Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has ascended to the top spot on MLB Network’s ranking of the best left fielders in baseball, unseating Yordan Alvarez after a stellar 2024 season. The ranking, compiled by “The Shredder,” marks a significant rise for Duran, who finished second in the same assessment last year.
The Shredder’s list considers past performance, offensive and defensive metrics—including advanced stats—and analysis from the MLB Network research team.
- Jarren Duran of the Red Sox is now ranked as the No. 1 left fielder.
- Cody Bellinger, currently with the Yankees, checks in at No. 3, despite previously playing for the Dodgers.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers were notably absent from the top 10 left fielders list.
Duran’s rise to the top comes with an interesting backstory, as he was reportedly a Dodgers trade target earlier in the offseason as they searched for outfield help. Alvarez, who held the No. 1 position from 2023-2025, now finds himself dethroned.
Bellinger Still a Force, Despite Dodgers Departure
Another player with strong ties to the Dodgers, Cody Bellinger, landed at No. 3 on The Shredder’s list. Bellinger, a former Dodgers draft pick and National League MVP, was also a subject of reunion speculation during free agency. Sandwiched between Duran and Bellinger is Duran’s Red Sox teammate, Roman Anthony, who quickly established himself as a top contender after making his MLB debut last season.
Dodgers Snubbed in Left Field Rankings
Interestingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t have any players represented in the top 10 left fielders, or even in the “just missed” category. This absence is particularly notable given their pursuit of outfielders during the offseason.
Teoscar Hernández: A Position Change Complicates Matters
Teoscar Hernández, who was previously ranked among the best right fielders by The Shredder in both 2024 and 2025, did not make the cut for the left field rankings this year. However, his potential inclusion as a right fielder is now less likely, considering the Dodgers have planned a position change for him.
Defense has historically been an area of struggle for Hernández, as evidenced by his -9 Outs Above Average (OAA) in right field last season, equaling his total from left field in 2024. While he managed to sneak onto the right field list at No. 8 in 2024 and No. 10 the year prior, his inconsistency could hinder his chances of a return to the top 10.
Despite his defensive challenges, Hernández has been diligently preparing for the 2026 season, even opting to skip participation in the World Baseball Classic to focus on training. Former All-Star Cliff Floyd also included Hernández at No. 10 on his personal list.
MLB Top-10 Left Fielders Right Now for 2026
| Rank | The Shredder | Cliff Floyd |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jarren Duran (Red Sox) | Riley Greene (Tigers) |
| 2 | Roman Anthony (Red Sox) | Cody Bellinger (Yankees) |
| 3 | Cody Bellinger (Yankees) | James Wood (Nationals) |
| 4 | Riley Greene (Tigers) | Yordan Alvarez (Astros) |
| 5 | James Wood (Nationals) | Jackson Chourio (Brewers) |
| 6 | Ian Happ (Cubs) | Tyler Soderstrom (Athletics) |
| 7 | Yordan Alvarez (Astros) | Kyle Stowers (Marlins) |
| 8 | Kyle Stowers (Marlins) | Ian Happ (Cubs) |
| 9 | Jackson Chourio (Brewers) | Randy Arozarena (Mariners) |
| 10 | Brandon Marsh (Phillies) | Teoscar Hernandez (Dodgers) |
