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Putting together a list of the best center fielders 2022 is kind of tricky. Not only because there are so many great players to choose from but also because putting them in order might depend on countless factors. Are we talking about defensive prowess? Or maybe we want to rank the best sluggers?
Best center fielders 2022
Whatever criteria you want to use to put these guys in order, it’s not a secret that the center fielder is one of the most important positions in the game. With that in mind, we’ll talk about the crème of the crop, letting you know about the top center fielders in MLB right now.
10. Ramon Laureano
While he’s still set to miss a chunk of the season due to a suspension, and while some expect his numbers to plummet after his PED scandal, Ramon Laureano is still one of the best CFs in MLB.
He’s not the best hitter by any means but he’s got that Joey Gallo-esque swing that could translate into a lot of homers. Also, he’s one of the best base-runners in the game and a constant threat to get a steal or two.
9. Kyle Lewis
There’s no denying that Kyle Lewis has all the tools and intangibles to become a prime center fielder, yet his inability to stay on the field has raised questions about his future in the league.
Now that he’s fully healthy, he’s expected to be the focal point of the Seattle Mariners offense. A former Rookie of the Year winner, he can put up big numbers and post a 25-15 season.
8. Trent Grisham
Trent Grisham is set to benefit the most from Fernando Tatis Jr’s injury. He’s expected to take over as the leadoff hitter for a San Diego Padres offense that’s as stacked as it is explosive.
Grisham is one of the fastest players in the game, ranking in the top 10% in terms of sprint speed. That often translates into stolen bases, and he’s got the potential to top the 20 steals mark in a season. The power may not be there but the contact and speed certainly are.
7. Byron Buxton
Back in 2021, Byron Buxton proved to be one of the best CFs in MLB when he hit .426 with 8 dingers and 14 runs in one month.
His talent and physical tools have never been put into question, as he’s a versatile athlete who can contribute to nearly every single aspect of the game. If healthy, expect him to rank near the league’s leaders in runs, RBIs, and stolen bases.
6. Brandon Nimmo
Brandon Nimmo’s 14% walk rate is just elite, as is his .393 OBP. Although not the most gifted athlete or the fastest sprinter, he’s got elite plate discipline and base-running skills.
Just like most players on this list, the only question mark in his career has been his health, but he should pile up plenty of runs with the New York Mets’ revamped offense even if he misses some time next season.
5. Starling Marte
Talking about the New York Mets, Starling Marte is expected to put on a show in Queens from day one.
Despite his age, he’s shown his ability to pile up stolen bases like the best of them and he hasn’t shown any signs of missing a step. He’s not the best hitter in the league, nor the most powerful. But once he puts it in play, you know he’ll leave everyone in the dust.
4. Luis Robert
Luis Robert promises to be one of the best center fielders 2022. Despite missing time with injury, he still managed to produce elite numbers when he was on the field.
He closed out the season hitting .350 with 35 RBIs and 12 homers in the final 43 games. He’s a prime combination of power, contact, speed, and defense and one of the few players with enough upside to post a 30-30 season.
3. Cody Bellinger
While his numbers don’t correlate to the top center fielders in MLB right now, you know Cody Bellinger won’t have back-to-back bad seasons.
He’s a former MVP and is just 26 years old. Also, Bellinger will benefit from playing in one of the most explosive and dynamic offenses in baseball history, so there’s big bounce-back potential with the upside of 25+ homers and 100 RBIs.
2. George Springer
George Springer was expected to make an immediate impact for the up-and-coming Toronto Blue Jays but multiple injuries prevented him from unleashing his full power last season.
Even so, he managed to hit 22 homers over the 78 games he was able to suit up.
Springer is one of the best sluggers in the league and he can hit for both power and average. Also, you know he’ll always have the green light to get off to the races and steal a base or two. He’s not getting any younger but he’s still one of the best in business.
1. Mike Trout
When healthy, there’s no better player in baseball than Mike Trout. It’s been like that for a while and it figures to be that way again this season.
While he may no longer be a threat to steal bases due to his age and history of injuries, you already know that Trout is going to put the ball in play in nearly every at-bat. He’s a threat to hit bombs out of the park every time he steps to the plate, and a prolific contributor in nearly every single category.
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