Ranking MLB's best at every position for 2026: Olney's top 10s

With spring training camps underway, it is time to look at the state of baseball. As part of our 2026 MLB season preview, ESPN's Buster Olney surveyed those around the industry to help him rank the top 10 players at every position.

The objective of this exercise is to identify the best players for the 2026 season, not who might be best in five years or over their career. Who will be the best pitchers to take the mound this season? Who are the game's most powerful hitters in 2026? And how do marquee positions like shortstop and center field shake out?

We rolled out a position per day over two weeks: starting pitchers, relievers, catchers, first basemen, second basemen, third basemen, shortstops, corner outfielders, center fielders and designated hitters.

Who are the best players today? Check out who makes the list at every position.

Top 10 starting pitchers

The question seems simple: Who is the best starting pitcher in MLB, Tarik Skubal or Paul Skenes? But this was a debate that confounded evaluators more than any other. See our top 10 »

Top 10 relief pitchers

MLB bullpens are loaded with flamethrowers again in 2026 -- but there's not really any doubt who's No. 1 among relievers. See our top 10 »

Top 10 catchers

Seattle's Cal Raleigh set the standard for hard-hitting catchers with a historic 2025 season. Can anyone beat him out for the top spot? See our top 10 »

Top 10 first basemen

The battle for the top spot on our list at first base is between a veteran star coming off a dominant October and a young slugger who could be the talk of MLB in 2026. Which player is the best of the best? See our top 10 »

Top 10 second basemen

This year's second basemen include accomplished veterans, young stars and players still new to the position. Here are the best of the best. See our top 10 »

Top 10 third basemen

The hot corner boasts stars like Jose Ramirez, Alex Bregman, Manny Machado, Bo Bichette, Carlos Correa and more. Where do they all land among the top 10 at the position? See our top 10 »

Top 10 shortstops

The shortstop position is full of big-name stars: Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Geraldo Perdomo, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and Mookie Betts, to name a few. But which one earned the top spot at the premier infield position? See our top 10 »

Top 10 corner outfielders

The outfield corners are loaded with future Hall of Famers, fast-rising young players and two sluggers who share a city. See our top 10 »

Top 10 center fielders

Center field is a spot ruled by some of baseball's young stars -- but which one of them sits atop our list? See our top 10 »

Top 10 designated hitters

You might be able to guess the superstar atop the list of the best designated hitters in baseball for 2026 -- but who else joins him in our ranking? See our top 10 »