Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout never ceases to amaze us.
He has lost a step due to injuries and heavy usage in the early part of his career, so he won’t steal 30 bases anymore or flash Gold-Glove caliber defense in center field.
However, as a hitter, he is better than ever before.
The overall package – elite hitting ability and power, passable defense and speed, mediocre throwing arm – is still good enough for him to lead the pack when it comes to center fielders in MLB.
“Mike Trout reigns supreme on MLB Network’s Top 10 Center Fielders list,” MLB tweeted.
Mike Trout reigns supreme on MLB Network’s Top 10 Center Fielders list.
Give us your top 10 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7aJXMDO5VS
—MLB (@MLB) January 13, 2023
That list was made by the folks at MLB Network.
It’s a pretty solid group.
Analysts take several aspects of the game into account.
Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins is second.
He remains one of MLB’s most exciting players, with game-changing defense and an elite power-speed combo.
Some contact issues and, particularly, an inability to stay in one piece for a full season bump him down the ranking.
Seattle Mariners exciting rookie Julio Rodriguez is third, and has the potential to be number one for years to come.
In his rookie season, he displayed a beautiful swing, power, speed, production, charisma, and leadership skills.
Brandon Nimmo of the New York Mets is ranked fourth: he didn’t sign for $162 million by accident.
He has some unparalleled plate discipline.
NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II is fifth, and trade piece Bryan Reynolds is sixth.
Cedric Mullins, Luis Robert, Mike Yastrzemski and Chas McCormick complete the top ten.
