When creating a list of the top talents in the game, how does one assess a young player coming off a stellar season against an experienced veteran with a proven history of success?
This dilemma is prevalent across all positions, especially in the outfield, with players like Jackson Merrill and Jarren Duran emerging from impressive seasons, at a time when prominent outfielders like Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout, and Fernando Tatis Jr. faced injury issues or struggled offensively. For example, while Trout remains a powerful asset when healthy, he has only participated in 41% of his team’s games over the past four years, emphasizing the importance of player availability.
One thing is certain: the top outfield duo in the league is apparent, even though they won’t be teammates in 2025. Our exploration of the best players continues with the top ten outfielders as we approach the 2025 season.
2024 stats: .231/.322/.428, 22 HR, 107 wRC+, 4.0 fWAR
2025 ZiPS projection: .256/.345/.449, 21 HR, 120 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR
Evaluating Korbin Carroll’s first half of the season (.213/.301/.334, five homers) raises questions about its significance. However, his exceptional performance post-All-Star break (.259/.351/.568, 17 homers) suggests he may have returned to form. Carroll managed a 20-30 season, but it wasn’t the follow-up to the Rookie of the Year campaign that many were hoping for. The upcoming year is crucial for him to reinforce his status among MLB’s elite.
2024 stats: .285/.342/.492, 21 HR, 129 wRC+, 6.7 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .262/.324/.455, 18 HR, 114 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
Duran, recognized in 2024 as a member of the All-MLB Second Team and All-Star Game MVP, is fresh off a career year, culminating in a 20-30 season. He topped the majors in doubles and triples while placing fifth in hits. His remarkable offensive and defensive improvements led to an eighth-place finish in AL MVP voting and he was among the top ten in WAR throughout the majors.
