On Saturday, MLB Network began their yearly "Top 10 Right Now" series, which names their top 10 players at each position. The Pirates had a representative on both lists, as Bryan Reynolds and Starling Marte ranked very highly at their positions.
Reynolds was rated as the third best left fielder in baseball right now, and Marte the sixth best center fielder.
MLB Network determines the rankings on an internal projection system they call the "Shredder."
In left field, Reynolds trailed only Juan Soto of the Nationals and the Astros' Michael Brantley.
From #6 to #1! Juan Soto is The Shredder's top LF heading into 2020 🙌@Nationals | #Top10RightNow pic.twitter.com/Z9usLWrarP
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 12, 2020
Reynolds finished fourth for NL rookie of the year last season, slashing .314/.377/.503 with 16 home runs, 68 RBI and 3.9 WAR.
MLB Network analyst Eric Byrnes said of Reynolds: “What he does from both sides of the plate, the defense he plays and doing it in that ballpark which isn’t the most hitter friendly. Everything he did this season impressed me and he plays with an enthusiasm and a vigor that is infectious with his teammates. I can’t say enough about how great of a player that I think Bryan Reynolds is right now and is going to be in the future.”
The full segment can be found at this link.
Marte trailed only NL MVP Cody Bellinger among National League center fielders. A year ago, the Shredder had him as the eighth best in baseball at his position.
.@MikeTrout is once again The Shredder's top center fielder in @MLB!@Angels | #Top10RightNow pic.twitter.com/WWyKQtfJye
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 11, 2020
Marte had arguably his best offensive season last year, setting career highs in home runs (23), RBI (82) and slugging percentage (.503). He was worth 2.9 WAR.
The segment MLB Network ran on Marte can be found here.
Marte has been the subject of trade talks this offseason, and if he is dealt, Reynolds would very likely take over as the everyday center fielder. Former Pirate Austin Meadows was chosen as the sixth best left fielder.
Left and center field were the first two positions MLB Network covered this year. They will release two position top 10 lists each Saturday through Feb. 8.
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