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

Constructing a list of the best MLB left fielders heading into 2024 isn’t easy. There’s a lot of talent to be found across Major League Baseball but which left fielders should be in the top five? Here’s a look at our list.

5. Christian Yelich

We could have gone with Kyle Schwarber and Yordan Alvarez here, as both make good arguments with their bats but the two also saw time at DH and fit better there defensively. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. also has a strong case but he too just missed out. Starting our list of the best MLB left fielders heading into 2024 is former NL MVP Christian Yelich.

Back problems have hampered Yelich in recent years. But in 2023, the 32-year-old has his most productive year since 2019, as he posted an .817 OPS and was an on-base machine for the Brewers. He also played well in left defensively but it’s fair to wonder with Milwaukee’s outfield depth whether Yelich gets pushed to the DH slot soon.

4. Bryan Reynolds

Pirates star Bryan Reynolds spent most of 2021 and 2022 in center field but the emergence of Jack Suwinski allowed the 28-year-old to shift back to left. Reynolds profiles as a better fit in left field, and while the defensive numbers (-4 OAA) may not have been there in 2023, the offensive numbers were.

Reynolds batted .263/.330/.460 (.790 OPS) with 24 home runs and 60 extra-base hits. Last year marked the third time in Reynolds’ career in which the switch-hitter belted at least 20 homers in a single season.

3. Randy Arozarena

The 2023 season was a typical one for Randy Arozarena, who posted a 20-20 campaign for the third straight year to begin his career. It’s been quite the three seasons for Arozarena, who’s electrified both in the field and at the plate and turned into one of the game’s best hitters from the right side.

Arozarena is one of seven players between 2021-23 to have at least 60 home runs and 60 stolen bases in that time.

2. Juan Soto

After a sluggish start to 2023, Juan Soto got back on track when May rolled out. The 25-year-old had a sensational 2023 campaign, as Soto hit a career-high 35 home runs and his 68 extra-base hits were just three shy of a career-high in that category.

Soto proved to be a better left fielder with San Diego, as it’s a place where his average speed and fringe-average arm could be better protected. However, Soto could be primed to move to right again in 2024 with the Yankees. It would be an unconventional move but Yankee Stadium’s short right field does give New York that opportunity.

1. Corbin Carroll

Diamondbacks superstar and 2023 NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll put up incredible numbers in his rookie campaign. Carroll became one of four players in MLB history to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 40 bases in their rookie season, joining the likes of Tommie Agee, Mitchell Page, and Mike Trout. And, Carroll was the only of the four to swipe at least 50.

Carroll’s bat and speed changed games and baseball fans got a good look at his tools this past October. The 23-year-old recorded 18 hits across 17 postseason games in 2023, as he helped the Diamondbacks win the NL pennant for the first time in 22 years.