Comparing MLB’s best players at every position from the 2000s and 2010s
Comparing the best MLB players of the 2000s and 2010s: Left field
Left field: Barry Bonds vs. Ryan Braun
Even though he only played until 2007, Barry Bonds is the clear choice for top left fielder of the 2000s. His 1.247 OPS for the decade sets him apart; the next highest total is Manny Ramirez at 1.018. Of course, that OPS for Bonds is so high largely because no one would pitch to him; it’s frightening to think what kind of power numbers he’d put up otherwise. He already managed to swat 317 home runs in eight seasons.
As for left field in the 2010s… well, the highest WAR among players who appeared in at least a full season’s worth of games at the position (162) is Brett Gardner at 38.8. I think we can already see that Bonds is going to win this debate, but we need to find someone to put up against him.
Among players who spent more time in left field than at any other position, Ryan Braun comes in second in WAR at 34.0 while Christian Yelich is third at 31.8, despite not starting until 2013. It’s interesting that the debate comes down to two players who are now teammates on the Milwaukee Brewers. I’ll go with Braun since he played for the whole decade, but Yelich wouldn’t be a bad choice, especially considering his past two seasons.
Braun won an NL MVP Award in 2011 and twice led the league in OPS during the 2010s, but that’s no competition for Bonds winning four straight NL MVP awards from 2001 to 2004.