Five-season peak performance
This criteria is simply the player’s best five-season average OPS+.
Here are the 10 best peak averages among the 30 MLB candidates.
Rank Right Field Seasons Average
1 Sammy Sosa 1998-2002 167.0
2 Gary Sheffield 1994-1998 160.0
3 Jose Bautista 2010-2014 155.6
4 Vlad Guerrero 2000-2004 154.8
5 Larry Walker 1997-2001 154.0
5 Reggie Jackson 1969-1973 154.0
7 Jose Canseco 1988-1992 152.2
8 Darryl Strawberry 1984-1988 151.4
8 Ken Singleton 1975-1979 151.4
10 Giancarlo Stanton 2011-2015 150.0
Sosa’s top position in this category may be questioned for its influence by PEDs. Both Kenny and Costas did that in dropping him overall to 10th (Costas) or off the list altogether (Kenny). As has been stated in prior parts of this series, the number themselves are objective; feel free to impose any subjective penalties on Sosa or others at your discretion.
Sheffield’s No. 2 ranking thrusts him into overall contention. Jackson’s tying with Walker for fifth makes him a contender, although it may undermine his chances of finishing No. 1, where Kenny put him. After all, the strength of Jackson’s game was his offense.
If there are surprises, they may be Winfield, Gwynn and Suzuki. None make the top 10, and Suzuki – at a peak OPS+ of 120.2 – is far from it. That number alone suggests that Suzuki’s reputation, notwithstanding his hit total, is overrated.
Winfield finished 12th, one spot ahead of Gwynn.