MLB: Top 50 Players In Major League Baseball Right Now

Ranking the Top 50 MLB Players Right Now

Which MLB players make you switch channels just to catch their at-bats? Who do you search the highlight videos for the next morning? Everyone has their favorite players, but there are some who are definitely hotter than others. So who are the best right now?

While former stars like Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira are heading off to retirement, there are plenty of young players ready to take their place.

Making a Top 50 list is never easy, but it’s especially tricky in a league as big and diverse as Major League Baseball. To make the cut for this list, players needed to hit or pitch in enough games in 2016 to qualify for their respective leaderboards – which eliminated a lot of recently-called-up prospects and injured players.

In general, players with a consistent body of work over the last several seasons were given more weight than someone who made a lot of noise over a short period of time this year.

However, players who fell off dramatically from last year’s performance weren’t necessarily given a pass just because of their past accomplishments. These are the top 50 players right now – the future of baseball – and there’s no way to know whether someone who had an abysmal season in 2016 will bounce back next year.

One thing is certain: some of the best players in the league have been excluded from this list. Combining pitchers and hitters into one list forces a lot of cuts, so keep that in mind if your favorite player has been snubbed.

With that explanation out of the way, let’s get started on the top 50 players in MLB right now:

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #50 and #49

#50 – Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCutchen, like a few other young stars, is not having a very good year – but unlike many of those other names, it was just impossible to leave him off of this list. Although he’s batting just .242 this season, McCutchen is still holding it together in terms of OPS. No, .721 won’t get him on any leaderboards, but it shows that the skills that made him a superstar are still there.

With 15 home runs and just four stolen bases, it’s certainly a down year for Pittsburgh’s favorite outfielder – but he remains one of the stars of the league.

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#49 – Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins

Christian Yelich isn’t a household name, but should he be? The 24-year-old Marlins outfielder has been excellent at the plate this year, posting a .906 OPS – the 19th best overall. He also has the fourth-highest average in all of baseball, at .327, including 32 doubles.

Yelich is much better at the plate than he is in the field, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the most valuable players in the National League. So far in 2016, Yelich’s 3.7 WAR is ranked 23rd among position players – a number that would be higher if he hadn’t struggled a bit defensively at times. Still, Yelich deserves some credit for what he’s done in Miami.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #48 and #47

#48 – Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Okay, maybe it was wrong to say that players’ past performances wouldn’t count towards this ranking. Eric Hosmer is another All-Star player who has had a bit of a rough season, but has managed to remain above-average even in a down year. Similar to Andrew McCutchen, Hosmer has 15 home runs as well as five stolen bases.

He also has 62 RBIs, and has maintained a .770 OPS despite some pretty intense struggles surrounding the All-Star break. In recent games, he has seemed to be headed back on track, so there’s reason to believe he will be rising up this list in the near future. Hosmer is easily the most talented hitter on the Royals’ roster, and won the All-Star MVP Award last month for his contributions in the midsummer classic.

* * *

#47 – Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

For Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez, the 2016 season has been about staying healthy and getting his first real shot in the rotation. After posting a 1.09 ERA in 24 relief appearances in 2014, Sanchez had a solid 2015 season, filling in both as a starter and out of the bullpen.

In 2016, he’s made his presence known in a big way. Sanchez was selected to his first All-Star game, and has the third-best ERA in the American League, at 2.85. He’s struck out 121 batters in 145.1 innings, as he’s earned an 11-2 record.

Sanchez is only getting better, too. He’s allowed just 11 earned runs in his last seven starts, making him one of the most difficult pitchers in baseball to score on.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #46 and #45

#46 – Edwin Encarnacion, 1B/DH, Toronto Blue Jays

On the other side of the Blue Jays’ roster, slugger Edwin Encarnacion is doing what he does every season: crushing the ball. He trails only Baltimore’s Mark Trumbo in home runs, with 31 homers so far this season. That’s helped him to an .894 OPS and 94 RBIs – numbers that have become pretty standard in Encarnacion’s career.

While some might argue his .263 average is a bit low, he makes up for it in power and patience at the plate. Encarnacion has walked 58 times this year, including two intentional free passes. Altogether, Encarnacion remains one of the scariest batters to face.

* * *

#45 – Wilson Ramos, C, Washington Nationals

Wilson Ramos isn’t the most popular name on this list, but there’s no denying his 2016 season. After posting fairly mediocre numbers throughout the last six seasons, Ramos has finally found his stroke. The 29-year-old catcher is batting .336 this year – the third highest average in MLB, and only ten points behind NL batting title leader Daniel Murphy.

Ramos has also shown up in the power department, slugging 18 home runs to give him a career-best .933 OPS. That mark puts him in baseball’s top ten in OPS, and the fact that he’s doing it from a position that’s typically weak at the plate makes him even more valuable.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #44 and #43

#44 – Freddie Freeman, 1B, Atlanta Braves

Atlanta slugger Freddie Freeman has a reputation as one of the best guys in the game, and he’s done a nice job of providing some highlights for the fans who have stuck around during this rough Braves season. In 2016, he’s batting a respectable .281, but he’s also crushed 21 home runs.

That power, combined with a solid 55 walks on the season, has given him an .892 OPS – solid numbers for a power hitter who is forced to bat with little protection in the lineup. Freeman is also heating up, having hit .345 over his last 15 games, including three homers in the last week. The Braves aren’t very exciting to watch as a team, but Freeman is a player to keep an eye on.

* * *

#43 – Danny Duffy, LHP, Kansas City Royals

Danny Duffy has posted numbers similar to those of Aaron Sanchez, ranking just ahead of him in ERA (2.82) and opponents’ batting average (.220). Where Duffy really shines, however, is in his ability to strike batters out.

Sure, Duffy only ranks eighth in AL in punch outs, with 138 so far this season, but he’s also only pitched 124.1 innings. Despite making 33 appearances in 2016, only 17 have been starts – Duffy began the year in the bullpen and didn’t make the switch to the rotation until mid-May. In that short period of time, he’s cemented himself as one of the top arms in the AL.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #42 and #41

#40 – Jose Ramirez, UTL, Cleveland Indians

Who? Jose Ramirez wasn’t even on the radar last season, and actually earned a mid-season demotion because he was playing so poorly. The Indians called up top prospect Francisco Lindor, who cemented himself into the shortstop position – taking Ramirez’s best shot at a full-time job.

Under the tutelage of veteran Juan Uribe, Ramirez honed his offensive and defensive skills and is currently sixth in the American League with a .309 average. He’s also swiped 14 bases (tied for tenth in the AL) and hit six home runs. Ramirez is infamous for his speedy base-running, which typically results in his batting helmet falling off, like so:

Six homers may not sound like much, but for a 23-year-old who is generously described as 5’9 and 190 pounds, Ramirez is holding his own in the lineup – so much so that the Indians designated Uribe for assignment and made his protégé their primary third baseman. The 23-year-old utility man’s bat was so hot that Terry Francona couldn’t justify keeping him on the bench and playing the veteran Uribe instead.

Ramirez has also struck out in just 10.9 percent of at-bats, in addition to leading the league in average with runners in scoring position for most of the season. Nationally, he may not have the name-recognition yet, but if he keeps playing like this, he will soon.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #39

#39 – Carlos Correa, SS, Houston Astros

Maybe this ranking is too harsh of an indictment on the 21-year-old Carlos Correa, who won Rookie of the Year honors in 2015, but his star has certainly fallen a bit during this campaign. Correa is batting .271/.365/.472 with 18 home runs and 10 stolen bases – certainly not bad, but hardly the kind of power he showed last season, when he had 22 home runs in just 99 games.

Perhaps the expectations on Correa were too high, but it’s important to keep in mind that he’s just 21 years old. He has yet to hit his prime, and pitchers around the league have made an adjustment to him in his first full season in the big leagues. The next step is for Correa to make an adjustment in return.

And perhaps he already has – in his last 30 games, Correa is batting .282 with five home runs. Three of those homers have come in his last seven games, and he’s batted .310 during that same time span. Take a look at the kind of power he’s capable of:

In two months, Correa may belong at the very top of this list, but for now, he needs to work on turning his sophomore season into a more memorable year.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #38

#38 – Jason Kipnis, 2B, Cleveland Indians

It’s not unreasonable to think Jason Kipnis is one of the most underrated players in the game. Kipnis is tied for 25th overall in WAR (according to Fangraphs), but he’s rarely mentioned with the league’s greatest players. That’s probably because the Cleveland Indians’ second baseman is an all-around player, rather than excelling in any one area.

While you won’t find him in the top twenty in home runs, stolen bases or average, Kipnis has held his own in all of those categories. With 19 homers and 9 stolen bases, he’s bolstered his .284/.343/.488 line to the point that he’s one of the best and most consistent hitters in both the Tribe lineup and the league. He’s even been compared to Dustin Pedroia, in part because of his scrappy, passionate playing style.

But it’s the 29-year-old’s defense that really makes him one of the most valuable players in the game. Just watch this diving grab that robs Ian Kinsler of a base hit:

The Indians weren’t even sure that Kipnis could play second base when they drafted him, but the converted college outfielder has taken to the infield quite well. Combined with defensive phenom Francisco Lindor at shortstop, the two have created one of the best double-play combos in the league.

For now, Kipnis is near the back of the Top 50, but he certainly has the potential to move up in the rankings.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #37

#37 – Chris Sale, LHP, Chicago White Sox

Chris Sale’s on-field talent is off-the-charts, but his off-field antics have started to overshadow what he can do on the mound in some ways. Earlier in the 2016 season, Sale berated the front office for interfering in the clubhouse after Adam LaRoche took early retirement and forfeited his salary following restrictions imposed on his son’s time spent with the team.

Just a few weeks ago, Sale made headlines again when he took a knife to the White Sox’s promotional tie-in throwback jerseys while the rest of the team was busy with pre-game batting practice. Sale, who had repeatedly asked not to have to wear the uniforms because he felt they negatively impacted his performance, was angry at what he perceived as a lack of focus on results.

The irony of Sale making a statement about putting winning first shortly after earning a suspension and forcing a “bullpen game” was not lost on most baseball fans. That doesn’t mean Sale wasn’t coveted around the league at the deadline.

And why not? Off-field shenanigans aside, Sale is ranked 26th in FIP, at 3.64, and his 24.5 percent strikeout rate is tied for 20th in the league, behind mostly National League pitchers. Sale also rarely walks hitters, with just 5.7 percent of at-bats ending in a walk. He’s posted a 3.16 ERA to go with his 14-5 record in 2016, making him very valuable indeed.

At one time, Sale would likely have been at the top of this list, but there are several pitchers who have outperformed him in 2016.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #36

#36 – Ian Desmond, OF, Texas Rangers

When infielder Ian Desmond chose to decline the Washington Nationals’ qualifying offer last season, it’s hard to know exactly what he and agent Scott Boras were expecting. What Desmond got instead, however, was a lot of silence and disinterest in his price tag. In the end, he was left with two options: sit out for a year, or take a job as the Texas Rangers’ outfielder.

The switch in positions has gone more smoothly than anyone could have hoped:

Desmond is ranked 18th in WAR through this point in the season, due largely in part to his defense. He’s already swiped 17 bases, though, so it’s not as though he’s struggled at the plate.

In fact, Desmond has been one of the only consistent players in an injury-plagued Texas lineup. So far this season, he’s batting .291 and has an OPS of .827. He’s also slugged 20 homers and notched 70 RBIs, making him a very viable candidate to hit the 20 steals and 20 home runs plateau that few players are capable of.

It’s rare to see such a good combination of power, speed, average and defense, especially in a player who is in their first full major league season at a new position. That makes Ian Desmond one of the most interesting players in the league.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #35

#35 – Masahiro Tanaka, RHP, New York Yankees

The New York Yankees may have entered a rebuilding phase (no matter how much they deny that they’ve given up on this season), but one area that was not really touched at the deadline was the starting rotation. Masahiro Tanaka leads that rotation, with a 3.33 FIP that is tied for the 12th best in the league.

Prior to joining the Yankees, Tanaka won the coveted Sawamura Award twice in Japan – an honor with much stricter criteria than MLB’s Cy Young.

Tanaka’s success comes not from his ability to strike out every batter in sight, but his control. In 2016, only five pitchers have walked batters at a lower rate than Tanaka, who has given free passes to just 4.5 percent of batters. Yes, he’s averaging just over one walk per game, with 27 in his 23 starts.

That doesn’t mean he can’t strike batters out – he has 120 strikeouts in just over 146 innings – but he simply gets outs in other ways. While his 3.32 ERA is just 27th overall, it’s tenth in the American League, and opposing hitters are batting .241 against him.

Even if his numbers don’t inspire the same awe as other names on this list, Tanaka is a huge asset to the Yankees’ rotation.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #34

#34 — Trevor Story, SS, Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies rookie Trevor Story seemed unstoppable at the start of the season, but recently, Story found out he will miss the remainder of the year with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, following surgery to correct the injury. If the Rockies earn a Wild Card spot and make the playoffs, they could potentially get Story back in time to help the team in the postseason.

Before his injury, Story was one of the top contenders for Rookie of the Year. Although he does play in Colorado, his numbers were still phenomenal: 27 home runs and a .909 OPS in his first major league season. The 23-year-old shortstop also had seven stolen bases and 72 RBIs, earning a pair of Player of the Week awards, as well as April’s Rookie of the Month honors.

Despite cooling off a little after his incredible start to the year, Story had recently started to heat up: six homers, three stolen bases and a .340 average in his last 15 games.

Assuming his rehab goes smoothly, there’s no reason to think that Story can’t return at full-strength, either in the fall or next spring. He’ll be one of the most interesting players to watch next year, as fans wait to see if he can repeat his success in his sophomore season.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #33

#33 — Aledmys Diaz, SS, St. Louis Cardinals

This is, apparently, the portion of the list where we lament over what might have been, had so many of the top young shortstops not injured their thumbs mid-season. Like Trevor Story, Aledmys Diaz took the Cardinals by storm when he made his debut. Injuries to Jhonny Peralta and Ruben Tejada, combined with the absence of veteran backup Pete Kozma, meant that St. Louis was forced to consider calling up Diaz.

After Tommy Pham was injured on Opening Day, a roster spot was available, and Diaz got the call. All he did was bat .423/.453/.732 in April, including four home runs and eight doubles.

The 26-year-old Cuban national never looked back, and at the time of his injury, he was still batting .312, wich an .894 OPS. The loss of their shortstop and his bat has hurt the Cardinals, but the first few months of the season showed them what they have to look forward to going forward.

It took a series of injuries and other moves to convince the Cardinals that Diaz was ready for the big leagues, bit it’s safe to say that they probably don’t regret their decision in the slightest. There isn’t an exact timetable for his return from the disabled list, but St. Louis can’t wait to get him back.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #32

#32 – Jake Lamb, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

One of the most underrated players so far this season has been Arizona Diamondback’s third baseman Jake Lamb. Combined with first baseball Paul Goldschmidt, the corner infielders have really held the Diamondbacks together in a not-so fruitful year.

Lamb, who is just 25 years old, is batting .277 with a .924 OPS. That OPS is ranked ninth in the NL. Lamb also has four stolen bases, 72 RBIs and – most importantly – 24 home runs.

This is not Lamb’s first season in the big leagues – it’s actually his third. It is, however, his first full season, and it’s the first time he’s really made a major impact on the Diamondbacks’ record. In July, he also picked up a Player of the Week award – a small consolation prize after he was robbed of an All-Star nomination during the Final Vote contest.

The Diamondbacks have had a rough year, but Lamb has only recently begun to slow down – likely a byproduct of having never player a full major league season. While he may not be able to sustain these numbers long-term throughout his career, his 2016 success makes him one of the best players to watch right now, and he deserves to be recognized for that.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #31

#31 – Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Many people (rightfully) believe that Ryan Braun is the most easily despised player in the game, given not just his PED use, but his ability to lie and slander the reputation of others in an effort to preserve his own fame and fortune.

However, personal disdain for Braun doesn’t mean that his number aren’t Top 50-worthy. His .935 OPS and 19 home runs are near the top of the National League leaderboards, and his 13 stolen bases make him a well-rounded player, in terms of speed and power.

It’s very difficult to look at Braun’s outstanding 2016 results and not think about his behavior regarding his failed PED test and subsequent appeal. Karma clearly has not paid Braun back in any way this year, as in addition to his high OPS, he’s ranked fifth in batting average in the National League.

Maybe the baseball gods are making Braun pay for his antics in the sense that he is wasting his prime on a terrible Milwaukee Brewers squad. Right now, he seems to be one of the only good things about their lineup. Regardless of what one thinks of his personality, Braun’s 2016 numbers have made him one of the most valuable players this season.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #30

#30 – Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies

Carlos Gonzalez remains one of the best hitters in the league, as he has been since his Rockies debut in 2009. He’s only 30 years old, so it’s a bit surprising to realize this is his ninth major league season. As much as the Oakland Athletics have struggled, one has to wonder if they regret trading him away back in 2008.

For one of the only times in his career, the injury-prone Gonzalez has been healthy almost the entire season. He’s currently out of the starting lineup with an ankle injury, but for him, that’s a very minor injury. That healthiness is part of why he’s been able to bat .323 this season, including 23 home runs. He’s also posted a .941 OPS – the fourth highest in the National League.

With all of the Colorado Rockies on this list, one would think they would be playing much better than they are right now. Heading into play on Friday, Colorado was nine and a half games behind the division-leading Giants, and four and a half games back in NL Wild Card race.

Although Gonzalez is getting older, he’s still a very valuable player to have in the lineup. Hopefully, the Rockies can capitalize on his bat before it’s too late.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #29

#29 – Noah Syndergaard, RHP, New York Mets

The New York Mets have an interesting approach to valuable young pitchers, which appears to consist of insisting they’re able to play through most injuries. Along with fellow starter Stephen Matz, the Mets are encouraging Syndergaard to pitch through a bone spur in his elbow. Matz’s bone spur is much bigger, but still – it’s tough to say how much of an impact the spurs have had on their performance.

Despite that, Syndergaard is still one of the top pitchers in the system. His 2.75 ERA is ranked sixth in all of baseball, and opposing hitters are batting just .255 against him. In 23 appearances (and 22 starts), Syndgaard has pitched 134.1 innings and struck out 163 batters. Here’s an example of what his strikeouts look like:

If not for the bone spur, Syndergaard would most likely be featured closer to the top of this list – he’s posted a 3.35 ERA and a 1-4 record over his last three starts.

Hopefully, the Mets know more about his injury that the public does, and they’re making the right decision. Syndergaard is just 23 years old, and he has one of the most talented arms in the game. It would be a shame to jeopardize that in a season in which it seems less and less likely that the Mets will make the playoffs anyway.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #28

#28 – Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have a loaded lineup, including shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts is in his third full major league season, after making a brief debut in 2013 for the World Series-winning Red Sox. While he has hit well for a shortstop in past seasons, 2016 has been the best year of his career offensively.

His .314 average ranks third in the American League. Bogaerts has also stolen 13 stolen bases and hit 14 home runs, making him a very valuable middle infielder. So far this year, he’s knocked in 69 runs and doubled 25 times, and his OPS is .829 – not bad for someone who doesn’t take many walks.

Bogaerts is just 23 years old, and was selected to the All-Star team for the first time this year. He’s part of a young crop of shortstops that have a surprising amount of pop in their bats and play an integral part in the lineup. His defense includes some flashy plays, as well:

Coupled with players like Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts, Bogaerts forms part of a young core that will keep the Red Sox in contention for the next several seasons (provided that their pitchers learn to keep up with their position players).

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #27

#27 – Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs

For all of the talk about the Chicago Cubs’ young talent and their outstanding pitching staff, not enough credit goes to their veterans – like first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Although he’s just 27 years old, Rizzo is in his sixth major league season, after debuting with the San Diego Padres in 2011.

Rizzo, who leads the National League with 34 doubles, has been a huge offensive help to the Cubs this season. He’s posted a phenomenal .970 OPS, including 24 home runs and 61 walks. He’s also swiped three bases, and he is batting .290 this year. The left-handed hitter also picked up his third All-Star Game selection in July, where he was one of many Cubs players selected who truly deserved a spot on the roster.

There’s really no part of Rizzo’s game that can use improvement. His consistency at the plate and at first base have been a big part of the Cubs’ recent success, and his defense isn’t shabby, either:

In addition to all of his on-field accomplishments, Rizzo also won the Chicago Cubs’ Heart and Hustle Award for his off-field charity work, making him even more of a fan-favorite.

While Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber may get more national attention, Rizzo’s reliable bat makes him irreplaceable in the Cubs’ lineup.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #26

#26 – Matt Carpenter, UTL, St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals utility man Matt Carpenter is truly unique. Most utility players are light-hitting defensive specialists, who learn to play multiple positions in order to justify their spot on their roster. In Carpenter’s case, his bat is enough to earn him a spot on the roster, and the fact that he’s an outstanding defender is just icing on the cake.

Carpenter is a very capable hitter, and so far this year, he’s batting .294/.413/.563. That gives him an OPS of .976 – ranked fifth among all major league hitters. He’s also slugged 15 home runs and knocked in 56 runs.

In July, Carpenter was named to the third All-Star team of his career – a rare feat for a utility player. The infielder splits time between first, second and third base, and even played the outfield a handful of times earlier in his career.

For Carpenter, part of the key to his success has been plate discipline. Among National League hitters, only Joey Votto has a higher on-base percentage than Carpenter, who is tied with Paul Goldschmidt for fourth place on the MLB leaderboard in that category.

Fellow-Top-50 teammate Aledmys Diaz may be the Cardinals everyday shortstop solution, but Carpenter’s flexibility in the field makes him one of the most valuable hitters in the game.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #25

#25 – Jacob deGrom, RHP, New York Mets

When it comes to the New York Mets’ starting pitchers, it’s hard to decide who should be ranked higher. While Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey garner the majority of the attention in New York, Jacob deGrom is certainly the better pitcher right now, given Syndergaard’s bone spurs and Harvey’s shoulder issues.

Right now, deGrom ranks fourth in all of Major League Baseball with a 2.35 ERA. He’s pitched extremely well in his third season, following up on two dominate campaigns in 2014 and 2015. The 28-year-old has also struck out 120 batters in 126.1 innings, while walking just 28 batters all season. That’s one of the lower walk rates in the majors, and it accompanies a very good home run rate, too.

So far this year, deGrom has given up just 10 homers to opposing hitters, as he’s held them to a .232 average. He has one of the best home run to fly ball rates in the game, at 9.7 percent. Not only is he keeping traffic off the bases with that low walk rate, he’s also keeping the ball in the park.

While there will probably be some debate over whether deGrom is truly the best Mets pitcher, it’s safe to say that other clubs should be very envious of New York’s starters.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #24

#24 – Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

When the Pirates started their 2016 season, they knew who their superstar outfielder would be – Andrew McCutchen. As it turns out, Starling Marte took that title away from McCutchen. Heading into play on Friday, Marte is batting .315/.374/.462, and he has shown no signs of slowing down.

Marte is on quite a few of the league’s leaderboards. Among all major league players, he ranks 11th in average and 23rd in on-base percentage. He has stolen 39 bases so far this year, which is more than all but two other players. Surprisingly, he’s also hit just seven home runs, which is low for him – meaning he’s had all of this success without really utilizing the long ball. Marte hit 19 home runs in 2015, so he’s typically relied more on power to help him.

Marte was selected to the National League All-Star squad in 2016, in part for his outstanding offensive contributions. But he’s also a very capable outfielder, given his speed. Check out this catch he made to rob the Brewers of a home run:

Andrew McCutchen will return to form eventually, but for now, Marte is the top outfielder in the Pirates lineup. He has made an outstanding impression during the 2016 season, and he’s earned some recognition.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #23

#23 – Johnny Cueto, RHP, San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants signed Johnny Cueto over the off-season, shortly after the 30-year-old became a free agent. Cueto helped Kansas City to a World Series last season, and he picked up where he left off with his new team.

For all the jokes about “even-year” magic with the Giants, Cueto is one reason that San Francisco could be World Series bound yet again. So far, he’s earned a 13-3 record, posting a 2.93 ERA. That makes him one of the best pitchers in the league, but it doesn’t stop there.

Cueto has struck out 146 batters and walked just 32 all season, despite having pitched 160 innings already. He’s also allowed only seven home runs all year, albeit helped by both his ballpark’s deep outfields and the Bay Area’s marine layer, which tends to keep balls in the park.

Regardless of the cause, Cueto has been a perfect fit for the Giants and AT&T Park, and he’s cemented his place as one of the top arms in baseball. Last year, he was one of the most coveted pieces at the trade deadline, and in 2016, he’s proven why he was such a hot commodity.

Cueto gets a bad rap for what is perceived by some as a show-off attitude on the field, but he’s earned the right to celebrate his pitches any way he wants.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #22

#22 – Kyle Hendricks, RHP, Chicago Cubs

The Cubs had a loaded rotation headed into 2016: Jake Arietta, the reigning Cy Young winner; Jon Lester and John Lackey. But entering the second week of August, it is the much-less heralded Kyle Hendricks who leads the Chicago rotation with a 2.17 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.

In fact, that ERA doesn’t just seem great in comparison to the other Cubs’ pitchers – it’s second only to Clayton Kershaw in the NL. The 26-year-old Chicago right-hander is dominating opposing batters, holding them to a .210 average despite only striking out 112 in 133 innings of work. Hendricks has been even better in the second half of the season, owning a 5-1 record and 0.86 ERA in his last seven appearances.

While Hendricks doesn’t have the raw talent of Arietta or Lester, he’s been consistently good over the last three seasons and deserves some extra recognition for what he’s done this year. He’s also only pitched 133 innings, which lags a bit behind many of the other top arms – posing the question of whether a full workload could have a negative impact on that ERA.

Regardless of whether he can sustain this going forward, Hendricks is certainly one of the top pitchers in the league right now, and he’s a dark horse candidate for the Cy Young Award now that Clayton Kershaw is out of the race. Don’t ignore him.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #21

#21 – Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies

You can relax, Rockies fans. Nolan Arenado is on the list. Third base is a heavy class, which means Arenado is often snubbed – resulting in a lot of resentment around the All-Star Game rosters and other similar honors from those who believe Arenado is a better third baseman than players like Kris Bryant.

While he may have a lot of talented counterparts, Arenado is a star in his own right. His 3.9 WAR ranks 17th among all position players, despite being just 25 years old. That means he’s provided a lot of value for his team – and in Arenado’s case, he’s doing it from both sides.

Arenado is great with his glove – check out this excellent play, where he makes a great stop and an even better throw from his knees:

Meanwhile, at the plate, he has one of the best OPS in the league, at .927. This is because he’s hit more home runs than anyone except Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Trumbo, and is tied with Todd Frazier at 30 homers this season. While his .287 average isn’t on the leaderboards, it is a pretty respectable number, given that it’s accompanied by so much power.

Arenado is young, and as he earns more accolades and awards, fans of all teams will begin to pay attention to just how valuable he is. He already has three Gold Gloves and two All-Star Game selections, so it’s safe to say plenty of people have already noticed.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #20

#20 – Corey Kluber, RHP, Cleveland Indians

Corey Kluber won the Cy Young in 2014, but it didn’t exactly make him a household name in the years to follow. (He did, however, get much harder to stream in fantasy leagues.) In 2016, he made his first All-Star squad, pitched a scoreless inning for the American League – and managed to earn the win in the process.

Still, there are plenty of outstanding pitchers in the league, so what sets Kluber apart as one of the highest ranked pitchers on this list? To start with, Kluber ranks 14th in the league in WAR – providing plenty of value to his Cleveland Indians squad.

He also has the fourth best FIP in the league, at just 2.79, and has struck out nearly 26 percent of opposing hitters. Check out this compilation of his outing against the Orioles recently. These are some terrific pitches:

Kluber isn’t as flashy as many of today’s young pitchers, relying heavily on movement and deception in addition to speed. So far this year, he’s tossed three complete games, including a pair of shutouts, and has thrown 151 innings, tied for the fifth most in the AL. His 1.01 WHIP also leads the AL, and hitters are batting just .215 against him.

Kluber might not garner a lot of attention, but the Indians can always count on him to stop their losing skids – part of the reason the Tribe has been so good this season. With a pitcher like Kluber at the front of the rotation, it’s hard to get too far off track.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #19

#19 – Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Like Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt rarely gets the recognition he deserves because he plays on a team that hasn’t gotten much media coverage in the last few years due to their general lack of making the playoffs. However, a bad supporting cast doesn’t mean that Diamondbacks’ first baseman isn’t one of the best players in the game.

So far this season, Goldschmidt is ranked sixth in walk rate and 22nd in OPS. His .293/.408/.488 makes him a threat to hit for average and power, but more than anything, Goldschmidt is a threat to walk. Of his 486 at-bats, 15.6 percent have ended in a free pass.

On the bases, the 28-year-old is dangerous as well. He’s swiped 14 bases this year, putting him in the top 20 base stealers in the league.

First basemen don’t get much love for their defense, since first is considered the “easy” position to play, but Goldschmidt does a nice job there as well. In small sample sizes, like a portion of a season, it’s difficult to use defensive metrics accurately – but for what it’s worth, Goldschmidt has the highest range factor of any MLB player, according to MLB.com. (First base offers a lot of range opportunities, but he’s still besting the other first basemen on the list.)

Overall, Goldschmidt is an all-around outstanding player, and he deserves to be in the top 20 players in MLB.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #18

#18 – Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins

For Jose Fernandez, 2016 is about getting back into his routine. After missing most of the 2014 and 2015 seasons following Tommy John surgery, this year is the first full season for Fernandez, and he’s making the most of it.

In May, Fernandez napped NL Player of the Week honors, and followed it up two months later with an All-Star Game selection. The right-hander earned it, considering his 198 strikeouts are the second highest total in all of MLB, and opposing hitters are batting just .218 against him. His .256 average at the plate is actually significantly better, as he’s notched 12 hits in his 39 at-bats.

Fernandez has always been considered an elite prospect, but it’s always hard to predict how a player will pitch following Tommy John surgery. So far, he’s made it look easy, although the rehab process is far from simple for players.

In 2016, Fernandez has posted a 2.81 ERA – tied for the ninth best mark in the game, and despite his health issues, he ranks in the top 15 for innings pitched. Returning from Tommy John surgery and striking out nearly 200 hitters in just over 137 innings is perhaps one of the best feats we’ll see in baseball this year.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #17

#17 – Daniel Murphy, 2B, Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy has surprised the baseball world this season with his success at the plate. The former New York Met is batting .346 this season, which is 20 points ahead of everyone except teammate Wilson Ramos.

In 2016, Murphy has 82 RBIs and 21 home runs – no small feat for a 31-year-old with a career OPS of .780. While that number isn’t terrible, it’s nothing compared to his .992 OPS this season.

So what changed for Murphy? Supposedly, he’s adapted his swing and made some changes to his approach…and now he’s competing for the NL batting title. That may be true, but it’s still just a little hard to believe in a player who is hitting nearly 200 points above their average OPS.

That doesn’t mean Murphy has done anything wrong, or isn’t deserving of all of the praise he’s getting – but there are rightfully some questions as to whether it’s sustainable, even after he’s managed to keep the pace up for 405 at-bats this season.

The best thing to do with a player like Murphy is to appreciate his success for what it is now, and hope it continues going forward – which is why he’s ranked high on this list, but probably not as high as Nationals fans would like.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #16

#16 – Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers

It’s hard to believe Miguel Cabrera is so far back on this list – perhaps it’s just a testament to how routine his success has become.

Cabrera is having what many players would consider an outstanding season: a .308/.381/.544 line, including a walk rate over 10 percent and 26 home runs so far this year. For the Tigers’ former Triple Crown winner, however, those numbers are fairly standard. Still, as a reminder, here’s a home run he casually crushed out of the park:

Yes, Cabrera’s continued success – his career OPS is .959 – doesn’t diminish how great of a player he is, but there is so much young talent in the league that it’s hard to say he outranks them. Cabrera’s greatest skills are with his bat. He’s powerful and has a terrific eye at the plate, but his move to first base has made him slightly less valuable as a player.

That’s not to say he’s not the most valuable player on the Tigers roster – but in terms of ranking the league, it’s hard to say that he’s worth more than some of the aces and other infielders in the league.

Cabrera also is playing on a team that seemed to be counting itself out of the race even before the season began, although they’ve now caught up in the AL Central and are squarely back in the potential playoff picture. Of course, if Mike Trout can be the best player in the league while playing for the Angels, this probably isn’t the best argument for while Cabrera is so far back on the list.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #15

#15 – Stephen Strasburg, RHP, Washington Nationals

Another pitcher at the top of the leaderboards is right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who is perhaps most well-known for his 2012 season. He’s come a long way from his controversial season-ending forced shutdown that year, which has long been considered a poor decision on the part of the Nationals. The front office, wanting to limit Strasburg’s workload in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, refused to let their ace pitch as the team fought for – and missed – a playoff spot.

Now one of several aces on the Washington Nationals’ rosters, Strasburg has posted a 2.80 ERA in 138.1 innings so far in 2016. He’s struck out 169 batters in the process, making him one of the most elite pitchers in the game.

While pitchers don’t necessarily control their record, Strasburg is 15-2. Sure, the lineup deserves some credit for that – but it’s hard to maintain such a good record without pitching very well, too.

Straburg’s ERA ranks seven in the National League, and his strikeout count trails only three pitchers, including teammate Max Scherzer. His 1.01 WHIP ranks fifth, and he’s managed to hold batters to a .202 average as well.

There are so many good pitchers right now that it’s hard to select who belongs in what order, but Strasburg certainly deserves to be near the top of the list. He’s just 28 years old and has already pitched 915 career innings, with a lifetime ERA of 3.05 – so he’s not about to go away anytime soon.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #14

#14 – Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians

Last season, Astros shortstop Carlos Correa swiped the AL Rookie of the Year Award from fellow infielder Francisco Lindor. While the debate over last year’s performance was a close one, in terms of predicting future success, voters got it very wrong.

Lindor’s sophomore season has been anything but a slump. The Indians shortstop is batting .306/.356/.450 so far this year, with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases. In the American League, he ranks ninth in average, 18th in OBP, and is tied for 10th in stolen bases.

That’s not so bad for a scrappy 22-year-old shortstop who was called up for his defense rather than his bat. Lindor has combined well with fellow Top 50 infielders Jason Kipnis and Jose Ramirez to turn double plays and make fascinating outs like this one:

Maybe the most creative play of the year.

Unlike many young superstars, Lindor has a reputation as being one of the most beloved players on his club, by fans and teammates alike. Terry Francona can’t say enough good things about him, and if he keeps playing the way he has so far this season, Lindor may be in the elite class of baseball players for years to come.

At 22 years old, he has plenty of time to make an even bigger name for himself.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #13

#13 – Max Scherzer, RHP, Washington Nationals

Stephen Strasburg might be good, but that doesn’t mean he’s better than teammate Max Scherzer. Scherzer made a name for himself in 2013 with the Detroit Tigers, after struggling through parts of his first five big league seasons. In 2015, he signed a big contract with the Nationals as a reward.

This season, Scherzer has lived up to his contract nicely. His 2.80 ERA is tied with Strasburg for the seventh-best in the NL, but the thing that really sets Scherzer apart from other pitchers is his strikeout ability.

So far this year, the right-hander as notched 208 strikeouts in 163.2 innings. That’s ten strikeouts more than the next best pitcher (Jose Fernandez) and 27 more than the third-ranked pitcher, Madison Bumgarner. Of course, Clayton Kershaw hasn’t been around for a month, taking away a prime strikeout competitor – but it’s still an elite skill set.

One of Scherzer’s biggest moments in the league was his 20 strikeout game, and every time he takes the mound, it seems possible that he’ll do it again. That’s one of the many reasons that Scherzer made the NL All-Star squad, and why he ranks near the top of the best players in baseball.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #12

#12 – Jake Arrieta, HP, Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have so many outstanding pitchers that it’s hard to pick just one. That’s why Jake Arrieta joins Kyle Hendricks on the Top 50 list. After winning last season’s Cy Young Award, Arrieta has continued to dazzle in 2016.

Despite a couple of rougher outings, Arrieta has the sixth-best FIP in baseball, at 2.99, and has struck out over a quarter of the batters he’s faced. His 2.59 ERA is even better – it ranks fifth in all of baseball.

(Shockingly, it’s not even the best ERA on his team. Fellow Hendricks is leading non-unbeatable-Clayton-Kershaw pitchers with a 2.17 ERA.)

But while Hendricks is doing well at this moment, Arrieta is the pitcher most likely to have prolonged success. He has a strikeout rate of more than a batter per inning, and has only given up eight home runs all season. Combined with a 1.03 WHIP (seventh in the NL), it makes him a very unhittable pitcher. In fact, opposing batters are hitting just .189 against him.

Compared to how Arrieta pitched last season, when he posted a 1.77 ERA, it seems as though he’s struggled a bit in 2016 – but the reality is Jake Arrieta is still one of the greatest arms in the game.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #11

#11 – Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper is still one of the best players in the game.

At first glance, this placement might seem hard to justify. In the intro, it was mentioned that superstars like Sonny Gray, David Price, and Dallas Keuchel – 2015 Cy Young nominees who have imploded this season – were intentionally left off the list. So how did Harper, who is batting just .233 this year, make it on to the list?

First of all, he’s not a pitcher. Pitchers put a lot of strain on their arms, and the amount of innings that pitchers like Price, Gray and Keuchel have thrown in recent seasons make them good candidates for prolonged struggles, regardless of talent.

But also, Harper has found ways to be productive even while his average hovers closer to the Mendoza line than league average. His 18.3 percent walk rate is the best in the league, as he’s walked 82 times so far this season – including 16 intentional free passes. He’s also hit 20 homers, giving him a strong slugging percentage despite a low average. Harper’s .812 OPS suggests that while his average may be down, he’s still getting things done.

Harper also comes in 15th overall with 15 stolen bases, making him an asset on the basepaths as well. He might not look like a superstar this season, but there’s no doubt that he’s still one of the top ten players in the game.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #10

#10 – Madison Bumgarner, LHP, San Francisco Giants

For whatever reason, some pitchers just don’t earn the same amount of national attention as others. While Clayton Kershaw is undoubtly the best pitcher in the league, San Francisco Giants starter Madison Bumgarner is often forgotten as a fellow West Coast ace.

His 3.16 FIP is the ranked ninth among all starters, and his 27.7 percent strikeout rate is ranked eighth. Bumgarner is also stingy with walks, allowing free passes to just 6.1 percent of batters. Perhaps most impressive – although the Giants’ defense certainly earns some praise for this as well – Bumgarner’s miniscule 2.20 ERA is third in the league.

So far this season, the 27-year-old lefty has struck out 181 batters in 163.2 innings of work. If that’s not impressive, it’s hard to say what is. For those keeping track, that’s also the most innings pitched in the NL, tied with Nationals’ starter Max Scherzer – pretty good company to be in.

To top things off, Bumgarner has eight walks, three doubles and a pair of home runs to his name – no small feat for a pitcher. The veteran starter also has pitched four complete games and made 19 quality starts in 24 tries. No wonder he was an All-Star this year.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #9

#9 — Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

Corey Seager hasn’t been around long, but he’s made an excellent impression in 2016. As the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop, Seager has hit and fielded his way to seventh place on the FanGraph’s leaderboard, tied with Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts. That’s not bad for a rookie.

So far this year, Seager is batting .305/.360/.534 for LA, making him one of the best hitters in the National League. His average ranks seventh and his OPS ranks 14th in the NL.

Like most great hitters, Seager has a great mix of skills: power, ability to hit for average, and solid defense. Watch him turn this spectacular play here:

So far this year, the 22-year-old has hit 21 homers in his first full season in the majors. He was selected to the All-Star squad and the Home Run Derby, one of the youngest players to participate in either contest. He’s only swiped one base so far, but plenty of superstar players get by without stealing bases.

It’s safe to say that Seager is a young player to keep an eye on going forward. Shortstop is one of the strongest positions in the league, with plenty of talent, and Seager has outhit them all this season.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #8

#8 – Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, Chicago Cubs

Who’s the best Cub of them all? When the Chicago Cubs filled up the National League All-Star squad this year, there were plenty of complaints. One name that should not have been critiqued, however, was third baseman and outfield Kris Bryant.

Bryant has been truly impressive in his sophomore season with Chicago. The 24-year-old slugger made his second All-Star team, although he skipped the home run derby this time. Bryant has continued to be a superstar in 2016, posting excellent numbers this season.

While his .284 average isn’t much to write home about, he has a .930 OPS – ranked seventh among National League hitters – and has 28 homers so far this season. Only Nolan Arenado has hit more home runs (which will almost certainly result in Rockies fans wondering why Bryant is so far ahead of their third baseman).

Defensively, Bryant has been subjected to Joe Maddon’s madness at times – he’s played every position except second base, pitcher and catcher – but he primarily plays third base or left field. His defense isn’t quite as good as his bat, but Bryant is truly one of the top talents in the league. He might not be the NL MVP this year, but he certainly has a chance to get there in the future.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #7

#7 – Manny Machado, 3B/SS, Baltimore Orioles

Manny Machado does a lot of things well for the Baltimore Orioles, and that’s reflected in the way he’s perceived by opposing teams’ fans. Although his passionate attitude has frequently drawn the ire of more traditional baseball fans, it’s hard to argue with his numbers.

Machado has the sixth-highest OPS in the AL, at .919, and he’s just outside of the top ten in average, at .304. So far this season, he’s slugged 26 home runs and knocked in sixty RBIs.

The Orioles are a team built on crushing the ball out of the park, and in that sense, Machado fits right in. He’s also an excellent defender on the left side of the infield, splitting time this season between third base and shortstop.

Although Machado is just 24 years old, this is his fifth major league season. He’s always had outstanding talent, but he’s still somehow managed to improve each season. For the last two years, being consistently healthy has been one of the biggest keys to his success, after his 2014 knee injury issues were resolved.

One common criticism of Machado has been his penchant for flaunting home runs, but if opposing pitchers can’t keep the ball in the park, maybe he deserves to have a bit of an attitude. With numbers like his, Machado is one of the best young players in the game.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #6

#6 – Mookie Betts, OF, Boston Red Sox

If it seems like the Boston Red Sox have a lot of names on this list, it’s because they do. There are plenty of young, talented players who’ve made their mark at Fenway this year, but none has been more impressive than Mookie Betts.

Despite falling just outside the Top Five on this list, Betts might be the hottest player right now. A strong July earned him Player of the Month honors in July – following up his first All-Star Game appearance earlier in the month.

Betts has a .312 average right now – ranked fourth in the AL – and has hit 23 home runs so far this season. Like a couple other players on this list, his small stature – MLB.com lists him at 5’9 and 180 pounds – makes him a surprising source of power.

Thanks in part to a good Red Sox lineup ahead of him, those homers and hits are paying off for Betts in the RBI department: he has 75 runs batted in this season. Other impressive numbers include 18 stolen bases and a .901 OPS.

To top it off, Betts is only 23 years old, so the Red Sox should be enjoying his talent for many seasons to come.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #5

#5 – Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw may be on the disabled list, but even injury issues haven’t prevented him from maintaining his place at the top of the FanGraph’s WAR leaderboard. Ranked fifth with a 5.5 WAR in 121 innings, the Dodgers’ ace is, as usual, the best pitcher in the game.

Kershaw has consistently been the top rated pitcher in either league since his debut. There’s absolutely no way to leave him out of the top five MLB players right now, even knowing that he could miss most or all of the remainder of the season.

Right now, Kershaw is on the 60-day disabled list with a mild disc herniation – a back injury that won’t require surgery, but will keep him out until at least September. That didn’t stop the 28-year-old from setting a high bar before he was sidelined on June 30, including an MLB-best ERA of 1.79.

He’s even remained in the top ten in strikeouts, with 145, despite missing more than a month of starts. Kershaw also owns the lead in opponents’ batting average, holding hitters just a .185 average so far this season.

MLB is a better place when Kershaw is on the mound, and there’s no reason to doubt that when he returns in September, he’ll pick up right where he left off. That’s why he’s the best pitcher in the game.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #4

#4 – David Ortiz, DH, Boston Red Sox

David Ortiz is having such an outstanding final season that he’s spent most of the year vehemently denying the idea that he might need to return to the Red Sox in 2017.

Ortiz is 40 years old, but he doesn’t look it at the plate. The veteran slugger is leading the league in OPS, at 1.014, and his average is tied for the 16th-highest in the league. Ortiz ranks 12th in walk rate, and a bit shockingly, one of the top-25 lowest strikeout rates in the league.

Since Ortiz is a designated hitter and provides no defensive value, he doesn’t fall into the top WAR rankings – despite his high offensive numbers, including 25 home runs. (A case like Ortiz is one of the chief critiques of WAR, but that’s a post for another day.) Here’s one of those homers:

Technically, Ortiz should probably be disqualified from any list about the best players “right now”. In less than three months, he’ll have no impact at all on a major league roster, since he is absolute in his decision not to postpone retirement.

Right now, though, Ortiz is one of the hottest players in the game, and he deserves to be recognized for what he’s doing in his final season. Most players are only a shadow of themselves in their last year, but Ortiz is going out on top.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #3

#3 – Josh Donaldson, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays

When the Oakland Athletics dealt Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays for a handful of prospects, they probably weren’t imagining that their third baseman would go on to win the 2015 AL MVP Award. They also probably didn’t think he’d run the risk of repeating in 2016 (or at least earning another nomination is a very competitive race).

The Blue Jays slugger is ranked second in the league among all players in WAR, at 6.2. His .977 OPS puts him in fifth place on the leaderboards, and his 27 home runs rank sixth.

Not to mention, Donaldson is just a hard-nosed player that’s fun to watch. Check out this great catch in foul territory against the Texas Rangers earlier this year:

Donaldson is not a hitter who walks a ton, and although he’s batting .295, there are plenty of hitters ahead of him in the average department. In power, however, he’s tough to beat. Similarly, he makes mistakes in the field, but his willingness to go all-out for a catch makes it easy to overlook errors on less phenomenal plays.

Donaldson is 30 years old, making him one of the older players on the list – but his age doesn’t seem to be hurting him at all.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #2

#2 – Jose Altuve, 2B, Houston Astros

Jose Altuve has made a name for himself over the last several seasons, earning praise for his defense at second base, his speed and his high-quality at-bats. In 2016, he’s outdone himself.

It’s only August, but it already looks like Altuve will be the clear batting title champ in the AL. His .356 average towers over the next best AL hitter, Yunel Escobar of the Angels, who is hitting a mere .318. Among his NL counterparts, only league-leader Daniel Murphy comes close to matching Altuve’s average, at .350.

That high average is terrifying news for opposing pitchers, because Altuve ranks sixth in the majors with 25 stolen bases this season. He’s on track to hit over 20 home runs as well, with 19 already in the bag.

That rare combination of power, speed and defense is why Altuve finds himself ranked third in the league with a 5.9 WAR, just behind 2015 MVP Josh Donaldson. Check out his heads-up double play against the Detroit Tigers:

Last year, Astros fans had the pleasure of seeing ace Dallas Keuchel take home the Cy Young award – will Altuve pick up some hardware of his own this season?

He’s certainly one of the most deserving candidates. Although he doesn’t take an abnormal amount of walks, Altuve is excellent at not striking out. His 9.8 strikeout rate is second in the league, trailing only Jose Iglesias of the Tigers. Put together with his other offensive skills, that ability to put the ball in play makes him one of the most valuable hitters in the league.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #1

#1 – Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout has been the gold standard for baseball players since the moment he entered the league. Right now, he sits atop the WAR leaderboards at Fangraphs – a consistent home for the Angels’ slugger since he first debuted.

In 111 games, Trout has put up numbers that would be astonishing for any other player: 17 stolen bases (tied for 11th in MLB); a .316 average (12th in MLB); and a .982 OPS (4th in MLB). Trout is also ranked five in walk rate, at 15.8 percent.

He combines his offense with stellar defense, covering plenty of ground in the outfield and making homer-stealing, highlight-reel catches like this one, where he steals a grand slam from Leonys Martin:

It’s hard to rank the best 50 players, when the margins of success and failure are so slim at the professional level – but there’s never a doubt that Trout deserves the top spot on any list. His consistency and his talent have made him a household name, and he’s done an equally good job of shying away from controversies and PED-ties, unlike many of his fellow superstars.

Next: Biggest X-Factors for postseason push

Between his on-field skills and his off-field demeanor, Trout is sure to be an asset to whichever team he’s on for years to come – as well as a perennial MVP candidate.

Who would you have put in your top 50? There’s always room for disagreement in baseball, so be sure to leave who you think the biggest snubs were in the comment section.