As spring training camps begin, it is time to look at the state of baseball. As part of our 2025 MLB season preview, ESPN's Buster Olney is bringing back his positional ranking series, in which he 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 2025 season, not who might be best in five years or over their career.
We rolled out a position per day over two weeks: catchers, first basemen, second basemen, third basemen, shortstops, corner outfielders, center fielders, designated hitters, starting pitchers and relievers.
Who are the best players today? Check out who makes the list at every position on ESPN+.
Top 10 catchers
The No. 1 catcher on this year's list might surprise you if you weren't paying attention last season. For years, it seemed Adley Rutschman was next in line for top honors behind the plate for years to come, but a down 2024 by the Baltimore Orioles catcher opened the door for another player to slug his way to the top spot. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 first basemen
The battle for the top spot on our list at first base is between two veterans with a clear path to Cooperstown and a young slugger who could be the talk of 2025 in MLB. Which player is the best of the best? See our top 10 on ESPN + »
Top 10 second basemen
Alex Bregman's move to Boston puts a well-known name in a new position near the top of our list, but who earned the No. 1 spot at 2B? See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 third basemen
Jose Ramirez is a regular presence near the top of American League MVP voting, but did he earn the No. 1 spot on this year's list at the hot corner? See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 shortstops
The shortstop position is full of big-name stars: Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Francisco Lindor and now Mookie Betts, too. But which one earned the top spot at the premier infield position? See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 corner outfielders
The outfield corners are loaded with stars, highlighted by two sluggers who share a city. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 center fielders
Two young stars from the West divisions highlight our list of the sport's top center fielders. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 designated hitters
A familiar superstar tops the list of the best designated hitters in baseball for 2025 -- but who else joins him in our ranking? See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 starting pitchers
This year's aces include accomplished veterans and young stars ready to be the next faces of the sport. Here are the best of the best. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 relief pitchers
MLB bullpens are loaded with flamethrowers in 2025. Which superstar reliever is No. 1 on our list of the best of the best? See our top 10 on ESPN+ »