2024 MLB Power Rankings: Who are the best center fielders?

Right now in Major League Baseball, many talented center fielders perform very well from a defensive perspective and can do damage with the bat. But heading into the 2024 campaign, which MLB center fielders should be considered the best? Here are our selections for the top five at the center field position.

5. Michael Harris II

We could have gone with Twins OF Byron Buxton here, who’s a dominant force when healthy but hasn’t been often over the past few seasons. The same could also be said for Corbin Carroll, who absolutely would had he not played most of his regular season games last year between left and right. But the individual who will be kicking off our list is 2022 NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II.

Among primary center fielders (min. 60% GP) between 2022-23, Harris II is sixth in home runs (37), fifth in total bases (454), and third in OPS (.828). Not to mention, the 22-year-old covers a great amount of field in center thanks to his plus speed. Harris II has a +14 Outs Above Average per Statcast from 2022-23.

4. Cody Bellinger

One year ago, Cody Bellinger took a short-term deal with the Cubs to back on track. After a new training regimen and mechanics tweaks, the slugger returned to form in 2023. Bellinger finished 2023 with the best OPS (.881) among center fielders last season and smacked 26 home runs. Defensively, Bellinger was also very solid for the Cubs.

When he’s on, Bellinger is one of the best in terms of his all-around ability. And while that wasn’t largely the case from 2020-22, the former NL MVP’s stock certainly rose after a terrific comeback campaign.

3. Luis Robert Jr.

Health has been a concern for Luis Robert Jr. in recent years. Robert Jr. played less than 100 games in 2021 and 2022 but he was able to stay on the field in 2023. The 26-year-old was a bright spot for what was a rough 2023 for the White Sox, as Robert Jr. belted a career-high 38 home runs, swiped 20 bases, and posted a very impressive .857 OPS.

Among center fielders, Robert Jr. also posted the third-best OAA (+12) in the league. Only Brenton Doyle (+15) and Kevin Kiermaier (+13) did better in that category than Robert Jr.

2. Mike Trout

The 2023 season was yet another tough one for Mike Trout. Statistically, Trout didn’t do bad at all last season, although his .858 OPS could be considered below the superstar’s standards. But the 32-year-old only played in 82 games, as a left hamate fracture led to Trout missing most of the final three months of the year.

Trout’s still got the tools, there’s no question about that. The Angels, though, will need to lean on him more now that Shohei Ohtani is now a member of the Dodgers.

1. Julio Rodriguez

Mariners star Julio Rodriguez earns the top spot on our rankings of the best MLB center fielders heading into 2024. Last year was a sensational one for Rodriguez, as he hit .275/.333/.485 (.818 OPS) with 32 home runs, 37 stolen bases, and 71 extra-base hits. The 23-year-old played a major role in the Mariners’ 88-win campaign from a year ago and finished fourth in the AL MVP voting.

There’s no doubt that “J-Rod” is a five-tool player. Aside from his power, speed, and contact ability, Rodriguez’s also proven to be a terrific defender thus far. Rodriguez recorded a +21 OAA over his first two seasons.