MLB’s best at every position for 2026: Olney’s top 10 pitchers, shortstops and more

As spring training camps begin, it is time to look at the state of baseball. As part of our 2026 MLB season preview, ESPN’s Buster Olney 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 2026 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, beginning with starting pitchers (Monday), then relievers (Tuesday), catchers (Wednesday), first basemen (Thursday), second basemen (Friday), third basemen (Feb. 23), shortstops (Feb. 24), corner outfielders (Feb. 25), center fielders (Feb. 26) and designated hitters (Feb. 27).

Who are the best players today? Check out who makes the list at every position.

Top 10 starting pitchers

The question seems simple: Who is the best starting pitcher in MLB, Tarik Skubal or Paul Skenes? But this was a debate that confounded evaluators more than any other. See our top 10 »