Another day, another top 10 player
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t recall a previous year where the Diamondbacks have had players listed in these rankings at so many positions. I guess that’s a tribute to the broad strength of the team, as shown by them leading the majors in runs scored last year. I think this might also be the first time we’ve had the best player at a specific position, It’s hard to argue with the choice here. Ketel Marte moves up two spots from last season’s third-place ranking, on the back of a top three finish in the NL MVP voting. Probably helped that 2024’s top 2B, Mookie Betts, is moving over to shortstop – regardless, I think Marte was better last year.
On Marte, MLB Network analyst and 16-year MLB veteran Mark DeRosa said, “He was once a guy that was looked at as kind of a super-utility. They were running them out in the outfield. Finally, they said, ‘No.’ Torey Lovullo sticks him at second base every day, and his offense has gone through the roof.”
Here’s the full top 10. Interesting to see former D-backs prospect, Jazz Chisholm, also in the top five.
- Ketel Marte, AZ (Last year: 5)
- Jose Altuve, HOU (2)
- Marcus Semien, TEX (3)
- Brendan Donovan, STL (NR)
- Jazz Chisholm Jr., NYY (NR)
- Tyler Fitzgerald, SF (NR)
- Brandon Lowe, TB (NR)
- Nico Hoerner, CHC (10)
- Andrés Giménez, TOR (7)
- Gleyber Torres, DET (NR)
Marte’s position does make for a relatively easy poll!
Hosted by MLB Network’s Brian Kenny, the 15th season of each Top 10 Right Now ranking considers player performance over multiple seasons, offensive and defensive metrics, both advanced Statcast data and traditional numbers, and expert analysis by the MLB Network research team. The series also features Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Costas, longtime MLB Network host and Radio Hall of Famer Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, and BBWAA Career Excellence Award winner Jayson Stark revealing and debating various Top 10 lists, including All-Time Players and Managers.
Next one isn’t until Wednesday, and it’s for shortstop. Think Geraldo Perdomo’s peskiness (TM) won’t be enough to get him on the list, but who knows?