Ranking the top 20 MLB outfielders for 2023 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The most talented players in baseball reside in the outfield.
Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout has been considered far and away the best player in the game for the last decade, but several outfielders have closed the gap in recent years. Ex-Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts continues to tear it up with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Judge is coming off a historic season with the New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners youngster Julio Rodriguez appears to be the future face of the sport.
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There are plenty more elite outfielders where that came from. Here are our top 20 OFs in the league ahead of the 2023 MLB season.
20. Teoscar Hernandez, RF, Seattle Mariners
2022 stats: .267/.316/.491, 25 HR, 77 RBI (with Toronto Blue Jays)
Hernandez was traded to the Mariners after five seasons as one of the Toronto Blue Jays’ most productive hitters. The two-time Silver Slugger award winner will look to propel Seattle to its second straight playoff berth before he becomes a free agent next winter.
19. Cedric Mullins, CF, Baltimore Orioles
2022 stats: .258/.318/.403, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 34 SB
Mullins regressed at the plate after breaking out with 30 homers and an .878 OPS in 2021. He might not be the elite hitter he appeared to be, but the 28-year-old is still among the better defensive center fielders and is a burner on the basepaths. He’ll play a big part in the Orioles building off their surprisingly successful campaign.
18. Steven Kwan, LF, Cleveland Guardians
2022 stats: .298/.373/.400, 6 HR, 52 RBI, 19 SB
Kwan had the misfortune of being in the same rookie class as Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman. He finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind those superstars, but his outstanding debut season shouldn’t be overlooked. The 25-year-old earned a Gold Glove with 21 defensive runs saved, which ranked third in MLB. Kwan isn’t much of a power threat, but he finds other ways to contribute offensively with his .373 OBP and .772 OPS.
17. Starling Marte, RF, New York Mets
2022 stats: .292/.347/.468, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 18 SB
Marte’s first season in Queens was a success. The 34-year-old veteran was named an All-Star for the second time in his 11-year career and placed 19th in MVP voting. He brings a little bit of everything to the Mets lineup with his speed and his ability to hit for both power and contact. His $ 78 million contract so…