Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB: Picking the best player at each position for 2022

By Eric Rubin

Sep 18, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) gestures after hitting an RBI double during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) gestures after hitting an RBI double during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Steven Kwan for AL Rookie of the Year?
Sep 25, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) smiles as he rounds the bases after he hits a grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Field: Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians

This was difficult. Between Andrew Benintendi, who dominated the first half of the season, Mark Canha, Ian Happ, and Yordan Alvarez, Kwan has been the most consistent left fielder, both offensively and defensively. Not selecting Alvarez was even more difficult, but he played more games at DH than left field.

The rookie sensation, Kwan has been dominating at the plate since the beginning of the season. Kwan started off the season on fire, and hasn’t slowed down since. It took him until his sixth game to register a swing and a miss. He saw 116 pitches before his first swing and miss. Kwan currently has the second-highest batting average amongst left fielders, the lowest strikeouts, most hits, and fourth-most runs. Defensively, he has the second-most putouts behind Ian Happ. Between rookies Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman, Steven Kwan should definitely be considered as a strong AL Rookie of the Year candidate, as he is the best left fielder in baseball this season.

Center Field: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

This one seems pretty obvious as Judge has tied Roger Maris for most homers in a single season by a Yankee, and is still hoping for 62. Judge has also been in the race for the Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious awards a player can have, showing pure dominance. If Judge continues his career in center field, it hurts to say that he may be better than Mike Trout right now, and it may stay like that for years to come.

Right Field: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

This one was also a little difficult. Between Betts, Kyle Tucker, and Ronald Acuña Jr., and Taylor Ward, Betts has once again shown to be the most consistent, all-around right fielder. Ward has had an amazing breakout season, with the second-highest batting average amongst right fielders. Betts, however, has posted a .271 batting average, which is the fourth-highest, and has the fourth-most homers, fourth0most RBI, and the most hits and doubles.

As expected from Betts, his defense is outstanding. It is so difficult for an outfield to help turn a double play, and Betts has the league-high with four. As a comparison, no right fielder has had four double plays since Kole Calhoun and Yasiel Puig in 2018.

Home/MLB News