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 will roll out a position per day over the next two weeks. Here's the rollout schedule: catchers (2/17), first basemen (2/18), second basemen (2/19), third basemen (2/20), shortstops (2/21), corner outfielders (2/24), center fielders (2/25), designated hitters (2/26), starting pitchers (2/27) and relievers (2/28).
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+ »