Buster Olney's 2026 top 10 at every MLB position: Center fielders

"Byron Buxton is coming off his healthiest season -- and perhaps best -- since 2017 and is entrenched among our top 10 center fielders -- yet the 32-year-old is caught in a weird baseball purgatory, which could be referred to as life with the Minnesota Twins."

"The Twins have slashed their payroll by about 35% over the past three years, down to $106 million, after unloading a small army of players at the trade deadline in 2025 en route to a 92-loss season. Tom Pohlad has now become the controlling owner of the Twins, and recently delivered the organization's new messaging: He wants to win this year."

"As this past offseason began, industry members expected Minnesota to continue last summer's teardown and deal Joe Ryan and perhaps Buxton, following the deep budget cuts. But early in the winter, the team effectively pulled Ryan out of trade consideration, around the incongruent thought that it aimed to contend this year."

ESPN's Buster Olney conducted a comprehensive survey of industry experts to rank the top 10 players at every position for the 2026 MLB season. The center field rankings feature Byron Buxton, who achieved his healthiest and potentially best season since 2017. However, Buxton faces uncertainty with the Minnesota Twins, who have reduced payroll by 35% over three years to $106 million following a 92-loss season and significant player trades. New controlling owner Tom Pohlad has signaled intentions to compete immediately, creating organizational confusion. The Twins initially protected pitcher Joe Ryan from trade discussions despite earlier expectations of continued teardown, then experienced further instability when head of baseball operations Derek Falvey departed due to philosophical differences.

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