MLB · 11 hours ago

Top 10 Center Fielders in Major League Baseball for 2026

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

Host · Writer

1. Julio Rodríguez – Seattle Mariners
Average Ranking: 1

Julio Rodríguez is the undisputed king of center field. He rejoined the 30-homer, 30-steal club in 2025 and leads all qualified center fielders with 36 outs above average since his debut. At 25 years old, he is on a Hall of Fame trajectory, currently ranking 10th in all of baseball in total fWAR (21.2) over the last four seasons.
- 2025 Stats: 160 G, 32 HR, 95 RBI, 30 SB, 5.7 fWAR.
Top 10 Center Fielders in Major League Baseball for 2026
The center field position in 2026 is a showcase of the most athletic players in the sport. These rankings reflect total on-field value, prioritizing a combination of defensive range, baserunning impact, and offensive production. While some veterans continue to defy time, a new wave of stars—led by a 25-year-old phenom in Seattle—has officially taken over the "8" spot on the scorecard.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
10. Colton Cowser – Baltimore Orioles
Average Ranking: 10.625

While Colton Cowser’s 2025 season saw a dip in slash lines, his power remained stable with a .190 ISO. Though some scouts view him as a natural corner outfielder, he remains a passable and athletic option in center for a loaded Baltimore squad. A rebound is anticipated in 2026 as he moves past the "sophomore slump" and injury bugs.
- 2025 Stats: 92 G, 16 HR, 40 RBI, 14 SB, 0.6 fWAR.
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9. Andy Pages – Los Angeles Dodgers
Average Ranking: 9.125

Andy Pages became an anchor for the Dodgers' outfield in 2025, doubling his home run and RBI totals from his rookie year. His most significant contribution, however, was defensive; he netted 10 outs above average and made a legendary, season-saving play in Game 7 of the World Series.
- 2025 Stats: 156 G, 27 HR, 86 RBI, 113 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR.
8. Daulton Varsho – Toronto Blue Jays
Average Ranking: 7.875

Daulton Varsho is widely considered the best "bang-for-your-buck" outfielder in the league. Despite a lower batting average, he provides elite defense and significant power. His 2025 campaign featured a massive .310 ISO, and prorated to 150 games, he performed at a 4.6 fWAR clip.
- 2025 Stats: 71 G, 20 HR, 55 RBI, 123 wRC+, 2.2 fWAR.
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7. Ceddanne Rafaela – Boston Red Sox
Average Ranking: 7

Ceddanne Rafaela is arguably the premier defender in center field today. While his bat started slow in 2025, he found his rhythm in the final 101 games, slashing .254/.298/.442. A league-average hitter with his plus-plus-plus defensive range makes him one of the most valuable assets in the American League.
- 2025 Stats: 156 G, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 20 SB, 3.8 fWAR.
6. Michael Harris II – Atlanta Braves
Average Ranking: 6.75

Michael Harris remains a projection darling because of his elite physical tools. Despite some inconsistency at the plate over the last two years, he was spectacular in the second half of 2025, posting a 130 wRC+ and 14 homers in just 273 plate appearances. If he maintains that offensive floor, he is a perennial All-Star.
- 2025 Stats: 160 G, 20 HR, 86 RBI, 20 SB, 1.4 fWAR.
5. Wyatt Langford – Texas Rangers
Average Ranking: 4.5

At just 24 years old, Wyatt Langford has already established himself as one of the game's hardest hitters. He paired a 12.9% walk rate with a 118 wRC+ in 2025. With plus feel for the strike zone and top-tier defensive metrics, Langford is a legitimate AL MVP dark horse for the 2026 season.
- 2025 Stats: 134 G, 22 HR, 62 RBI, 118 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR.
4. Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins
Average Ranking: 3.75

The baseball world finally saw a healthy Byron Buxton in 2025, and the results were spectacular. He posted a 136 wRC+ and emerged as the game’s third most valuable baserunner according to FanGraphs. When healthy, Buxton remains a top-five talent at the position.
- 2025 Stats: 126 G, 35 HR, 83 RBI, 24 SB, 5.0 fWAR.
3. Pete Crow-Armstrong – Chicago Cubs
Average Ranking: 3.125

Pete Crow-Armstrong lived up to the hype in 2025, leading the National League in fWAR at the All-Star break. Although he slowed down in the second half, his final line of 31 homers and 35 steals at such a young age is historic. He finished the year 15th among all qualified MLB position players in fWAR.
- 2025 Stats: 157 G, 31 HR, 91 RBI, 35 SB, 5.4 fWAR.
2. Jackson Merrill – San Diego Padres
Average Ranking: 2.625

Jackson Merrill followed up his elite rookie season with a solid 3.0 fWAR campaign in 2025. What makes Merrill special is his rapid adaptation; after converting from shortstop, he has already earned 14 outs above average, ranking him ninth among all MLB center fielders defensively.
- 2025 Stats: 115 G, 16 HR, 67 RBI, 116 wRC+, 3.0 fWAR.
1. Julio Rodríguez – Seattle Mariners
Average Ranking: 1

Julio Rodríguez is the undisputed king of center field. He rejoined the 30-homer, 30-steal club in 2025 and leads all qualified center fielders with 36 outs above average since his debut. At 25 years old, he is on a Hall of Fame trajectory, currently ranking 10th in all of baseball in total fWAR (21.2) over the last four seasons.
- 2025 Stats: 160 G, 32 HR, 95 RBI, 30 SB, 5.7 fWAR.
Top 10 Center Fielders in Major League Baseball for 2026
The center field position in 2026 is a showcase of the most athletic players in the sport. These rankings reflect total on-field value, prioritizing a combination of defensive range, baserunning impact, and offensive production. While some veterans continue to defy time, a new wave of stars—led by a 25-year-old phenom in Seattle—has officially taken over the "8" spot on the scorecard.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

Top 10 Center Fielders in Major League Baseball for 2026

Average Ranking: 10.625

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