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MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players in the game today

By Joshua Sadlock

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 02: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his solo homerun for a 1-1 tie with the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Angel Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 02: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his solo homerun for a 1-1 tie with the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Angel Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 07: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox makes contact against the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning at Fenway Park, on April 7, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 07: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox makes contact against the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning at Fenway Park, on April 7, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

3. Mookie Betts

Coming off a disappointing season that saw him fail to build on his MVP-worthy numbers of 2016, Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts is off to the best start of his career in 2018. The two-time All-Star has hit near .400 and has barely even swung and missed. With Boston’s lineup looking locked and loaded after a strange 2017 power outage, Betts is poised to have a big year, and could break through for his first MVP.

Betts is just a shade below Mike Trout when it comes to the race for MLB’s best five-tool player. Only Jason Heyward of the Chicago Cubs can hold a candle to him defensively in right field, and Betts could just as easily play center field should something happen to fellow defensive whiz Jackie Bradley Jr. He is also a threat to run at anytime on the bases, and has 82 stolen bases to go with his 80 career home runs. Betts picks his spots wisely, and has only been caught stealing 17 times.

The 25-year-old’s best tool is his ability to consistently make contact without sacrificing power. For his career, Betts has swung and missed at fewer than 10 percent of fastballs he has seen. Mike Trout and Bryce Harper both swing and miss at close to 20 percent of all fastballs thrown their way. Betts isn’t one to draw a ton of walks, but he has increased his walk rate three years in a row and drew 77 last year against only 79 strikeouts.

Postseason success is the only thing that has eluded Betts in his young career, but it will come. The Red Sox are firing on all cylinders right now, and the entire team will have a chance to redeem themselves after two quick exits in the ALDS in a row.

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