Oneil Cruz Ranked Ninth-Best Center Fielder by MLB Network

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz is the ninth-best center fielder in the game in MLB Network’s rankings.

The network revealed its rankings Tuesday night during an edition of its Top 10 Right Now series. The rankings consider players’ performance over multiple seasons, offensive and defensive metrics — both advanced Statcast data and traditional numbers — and analysis by the MLB Network research team.

Cruz was shifted to center field from shortstop in late August last season and started there in 22 of the Pirates’ final 30 games. In 146 games overall, Cruz batted .259/.324/.449 with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases.

Here is the top 10 list:

1. Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners
2. Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres
3. Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
4. Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves
5. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
6. Brandon Marsh, Philadelphia Phillies
7. Daulton Varsho, Toronto Blue Jays
8. Garrett Mitchell, Milwaukee Brewers
9. Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates
10. Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox