shoulder issue, that needed offseason maintence surgery. So a fully healthy Judge for a 150 plus games can shatter records.
