MLB's Position by Position Power Rankings

If you're familiar with my fellow Featured Columnist Joel Reuter and his MLB power rankings series, then the idea of this article may already make sense to you.

If not, well then let me explain.

Power rankings generally encompass everything, in Joel's sense, he uses team records, performances, stats, talent level and projectability—among other things—to assess which teams are the best in baseball. As we all know, sometimes the team with the best record, may not necessarily be the best all-around team in the game so looking at every aspect helps us to come to a better understanding of a team, or in this case a player's overall ability.

This article will go through, position by position, and rank the top five players at each stop along the way. To arrive at my top five players, I took a look at past performances and the first third of the 2013 season. For obvious reasons, the 2013 season is the most important factor in these rankings, but past performances do factor in as well.

Also, I looked not only at offense, but players' defensive and base running abilities to create this list in an attempt to find the most complete players at each position before ranking them. In addition to that though, players who have been on the disabled list for the entire season, or those who are not projected to play this year—e.g. Jason Motte.

So, now that we have that out of the way, let's take a look at who made each list.

All stats are current through June 3rd, 2013 and are courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.

Catchers

5. Mat Wieters (BAL)

Mat Wieters is having a poor showing in the average department but it's important to take into account the rest of his tools. Wieters is a plus-defender and offers above-average power at the position.

In 2013, Wieters owns a .237/.297/.425 slash line with seven home runs, 32 RBI and 19 runs scored. At his current pace, the 27-year-old backstop would finish the year with 21 home runs, 42 doubles, 96 RBI and 57 runs scored. His average will come around, and finish somewhere in the .245-.255 range and his power, both to the fences and the gaps, should provide plenty of RBIs while hitting in the potent Orioles' lineup.

In the field, it's hard to do better than Wieters. Wieters has won two Gold Glove Awards in each of the last two seasons and could win another in 2013. Thus far, Wieters ranks in the top five in caught stealing percentage and Rtot.

Stat Line: 52 G, .237/.297/.425, 7 HR, 14 2B, 32 RBI, 19 R, 35:18 K/BB, 0.1 WAR

4. Carlos Santana (CLE)

Carlos Santana made his way to Cleveland, from the Dodgers, via-trade in 2008. Since then, Santana has shown flashes of brilliance but has always managed to leave Indians fans wondering when he would put all of his tools into one complete season. That year might have finally come.

In his 45 games played, Santana has done just that, putting together a .289/.392/.495 triple--slash with eight HR, 22 RBI and 29 runs scored. Santana brings impressive power to the catching position and can hold his own in the middle of any lineup. 

Santana doesn't bring much to the position defensively, and has thrown out just 12-percent of runners attempting to steal. Despite his lacking of a viable defensive game, Santana is still one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball and gives the Indians a bit of positional diversity with his ability to play first base.

Stat Line: 52 G, .288/.392/.495, 8 HR, 14 2B, 24 RBI, 31 R, 44:31 K/BB, 1.7 WAR

3. Joe Mauer (MIN)

Joe Mauer is a five-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove Award Winner, a four time Silver Slugger winner, an MVP and a three-time batting champ. Mauer has an impeccable resumé and, after an injury riddled season in 2011, he's rebounded nicely over the last two years.

In 51 games this year, Mauer owns an impressive .335/.417/.490 slash line and is on pace for 15 HR, 53 doubles, 56 RBI and 109 runs scored. In addition to his offensive game, Mauer is one of the better defensive catchers of the last decade. 

In 34 games behind the plate, Mauer has a caught stealing percentage of 43 percent, well above his 33 percent career rate and the league average of 24 percent in 2013. Mauer has begun to play less and less games at catcher in an attempt to help preserve his legs and so far, the plan has worked to perfection.

Stat Line: 51 G, .335/.417/.490, 5 HR, 17 2B, 18 RBI, 35 R, 49:29 K/BB, 2.6 WAR

2. Buster Posey (SF)

Since his Rookie of the Year winning season in 2010, Buster Posey has become one of the most recognizable faces in all of Major League Baseball. He also has an MVP, a Silver Slugger Award, a Comeback Player of the Year Award and an All-Star selection to his credit.

In 2013, Posey has shown no signs of slowing down. In 53 games, the 26-year-old backstop sports a gaudy .308/.391/.514 triple-slash with seven HR, and 31 RBI.

Posey is an average defensive catcher. Providing Posey plays the same number of games behind the plate that he did in 2012, he'll allow 70 stolen bases while throwing out just 19 would-be base runners. That averages out to a 21.3 percent caught stealing rate, far below his career average of 32 percent, and the 28 percent league average over the course of his career.

Stat Line: 53 G, .308/.391/.514, 7 HR, 15 2B, 31 RBI, 24 R, 27:24 K/BB, 2.1 WAR

1. Yadier Molina (STL)

Yadier Molina's offensive game has always taken a back seat to his stellar work behind the plate. Over the course of his 10 seasons—including this one—Molina has won five gold gloves, each of which coming in the last five seasons. 

In 2011 and 2012, Molina began to assert himself as a threat in the middle of the Cardinals lineup and now, in 2013, the 30-year-old has continued that trend. Through his first 54 games, Molina owns a .350/.389/.480 slash line with four HR and 29 RBI. 

Molina's .350 batting average is good first among all NL players, and meanwhile, at the position, his total bases and runs created totals place in the top five among catchers.

Stat Line: 47 G, .350/.389/.480, 4 HR, 14 2B, 29 RBI, 24 R, 19:13 K/BB, 1.8 WAR

First Basemen

5. Prince Fielder (DET)

Since entering the league in 2005, Prince Fielder has been one of baseball's biggest power threats. In nine years at the big league level, Fielder has collected 217 home runs and 808 RBI. 

Fielder joined up with Miguel Cabrera in 2012 to form one of the most dangerous 3-4 combos in the game. Hitting behind Cabrera gets Fielder pitches to hit and last season, it helped him post his first .300-plus batting average in a single season.

In 2013, Fielder's batting average has lagged slightly but the power is still there. In 55 games, the 29-year-old slugger has clobbered 11 home runs while driving in 44 and scoring 29.

At Fielder's current pace, by season's end, he would collect his third-straight 30 HR/100 RBI season and the sixth of his career.

Stat Line: 55 G, .274/.390/.500, 11 HR, 14 2B, 44 RBI, 29 R, 47:35 K/BB, 1.1 WAR

4. Adrian Gonzalez (LAD)

Adrian Gonzalez experienced a bit of a power outage in 2012 between his time in Boston and Los Angeles. In 159 games played, then 31-year-old Gonzalez hit just 18 home runs. Gonzalez still drove in over 100 runs, but fans and analysts began to question his power hitting ability.

Gonzalez seems to have alleviated those concerns in 2013 and is on pace for 24 home runs and 126 RBI even while hitting in a sputtering Dodger lineup.

Defensively, Gonzalez is one of the game's better fielding first basemen. He may have lost a step as he landed on the wrong side of 30, but the three-time Gold Glover is no slouch in the field.

Stat Line: 53 G, .326/.383/.513, 8 HR, 11 2B, 42 RBI, 19 R, 26:20 K/BB, 1.4 WAR

3. Paul Goldschmidt (ARI)

Paul Goldschmidt's star is rising all around the league. After a breakout season in 2012, the 25-year-old Texas native has embarked on a year worthy of early-season MVP consideration.

Goldschmidt doesn't have the league leading stats that Votto or Davis do, but he has impressive all-around numbers. After 49 games played, Goldschmidt leads the NL in RBI and finds himself just three  home runs and three doubles off the National League lead.

Helping Goldschmidt's case is the fact that he's been carrying the offense on a talented Arizona Diamondbacks team.

Stat Line: 56 G, .330/.413/.592, 13 HR, 15 2B, 47 RBI, 40 R, 6 SB, 52:30 K/BB, 3.5 WAR

2. Chris Davis (BAL)

Chris Davis was once the no. 65 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America. Davis had a stellar season as a rookie in 2008 but failed to reach that same level of success in any of his next three seasons.

A lot of his 2012 success came in the final two months of the slashed .320/.397/.660 with 10 HR, 20 RBI and 21 runs scored. 

After muddling through inconsistency in his first few seasons, he seems to have put things together having hit 27 home runs and driven in 65 runs over his last 63 games. This year, Davis leads the majors in home runs and slugging percentage with 20 and .754 respectively. In addition, he trails only Miguel Cabrera in the AL for the league's batting title and RBI title making him a legitimate Triple Crown threat with a third of the season in the books.

Davis would be No. 1 on the list, but there isn't quite enough of a track record behind his performance this season for him to supplant Joey Votto.

Stat Line: 56 G, .357/.440/.754, 20 HR, 19 2B, 52 RBI, 43R, 54:29 K/BB, 3.2 WAR

1. Joey Votto (CIN)

Joey Votto is the consummate professional. He has an incredible focus and it shows in his leading the NL in OBP, runs created, runs scored and walks.

There were doubts about his surgically repaired meniscus, however, most of that doubt has been replaced by feelings of optimism, especially over the past 20 games where Votto has slashed .368/.473/.632 with six HR, 13 RBI and 20 runs scored.

Votto is a perennial MVP and Gold Glove candidate after having won the two awards in 2010 and 2011 respectively. After battling through a knee injury, he looks to have regained top form in 2013.

Stat Line: 50 G, .330/.454/.523, 10 HR, 10 2B, 28 RBI, 46 R, 52:47 K/BB, 3.2 WAR

Second Basemen

5. Howie Kendrick (LAA)

Howie Kendrick tends to get lost in the shuffle when discussing the game's top second basemen. The American League is stacked with solid second basemen—Pedroia, Cano, Kinsler—and Kendrick normally gets glossed over, however, he's a career .292 hitter and can provide 15 HR and 15 SB over a full season with good solid glove work.

Kendrick is off to another great start in 2013 and sports a .297/.336/.446 triple slash with seven HR, 29 RBI, 24 runs scored and five stolen bases to his credit thus far.

Kendrick is a jack of all trades and offers the Angles a great bat at the position to go along with solid speed and plus fielding ability.

Stat Line: 58 G, .297/.336/.446, 7 HR, 8 2B, 29 RBI, 24 R, 4 SB, 43:12 K/BB, 1.4 WAR

4. Brandon Phillips (CIN)

Brandon Phillips has developed a reputation as one of the game's best fielders, and brightest personalities at any position. In 2013, Phillips has begun to remind fans that he's a threat at the plate as well.

Through 54 games, Phillips has compiled a .296/.347/.481 with nine HR, 46 RBI and 37 runs scored. Phillips is currently second the National League in RBI, and over a maximum of 158 games played, the 30-year-old would drive in 131 runs at his current pace.

It's unlikely that Phillips will approach that mark but a 100 RBI season is well within reach. To assign importance to that statistic, Phillips would be one of only two second basemen to reach that plateau since Robinson Cano in 2011.

Stat Line: 54 G, .296/.347/.481, 9 HR, 13 2B, 45 RBI, 37 R, 35:15 K/BB, 1.8 WAR

3. Ian Kinsler (TEX)

Ian Kinsler is another member of this list who is currently on the 15-day DL. Kinsler hasn't played since May 17th, but he's due to return sometime in early-to-mid June.

Kinsler is a monster of a second basemen and produces near the top of every offensive category at the position. So far, in 2013, he owns a .302/.369/.500 slash line with seven HR, 20 RBI and 24 runs scored over 40 games played. Kinsler is a dual threat offensively and can account for 20-30 stolen bases year in and year out.

When he returns, expect him to resume his dominance over opposing pitchers.

In the field, Kinsler is equally as steady. He has yet to win a Gold Glove, but that's difficult to expect of him with the likes of Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia joining him in the American League. Even so, Kinsler ranks in the top five in Rtot, RF/G, RF/9 and fielding percentage regularly.

Stat Line: 40 G, .302/.369/.500, 7 HR, 11 2B, 20 RBI, 24 R, 3 SB, 16:12 K/BB, 2.0 WAR

2. Robinson Cano (NYY)

At the ripe age of 30, Robinson Cano has pretty well solidified himself near the top the list of Major League Baseball's best second basemen. Last year, at 29, Cano took home his second Gold Glove Award, fourth All-Star Game selection and fourth Silver Slugger Award.

This year, Cano has set himself out on a torrid pace with 14 HR, 11 doubles, 36 RBI and 29 runs scored. After 57 games, Cano is on pace for 39 HR, 31 doubles, 102 RBI and 82 runs scored.

Cano has made himself into a very successful fielder and has been awarded with two Gold Glove Awards in the past three seasons. This year, Cano ranks in the AL's top five in fielding percentage and putouts.

Should the Yankees continue to play at their current level, Cano could take home his first MVP award this year.

Stat Line: 57 G, .288/.346/.522, 14 HR, 11 2B, 36 RBI, 29 R, 37:19 K/BB, 2.2 WAR

1. Dustin Pedroia (BOS)

Since entering the league in 2006, Dustin Pedroia has has been one of the most consistent and well-rounded players in the game. Entering his eighth season with the Red Sox, the 29-year-old second basemen has a Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP, a Silver Slugger Award, four All-Star game selections, two Gold Glove Awards and a World Series ring to his credit.

This year, Pedroia is making a bid at regaining his status as the top second baseman in the league. Through 52 games, he's slashing .333/.415/.444 with three HR, 30 RBI, 39 runs scored and eight stolen bases. Pedroia currently leads all second basemen in batting average, OBP, walks, hits and WAR.

As a multi-time winner of the American League Gold Glove Award, it should come as no surprise that Pedroia is leading the way defensively in 2013. While he may not have the flash of Brandon Phillips or the arm strength of Robinson Cano, there are few steadier gloves than Pedroia and that shows in his error free season thus far.

Stat Line: 58 G, .333/.414/.444, 3 HR, 16 2B, 30 RBI, 39 R, 8 SB, 30:32 K/BB, 3.4 WAR

Third Basemen

5. David Wright (NYM)

David Wright has been one of the league's best third basemen since his rookie season in 2004. Now, at 30 years old, Wright is posting a sub-par season by his standards, but it's enough to keep him in the top five.

Through 49 games, Wright owns a .277/.374/.462, seven HR, 30 RBI and 29 runs scored. Wright, like Machado, has an impressive combination of power and speed for the position and has 11 stolen bases so far in 2013.

Just shy of a third of the way through the year, Wright is on pace for 23 HR, 99 RBI, 89 runs scored and 36 stolen bases. An uptick in his power production would likely give way to Wright's second 30-30 season.

Stat Line: 54 G, .277/.374/.462, 7 HR, 7 2B, 4 3B, 30 RBI, 29 R, 11 SB, 42:29 K/BB, 2.7 WAR

4. Manny Machado (BAL)

Manny Machado has really come into his own in 2013. After a stellar 51-game debut in 2012, the 20-year-old Machado has done some incredible things through his first 57 games in 2013.

In said 57 games, Machado owns a .327/.363/.506 slash line with five home runs, 30 RBI, 37 runs scored and a whopping 25 doubles. Machado currently leads the AL in at-bats, hits and doubles. He has good speed for a corner infielder and could reach 15 stolen bases by season's end.

Machado has been the most valuable third baseman in terms of defensive ability this season and owns the position's highest dWAR, RF/G, RF/9 values at 1.3, 3.11 and 3.13 respectively. The only thing holding him back from cracking the top three is his relative lack of experience at the big league level.

Stat Line: 57 G, .327/.363/.506, 5 HR, 25 2B, 30 RBI, 37 R, 5 SB, 36:14 K/BB, 3.3 WAR

3. Adrian Beltre (TEX)

After a sow start to his 2013 campaign, Beltre has turned things around in the month of May—.349/.383/.569, five HR, 20 RBI—and has worked to a .305/.349/.523 triple-slash with 11 HR, 34 RBI and 34 runs scored.

Beltre is working toward his fourth consecutive season of at least 25 HR, 30 doubles and 100 RBI, only Miguel Cabrera has a longer streak—10 seasons. A likely Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible, Beltre is still as good at 34 as the day he entered the league back in 1998.

In the field, Beltre has been one of the game's best. He has four Gold Gloves Awards to his credit and ranks fourth, ninth and 13th in RF/G, Rtot, and assists all-time at the position.

Stat Line: 55 G, .305/.349/.523, 11 HR, 15 2B, 34 RBI, 34 R, 23:15 K/BB, 1.6 WAR

2. Evan Longoria (TB)

If it weren't for Evan Longoria's propensity to land on the DL, he could give Miguel Cabrera a good run at the top spot on this list. Last season Logo missed 88 games due to injury but this year, with a clean bill of health, he's tearing it up in Tampa Bay.

Through his first 56 games, the 27-year-old is slashing .305/.361/.527 with 10 HR, 34 RBI, and 38 runs scored. Logo has played in all of the Rays' games this season and is on pace for 28 HR, 98 RBI and 109 runs scored.

In the field, Longoria is one of the best. Longoria, a multi-time Gold Glove Award winner has the ability to make place that most of the league's third basemen do not. But, as mentioned below, there's no fielding ability that can help him overtake Cabrera at this point in time.

Stat Line: 56 G, .305/.361/.527, 10 HR, 17 2B, 34 RBI, 38 R, 50:20 K/BB, 2.4 WAR

1. Miguel Cabrera (DET)

No amount of fielding prowess can account for the gap between Cabrera's ability at the plate, and the rest of his competition at third base. The 30-year-old captured his first MVP Award last year and won Major League Baseball's first Triple Crown Award since 1967. Cabrera's mantle is basically stuffed with awards.

Now, in his 11th professional season, Cabrera has his sights set on a second consecutive Triple Crown. Cabrera is slashing an insane .367/.442/.668 with 17 HR, 65 RBI and 45 runs scored. He currently leads the American League in average, OBP, RBI, runs scored, hits and total bases.

As I mentioned previously, Cabrera isn't the best fielder in the league. Anything outside of a step to his left or right and Cabrera isn't likely to make a play on it. Even so, he's still the best player at the position.

Stat Line: 55 G, .367/.442/.668, 17 HR, 15 2B, 60 RBI, 45 R, 36:29 K/BB, 3.3 WAR

Shortstops

5. Brandon Crawford (SF)

Brandon Crawford rose to popularity in 2012 on the back of his slick performances in the field. Although the 26-year-old made 18 errors last season, he has impressive range an an ability to make a play on balls that few other players would get to.

This season, Crawford's bat has begun to follow and he's slashing .291/.363/.447. Crawford was never much of a power threat, but his 6'2" 215 lb. frame suggested that he could add additional power, and in 2013 he's done just that knocking out five home runs in his first 56 games.

At his current pace, Crawford would finish the season with 17 HR, 34 doubles, 71 RBI and 80 runs scored. That production would propel Crawford up this list making him one of the more valuable offensive threats at the position. Combine that with his natural ability in the field and we could be watching him turn into the game's second best shortstop behind division rival Troy Tulowitzki.

Stat Line: 56 G, .291/.353/.447, 5 HR, 12 2B, 2 3B, 25 RBI, 28 R, 36:18 K/BB, 1.7 WAR

4. Jean Segura (MIL)

After making his major league debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2012, Jean Segura was shipped to Milwaukee as part of the deal in which the Angels netted Zack Greinke. 

The Brewers have come out as the clear winners of this trade so far as Segura has been one of the most valuable players, at any position, in all of baseball. Through 49 games, Segura is slashing .365/.400/.569 with eight HR, 22 RBI, 30 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.

Segura has also been one of the better defensive players at the position this year. He owns the second best RF/9 and RF/G figures in baseball, while also logging the third most assists and second most putouts at shortstop.

At his current pace, Segura would finish the 2013 season with 23 home runs, 67 RBI, 90 runs scored and 43 stolen bases. That kind of season would allow him to finish atop the list of baseball's best shortstops, but for now, Tulo's reputation carries him.

Stat Line: 55 G, .344/.382/.541, 8 HR, 7 2B, 6 3B, 23 RBI, 31 R, 15 SB, 29:11 K/BB, 2.8 WAR

3. Jhonny Peralta (DET)

Jhonny Peralta has the ability to be one of the best hitting shortstops in baseball. He can hit for power, as evidenced by his 162 game average of 18 HR, and hits in a very potent Detroit Tiger lineup giving him an increased opportunity for RBI chances.

After a disappointing season in 2012 in which he hit .239 and slugged just .384, Peralta has put together a wonderful start to what looks to be a bounce-back season in 2013. Through his first 51 games, Peralta is slashing .332/.378/.487 with six HR, 26 RBI and 27 runs scored. 

Peralta has been a solid defender over his career and the same can be said for his efforts in 2013. Peralta currently ranks among the the top-five shortstops in putouts, assists, RF/G and fielding percentage.

Stat Line: 51 G, .332/378/.487, 6 HR, 13 2B, 26 RBI, 27 R, 47:16 K/BB, 2.2 WAR

2. J.J. Hardy (BAL)

J.J. Hardy has seen his batting average dip over the past season-and-a-third, but he's a superb power threat and one of the game's smoothest fielding shortstops.

Hardy 

Stat Line: 57 G, .245/.286/.455, 12 HR, 10 2B, 34 RBI, 24 R, 27:13 K/BB, 1.8 WAR

1. Troy Tulowitzki (COL)

When healthy, Troy Tulowitzki is easily the best shortstop in the league. Luckily for him, and the Rockies, he's healthy in 2013.

Tulo has played in 52 of Colorado's 58 games this year and owns a .333/.401/.602 slash line with 12 HR, 43 RBI and 32 runs scored. Tulo won't steal as many bases as he used to in an attempt to avoid injury, but he's still as valuable as anybody at the position.

Tulowitzki is a stellar defender, and prior to his injury in 2012, he had won two straight Gold Glove Awards in 2010 and 2011. This year, Tulo has regained his position among the league's great defensive shortstops and first, fourth and second in RF/9, RF/G and Rtot.

Stat Line: 52 G, .333/.401/.602, 12 HR, 14 2B, 43 RBI, 32 R, 29:20 K/BB, 2.9 WAR

Left Fielders

5. Matt Holliday (STL)

Matt Holliday has been one of the more consistent producing outfielders in the last 10 years. Although he's experiencing a bit of a dry spell in 2013, he's still a hell of a left fielder.

Through 52 games played, Holliday owns a .245/.335/.413 triple--slash with eight HR, 30 RBI and 37 runs scored. At his current pace, the 33-year-old would finish the year with 24 HR, 90 RBI and 111 runs scored. If you're in the majority, and believe that Holliday will rebound from his current .245 average, then those projected totals may even be too modest.

Holliday used to be a stellar defender who regularly ranked in the top five in all the major defensive metrics. Though he's undoubtedly lost a step since he aged beyond 30, Holliday still has one of the better arms in the bigs.

Stat Line: 52 G, .245/.335/.413, 8 HR, 7 2B, 30 RBI, 37 R, 32:24 K/BB, -0.1 WAR

4. Bryce Harper (WAS)

Love him or hate him, Bryce Harper is one of the most talented players in all of baseball. He combines all five tools with an unbelievably high motor and a strong passion for the game.

Though he's currently on the disabled list with a bum knee, Harper has put together an impressive start to the 2013 season. Through 44 games, Harper owns a .287/.386/.587 triple--slash with 12 HR, seven doubles, 23 RBI and 29 runs scored. He hasn't run as often as we expected, but that can be chalked up to minor injuries that have plagued him over the course of the season.

In the field, Harper has some of the best range in the business and routinely gets to balls that others would have no chance at. Even with his high number of games missed, Harper still has the fourth most assists among left fielders—three—and just two errors.

Stat Line: 44 G, .287/.386/.587, 12 HR, 7 2B, 23 RBI, 29 R, 2 SB, 30:25 K/BB, 1.8 WAR

3. Alex Gordon (KC)

After years spent suffering through mediocrity and failed expectations, Alex Gordon reinvented himself and, at 29 years old, is blossoming into one of the game's brightest stars.

After arriving as a third baseman, Gordon now patrols left field where he's won two-straight Gold Glove Awards. After back-to-back successful seasons in 2011 and 2012, Gordon is experiencing success again in 2013.

Through his first 54 games, Gordon is slashing .326/.369/.482 with six HR, 31 RBI and 35 runs scored. He's been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise mundane Kansas City Royal offense.

As evidenced by having won consecutive Gold Glove Awards, Gordon is impressive defensively. He led the majors in outfield assists in 2011, finished second in 2012 and trails only Alex Rios for the lead among outfielders this year with five.

Stat Line: 49 G, .324/.369/.482, 6 HR, 13 2B, 2 3B, 31 RBI, 35 R, 49:16 K/BB, 1.9 WAR

2. Carlos Gonzalez (COL)

Carlos Gonzalez nearly won an MVP award in 2010 but was beat out by Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto. In that same season, he won the NL batting title while also leading the league in hits and total bases.

Now, in 2013, Gonzalez looks primed for another MVP run. Over his first 56 games, the 27-year-old has hit to a .303/.387/.590 slash line with 14 HR, 36 RBI and 45 runs scored. Gonzalez is on pace for a season of 40 home runs, 40 doubles, 102 RBI, 128 runs scored and 34 stolen bases.

Gonzalez is also a perennial Gold Glove candidate and has won two in the past three seasons. This season, defensive metrics are again on his side, and he ranks first in the NL in outfield assists with six while also ranking fifth in RF/G among left fielders.

Stat Line: 56 G, .308/.387/.590, 14 HR, 13 2B, 36 RBI, 45 R, 12 SB, 61:29 K/BB, 2.9 WAR

1. Ryan Braun (MIL)

Steroid controversy or not, Ryan Braun is still the best left fielder in baseball. Braun has breached the 30-30 mark in each of the past two seasons, won an MVP in 2011 and probably should have won another in 2012. 

This season, Braun is resuming his dominance over opposing pitchers while working to a .294/.372/.518 triple-slash with nine HR, 35 RBI and 28 runs scored. Braun is a steady producer at the plate and is so good that 30-30 seasons are almost expected of him.

In the field, Braun is just as steady. He consistently ranks near the top in assists, fielding percentage, RF/9 and dWAR year in and year out.

Stat Line: 46 G, .294/.372/.518, 9 HR, 13 2B, 2 3B, 35 RBI, 28 R, 3 SB, 48:25 K/BB, 1.8 WAR

Center Fielders

5. Shin-Soo Choo (CIN)

Shin-Soo Choo was a forgotten star during his time in Cleveland. Over his eight seasons with the Tribe, Choo held up a .292/.383/.469 slash line with 162-game averages of 19 HR, 38 doubles, 87 RBI, 91 runs scored and 20 stolen bases.

The Reds acquired him this offseason and he's been everything they could've hoped for. In 56 games, Choo's right near his career .289 batting average, but the rest of his peripherals are way up. Over 160 possible games, Choo would end up with 20 HR, 38 doubles, 57 RBI, 120 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.

Choo isn't the best defender, he has a well above average arm but doesn't cover a ton of ground. The move to center field in 2013 undoubtedly exposed this, however, he's made just two errors—both in the same game—and has three outfield assists to his credit.

Stat Line: 56 G, .279/.438/.490, 10 HR, 12 2B, 20 RBI, 42 R, 5 SB, 56:42 K/BB, 1.8 WAR

4. Carlos Gomez (MIL)

Carlos Gomez finally began to show signs of the potential the Brewers coveted when they traded J.J. Hardy for him in 2009. In 137 games last year with the Brew Crew, Gomez compiled a .260/.305/.463 triple slash while tallying 19 HR, 51 RBI, 72 runs scored and 37 stolen bases.

Now, in 2013, Gomez has taken that 2012 success and become the offensive leader of the Brewers through 54 games—sorry Ryan Braun. Gomez's rest-of-season projections would make him one of the most valuable players in baseball. Gomez can play in a total of 160 games, in which time he would arrive at 29 HR, 44 doubles, 80 RBI, 94 runs scored and 32 steals.

Gomez might have the best range of any center fielder in the game and his plus speed helps him make up for any mis-reads—though they are infrequent. He's made just one error in the 2013 season and his RF/G and RF/9 are among the best in baseball.

Stat Line: 54 G, .323/.367/.577, 10 HR, 15 2B, 3 3B, 27 RBI, 32 R, 11 SB, 47:10 K/BB, 3.2 WAR

3. Andrew McCutchen (PIT)

Andrew McCutchen, like many other members of this list, has seen a huge upswing in his superstar stock over the past two seasons. After a 2012 season where he nearly won an MVP Award, he was voted on to the cover of the popular video game, MLB 13: The Show.

This year McCutchen got off to a slow start in March and April slashing just .247/.308/.423 with three home runs, 16 RBI, 17 runs scored and six stolen bases. In May, 'Cutch came around and slashed .324/.390/.495 with four HR, 11 RBI, 18 runs scored and eight stolen bases.

McCutchen won a Gold Glove in 2012, and while he leads the league in outfield assists and fielding percentage, the 26-year-old ranks nowhere near the top in any other defensive metrics.

Stat Line: 55 G, .284/.346/.450, 7 HR, 14 2B, 28 RBI, 36 R, 14 SB, 31:19 K/BB, 2.5 WAR

2. Adam Jones (BAL)

Adam Jones finally has the benefit of playing on a relevant team with the Baltimore Orioles. Jones has been the most consistent producer in the Orioles lineup for several years and owns a career .281/.324/.458 slash line with 162 game averages of 23 HR, 79 RBI, 88 runs and 13 stolen bases.

Since 2011—including 2013—Jones has blossomed into one of the league's bigger stars and over that time, has averaged 30 HR, 89 RBI, 94 runs scored and 17 stolen bases. This year, Jones is working at an even higher rate of production slashing .318/.340/.521 with 11 HR, 37 RBI, 42 runs scored and nine stolen bases.

Jones is one of the Orioles best players—Manny Machado is giving him a good run—and he does it in all facets of the game. Jones won a Gold Glove in 2012, as well as 2009 and could give Mike Trout a good run for a second consecutive one in 2013.

Stat Line: 57 G, .318/.340/.521, 11 HR, 17 2B, 37 RBI, 42 R, 9 SB, 49:8 K/BB, 1.8 WAR

1. Mike Trout (LAA)

Mike Trout may be the most dynamic player to enter the the league since Ken Griffey Jr. His incredible blend of all five tools has propelled him to a level of stardom that few players are capable of achieving.

Last year, Trout burst onto the scene and in just 139 games, registered a .326/.399/.564 slash line with 30 HR, 27 doubles, eight triples, 83 RBI, 129 runs scored and 49 stolen bases. That year, Trout led the league in runs, stolen bases and OPS+. His season easily could've won him MVP—and probably should have—but that's an argument for another day.

In 2013 however, Trout is working toward another impressive season. In his first 56 games, the 21-year-old has a .299/.371/.547 triple slash with 10 HR, 16 doubles, a league leading six triples, 38 RBI, 42 runs scored and 12 stolen bases.

Trout could have won a Gold Glove in 2012 and a strong case could be made for that. In 2013 however, defensive metrics aren't quite on his side. Although he's committed just one error, and his RF/G is in the top five, Trout ranks nowhere near the top five in any other important defensive statistic—aside from games played.

Stat Line: 58 G, .299/.371/.547, 10 HR, 16 2B, 6 3B, 38 RBI, 42 R, 12 SB, 51:27 K/BB, 1.9 WAR

Right Fielders

5. Hunter Pence

For all his goofy mechanics at the plate, Hunter Pence is one of the better hitting outfielders in the game. Pence owns a career .286/.338/.476 slash line with 162 game averages of 25 HR, 34 doubles, 93 RBI, 86 runs scored and 13 stolen bases.

After an underwhelming 59 games with the team in 2013, Pence is making up for it with a season in which he's slashed .292/.335/.500. On top of that, Pence is on pace for a season with 25 HR, 25 stolen bases, 85 RBI and 90 runs scored.

Pence has been an above average fielder this season with a 2.61 RF/9 and 2.58 RF/G, both of which are above the league average.

Stat Line: 57 G, .292/.335/.500, 9 HR, 16 2B, 30 RBI, 32 R, 9 SB, 39:15 K/BB, 2.0 WAR

4. Giancarlo Stanton

Giancarlo Stanton is on the disabled list and hasn't played a game since April 29th. Even though he isn't currently playing on a regular basis, Stanton is still one of the best right fielders in baseball.

At just 23 years old, Stanton has become one of the biggest power threats in the game and has an incredible 96 HR over just 393 games played. In 2013, while he was active, Stanton had the misfortune of hitting in the middle of an inept lineup. Stanton is one of the only viable threats in the Marlins' lineup and pitchers are more likely to pitch around him entirely.

Stanton hasn't had much of a chance to make his mark in the field this season but he has a hell of an arm. In 2010, Stanton ranked third in the National League with 10 assists in just 142 games. In addition to his arm though, Stanton has ranked in the top five in Rtot, RF/G and RF/9 among right fielders in multiple seasons, including 2012.

Stat Line: 20 G, .227/.341/.387, 3 HR, 3 2B, 9 RBI, 8 R, 26:12 SB, -0.3 WAR

3. Alex Rios (CHW)

Alex Rios was a two-time All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays. After moving to Chicago, he became a streaky hitter who slashed just .227/.265/.348 over 145 games in the 2011 season. Rios enjoyed a huge bounce-back year in 2012 though when he belted 25 HR with 91 RBI, 93 runs scored and 25 stolen bases to go along with a .304/.334/.516 slash line.

Rios is on track for a similar, if not better, season in 2013. Through 53 games, the 32-year-old owns a .283/.344/.498 triple slash with 10 HR, 28 RBI, 30 runs scored and eight stolen bases.

Rios holds his own in the field. This year, he leads AL right fielders in assists and RF/G while also ranking second in RF/9 and Rtot.

Stat Line: 54 G, .284/.346/.500, 10 HR, 13 2B, 28 RBI, 31 R, 8 SB, 34:20 K/BB, 1.7 WAR

2. Jose Bautista (TOR)

Jose Bautista's rise to fame has been well chronicled, and deservedly so. In 452 games between 2010 and 2013, Bautista has slashed .272/.397/.584 with 162-game averages of 49 HR, 115 RBI, 113 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.

In 2012, Bautista suffered through a wrist injury which limited him to just 92 games played. In 2013, Bautista has resumed his slugging ways and has knocked out 12 home runs to go along with 29 RBI, 35 runs scored and a .268/.374/.521 slash line in 50 games played.

Bautista may have as good an arm as anybody in baseball. In just 90 games in right field last year, Bautista recorded 11 assists. This year, he has just two assists but as coaches, scouts and players become wiser about running on him, the 32-year-old will see fewer and fewer opportunities to record assists.

Stat Line: 50 G, .268/.374/.521, 12 HR, 12 2B, 29 RBI, 35 R, 3 SB, 41:33 K/BB, 2.1 WAR.

1. Carlos Beltran (STL)

Even at 36 years old, Carlos Beltran is still one of the game's better players. Over 16 seasons—1970 games—Beltran has put together a career that may earn him a plaque in Cooperstown including 346 HR, 421 doubles, 1277 RBI, 1292 runs scored and 306 stolen bases. 

In St. Louis, Beltran has rejuvenated his career. Between this year and last—203 games—Beltran has a .279/.347/.505 triple slash with 45 HR, 31 2B, 134 RBI, 109 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. Now, this year, in 2013, Beltran has slashed .308/.348/.533 with 13 HR, 37 RBI and 26 runs scored.

A center fielder for most of his career, Beltran is still relatively new to right field. He's lost a step in terms of speed and doesn't cover the same ground that he used to—he won three straight Gold Glove Awards from 06-08—but he's still dependable and has a serviceable arm.

The crop of players in right field is relatively thin, and this allows Beltran to rise to the top given his consistency over his career and his current level of play.

Stat Line: 52 G, .308/.348/.533, 13 HR, 5 2B, 37 RBI, 26 R, 34:12 K/BB, 1.5 WAR

Starters

5. Justin Verlander (DET)

Justin Verlander is suffering through a disappointing season by his standards, but is he really not a top five starter? That's a rhetorical question of course, Verlander is still one of the game's best even though, on the surface, his numbers may not show it.

Verlander has a 7-4 record to go along with a 3.70 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP and ratios of 10.7 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 3.63 K/BB and and 9.2 H/9.

Verlander has experienced a lot of bad luck in 2013, his .359 BAbip is 84 points higher than it was last season and 70 points higher than his career average. On top of that, according to Fangraphs, Verlander's FIP and xFIP clock in at 2.60 and 2.95 respectively suggesting even further that his 3.70 ERA is a product of bad luck.

Stat Line: 12 GS, 7-4 W-L, 3.70 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 10.7 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 3.63 K/BB, 9.2 H/9, 1.5 WAR

4. Adam Wainwright (STL)

After a few years of working as a reliever, Adam Wainwright fashioned himself into one of the game's best pitchers. Wainwright has an unfortunate history of injury including Tommy John Surgery which cost him the entire 2011 season.

Since then though, Wainwright has put together an impressive season in 2013 after an underwhelming return from injury in 2012. Through 12 starts, Wainwright has factored into all but one decision and has worked to a 2.33 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and ratios of 8.5 K/9, 0.6 BB/9, 14.00 K/BB and 8.5 H/9.

Wainwright currently leads the NL in complete games, shutouts, HR/9, BB/9 and K/BB. Given the Cardinals high level of success, Wainwright could win his first Cy Young in his career.

Stat Line: 12 GS, 8-3 W-L, 2.33 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 0.6 BB/9, 14.00 K/BB, 8.5 H/9, 3.4 WAR

3. Clay Buchholz (BOS)

Clay Buchholz has always had the potential to be one of the best pitchers in baseball. After a breakout year in 2010 where he finished sixth in Cy Young voting, Buchholz was forced onto the DL in 2011 due to a stress fracture in his back.

Much of his 2012 struggles can be attributed to an attempt to regain his form. In 2013, Buchholz seems to have found that form and has worked to a 8-0 record with a 1.62 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and ratios of 8.9 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, 2.75 K/BB and 5.9 H/9. 

Buchholz is only 28 years old and, like most of the pitchers to follow on this list, has an opportunity to garner significant Cy Young Award consideration in his seventh season.

Stat Line: 11 GS, 8-0 W-L, 1.62 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, 2.75 K/BB, 5.9 H/9, 3.6 WAR

2. Felix Hernandez (SEA)

Felix Hernandez has long suffered from pitching alongside an inept offense in Seattle. This year, even with some upgrades to the team, King Felix is receiving even less run support than he's accustomed to—3.0 RS/GS down from his 3.9 career average.

Even with incredibly low run support, Hernandez does a great job on the hill. In 12 starts this year, the 27-year-old superstar owns a 6-4 record with a 2.38 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and ratios of 9.4 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, 5.44 K/BB and 7.8 H/9. 

Hernandez is actually getting better in his age-27 season. Through his first 12 starts, all of Hernadez's metrics are better than his career averages and he looks primed to make another run at his second AL Cy Young Award.

Stat Line: 12 GS, 6-4 W-L, 2.38 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, 5.44 K/BB, 7.8 H/9, 3.0 WAR

1. Clayton Kershaw (LAD)

With all due respect to R.A. Dickey, Clayton Kershaw should have won his second straight NL Cy Young Award in 2012. Kershaw finished the year with a league best 2.53 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 150 ERA+ and 6.7 H/9.

This year, Kershaw is right on pace for another Cy Young Award with a 1.85 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP and ratios of 8.5 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 3.57 K/BB and 5.9 H/9 through his first 12 starts. Through over a third of his projected start total this season, Kershaw leads the NL in WAR—for all players and position players—and H/9 and ranks in the top top five in ERA+, complete games, strikeouts, WHIP and ERA.

Kershaw doesn't have the win total you'd expect to accompany such impressive numbers—chalk it up to the paltry 2.9 RS/GS he's receiving— but with Verlander going through some rough times this year, Kershaw is easily the best pitcher in baseball.

Stat Line: 12 GS, 5-3 W-L, 1.85 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 3.57 K/BB, 5.9 H/9, 3.6 WAR

Closers

5. Edward Mujica (STL)

Edward Mujica, much like the next member of this list, worked as a middle reliever/set-up man for most of his career prior to the 2013 season. Mujica ascended to the closer's role this year after an injury to Jason Motte cost him his season.

Mujica has made the best of the chance he was given and is a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities. In addition to his immaculate save conversion percentage, the 29-year-old owns a 1.80 ERA, an 0.60 WHIP and ratios of 8.3 K/9, 0.4 BB/9, 22.0 K/BB and 4.9 H/9.

Mujica has a short leash with rookie Trevor Rosenthal knocking on the door behind him, but for now, he's performing like one of the better closers in the league.

Stat Line: 25 G, 17/17 SV/SVOpp, 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 0.4 BB/9, 22.0 K/BB, 5.0 H/9, 1.2 WAR

4. Jason Grilli (PIT)

Jason Grilli's metamorphosis into one of baseball's top closers is well deserved. After years as a journeyman reliever—six teams in 11 seasons—Grilli found a home in Pittsburgh where he worked his way up to the closer's role after two seasons as a middle-reliever/set-up man.

Grilli has the best numbers of any closer this year with a league leading 22 saves in 22 opportunities to go along with a 1.05 ERA, a 0.66 WHIP and ratios of 14.4 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, 8.20 K/BB and 4.2 H/9.

Grilli doesn't have enough of a track record to overtake the pitchers in front of him and his age is a big of a concern moving forward, but for now, Grilli is a top-five closer.

Stat Line: 28 G, 22/22 SV/SVOpp, 1.05 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, 14.4 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, 8.20 K/BB, 4.2 H/9, 1.1 WAR

3. Aroldis Chapman

Aroldis Chapman was scheduled to become a starter in the 2013 season. Unfortunately—or fortunately depending on your outlook on things—that did not come to fruition.

Following his return to the bullpen, Chapman has put together a pretty solid season. In 27 appearances, Chapman owns a 2.42 ERA, 15 saves and a a whopping 15.9 K/9.

Chapman's ERA will undoubtedly go down as the season progresses and while his 4.2 BB/9 is disappointing, his strikeout rate is incredibly high and he has the ability to miss bats while using primarily a fastball.

Stat Line: 28 G, 15/17 SV/SVOpp, 2.42 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 15.9 K/9, 4.2 BB/9, 3.83 K/BB, 5.9 H/9, 0.8 WAR

2. Craig Kimbrel (ATL) 

Craig Kimbrel won the NL's Rolaids Relief Award in 2012 after a 2011 season in which he was an All-Star, the Rookie of the Year and a top-10 finisher in Cy Young voting. Kimbrel's meteoric rise has him ranked among the game's best closers.

In 2013, his third full season, Kimbrel has recorded 17 saves in 20 opportunities with a 2.01 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP and ratios of 12.5 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, 6.20 K/BB and 6.4 H/9. Though his ERA is higher than we're accustomed to—up from 1.01 in 2012 and his 1.53 career average, Kimbrel is still as dominant as ever and is a big part of the Braves success.

Stat Line: 23 G, 17/20 SV/SVOpp, 2.01 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 12.5 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, 6.20 K/BB, 6.4 H/9, 0.8 WAR

1. Mariano Rivera (NYY)

It's fitting that the best closer in MLB history still ranks as the best closer in the league. After 18 incredible seasons in the majors, Rivera is working toward a 19th and final year as the game's best closer.

In 22 appearances, Rivera has registered 19 saves in 20 opportunities while working to a 1.69 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP and ratios of 7.6 K/9, 0.8 BB/9, 9.0 K/BB and 8.4 H/9. Rivera has blown just one save this year and if the Yankees continue to succeed, he could post his ninth season of 40-plus saves.

Rivera doesn't get the same strikeout totals that he used to, but still misses plenty of bats with that trademark cutter and leads the AL with 20 saves.

Stat Line: 23 G, 20/21 SV/SVOpp, 1.69 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 0.8 BB/9, 9.0 K/BB, 8.4 H/9, 0.8 WAR