The Most Stacked Positions in Baseball: Unveiling the 2026 Season's Elite (2026)

The most stacked positions in baseball are often debated, but with Spring Training upon us, it's time to dive into the 2026 season's deepest positions. Here's a look at the top 10 players at each position, according to MLB Network's rankings, and the overall depth of each role. But here's where it gets controversial...

1. SHORTSTOPS: Led by Bobby Witt Jr. and Corey Seager, this position boasts a deep talent pool. Last season, 19 shortstops accrued at least three wins above replacement (WAR), a new record. With top prospects like Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, the future looks bright.

2. THIRD BASEMEN: José Ramírez and Max Muncy top this list, but the real surprise is the emergence of 22-year-old Junior Caminero. Third base has more projected three-plus WAR players than any other position, except shortstop.

3. RIGHT FIELDERS: Aaron Judge and Juan Soto headline this group, but the real depth lies in the prospects. Players like Dylan Beavers and Dylan Crews have the potential to make an impact.

   See Also

   Jurickson Profar's Comeback: Overcoming Sports Hernia Surgery and PED SuspensionRed Sox Chairman Tom Werner on Rafael Devers: 'Just Pick Up a Glove' — Full StoryMLB Lockout Looming? Owners Prepare $2 Billion War Chest Amid CBA NegotiationsAthletics Trade Mitch Spence to Royals: Breaking Down the Deal

4. FIRST BASEMEN: Freddie Freeman and Nick Kurtz lead the way, but the position is in a bit of a slump. Only nine players met the three-plus WAR standard in 2025, the fewest since 1964.

5. RELIEF PITCHERS: Aroldis Chapman and Mason Miller top this list, but the real controversy lies in the lack of true, durable, dependable studs. Teams heavily lean on their best relievers, creating hangover effects.

6. LEFT FIELDERS: Jarren Duran and Roman Anthony lead the way, with the Red Sox boasting a talented group. However, the position lacks superstardom compared to other outfield corners.

   See Also

   ABS Challenge System: A Look at its Impact on MLB's First Day of Games

7. CATCHERS: Cal Raleigh and William Contreras top this list, but the position remains difficult to fill. Only two catchers were worth four bWAR last year, and the overall OPS was .700 or below.

8. SECOND BASEMEN: Ketel Marte and Jazz Chisholm Jr. lead the way, but the position is lighter than elsewhere in the infield. Jackson Holliday and JJ Wetherholt are names to watch.

9. STARTING PITCHERS: Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes lead the way, but the position is in a state of flux. Only 52 starters qualified for the ERA title last year, the fewest since the pandemic era.

10. DESIGNATED HITTERS: Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber top this list, with the universal DH position extending careers. However, the overall OPS was .756, one of the lowest this century.

And this is the part most people miss... The real controversy lies in the depth of these positions. While the top 10 players are strong, the rest of the roster can be a struggle to fill, especially for contending clubs.