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The network began the 2023 edition of the series on January 10, as it ranked the top 10 relief pitchers before moving to the outfield spot. According to MLB.com’s Paul Casella, the final ranking is determined by a process called “shredding.” The process includes analysis through “player performance, numerous offensive and defensive metrics, both advanced data and traditional numbers, and research from MLB Network teams.” Fans constantly bicker over each of the network’s top 10 ratings, but at least there are some criteria to rely on.

So where do Astros players stand in the MLB Network standings leaderboard? See below. Check back here until February 2nd as the top 10 lists for each position will be published.

Right Fielder – Kyle Tucker, 4th

Tucker faces stiff competition in right field, with former MVP Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts and Bryce Harper occupying the top three spots. Still, considering who Tucker has overtaken for a top-five finish, finishing on four holes is not at all a shame. Houston’s right fielder has Braves star Ronald with his Acuña and Blue Jays outfielder (and former Astros standout) George checking in right above his springer, perhaps even lesser-known throughout the league. Regardless, Tucker’s final ranking isn’t entirely out of place. Tucker has hit 60 homers and his 65 doubles in the past two seasons. He has recorded his OPS+ at least 24% above the league average for the last three years and in 2022 was the only player to achieve at least 30 dingers and his 25 steals.

Houston’s right fielder has emerged as one of baseball’s most accomplished outfielders. He could be the next Astros player to receive a nine-figure mega contract, whether it’s through an extension or in free agency later in the decade.

Kyle Tucker #30 of the Houston Astros gets out in the ninth inning during Game 4 of the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, November 2, 2022. caught.

Daniel Shirey/MLB Photo by Getty Images

Center Field – Chas McCormick, No. 10

McCormick had 110 OPS+ on 14 home runs in 119 games last season and made a big impact in the postseason with a clutch catch in Game 5 of the World Series. With all due respect to McCormick, his placement on this list can be attributed to his current lack of depth in center field throughout the league. With just six center fielders, as Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci pointed out in November, center fielders are batting just .237 in 2022, their worst batting average in the last 50 seasons.

McCormick has a respectable offensive profile. He is also a plus defender. However, like many center fielders entering 2023, he could be better placed as a platoon option.

Relief Pitcher – Ryan Pressly, 6th

Astros fans may resent this ranking after Presley went scoreless 11 innings as Houston sprinted to an 11-2 postseason record. Presley has also missed part of the regular season in two of his last four years, but if healthy, his recent résumé rivals just about any closer in baseball.

Consider the following. Of his 202 relief pitchers who have pitched 100 or more innings since 2019, Presley ranks him #7 in his ERA+ and his WHIP. In FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), he is behind Liam Hendricks, Emmanuel Claes and Devin Williams. Presley may not boast as flashy strikeouts as Josh Hader or Edwin Diaz, but he induces weak contact at elite rates thanks to a particularly nasty weapon.

This is not to deny the Pressly name above this list or to denounce the “shredders”. Evan Phillips and Joan Duran could emerge as the game’s next great closers. I still ride with proven products. Presley has allowed one earned run in his last 22 playoff appearances. His last multi-run playoff appearance was at the 2020 ALDS. Pressly is not on the cusp of his 11th season as a pro. He’s still a definite closer in Houston, the next phase of the franchise dynasty.

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