A total of 11 Dominican players are featured in the MLB Network’s Top 100 rankings, led by Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels and Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and two Dominicans are among the top 10.
The evaluation is based on the players’ latest campaigns, with an emphasis on 2020, for a projected performance for the 2021 Major League season.
Juan Soto, outfielder for the Washington Nationals is fifth on the overall list, followed by Fernando Tatis Jr., (III), shortstop for the San Diego Padres, who sits on the sixth position.
He is followed by Manny Machado, third baseman for the Padres at number 18; José Ramírez, second baseman for the Cleveland Indians in 19; Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna is 37th on the list and Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz is 42nd.
Others weighted by MLB Network are Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder, (48); Eloy Jiménez, outfielder for the Chicago White Sox, (54); Rafael Devers, third baseman Boston Red Sox (65); Dinelson Lamet, pitcher Padre of San Diego (74) and Luis Castillo, a pitcher of the Cincinnati Reds, in 85th place.
Superstars surpassed by Dominicans
Behind Soto and Tatis Jr, there are stellar players, renowned as Cuña Jr., (7); Anthony Rendon (8); Christian Yelich (9), and Cody Bellinger who closes the circle of the top 10.
Gerrit Cole all-star pitcher for the Yankees (11); Noland Arenado (13); DJ LeMahieu (14), Francisco Lindor (15); Trevor Story (16) and Alex Bregman who is 17, ahead of Machado and Ramírez, who are first than George Springer (20); Aaron Judge (21); Bryce Harper (22); Matt Chapman (23); Corey Seager (24); Xander Bogaerts (35); Trea Turner (26); Tim Anderson (27); Max Scherzer (28) Trevor Bauer (29); Yu Darvish (30) and José Abreu (31).
Closing the list, behind the Dominican Castillo are Giancarlo Stanton (97); J.D. Martinez (98); Trey Mancini (99), and Randy Arozarema (100)