When we look back on the 2020s, there’s a good chance we’ll remember it as the golden era of the right fielder. The position is stacked with elite talent right now-so much so that five of the top 15 players in the game currently patrol right field, according to MLB’s latest rankings. We’re talking about a group capable of putting up 30-30 seasons like it’s routine, headlined by names like Aaron Judge, who continues to build a case as one of the greatest right-handed hitters the sport has ever seen.
So, breaking into that group? No easy task.
Doing it while carrying a history of injuries? That’s another level entirely.
And yet, here we are-Ronald Acuña Jr., despite another injury-shortened season in 2025, has climbed two spots in MLB’s annual right field rankings and now sits at No. 5, according to “The Shredder,” the league’s data-driven player evaluation system.
That’s not just a nod to his name recognition-it’s a reflection of just how electric Acuña is when he’s healthy. He’s one of those rare players who can flip a game on its head in a single at-bat or with one explosive play on the bases. Even in a season where he couldn’t stay on the field consistently, the numbers speak for themselves.
In 2025, Acuña ranked in the 95th percentile or better in several key offensive categories: expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA), expected slugging (xSLG), bat speed, walk rate, and batting run value. That’s elite territory-if you’re outperforming 95% of Major League hitters in those areas, you’re doing something right. And that’s why The Shredder, which leans heavily on advanced metrics, still sees him as one of the game’s best at his position.
But here’s where things get complicated. As dominant as Acuña can be, availability matters.
And over the past five seasons, few players in the top tier of right fielders have missed more time. Only Mike Trout-who moved to right field last season and has battled his own string of injuries-has averaged fewer games per year among the top 10 right fielders.
Even Fernando Tatis Jr., who lost a full season to a PED suspension, has managed to average more games played annually than Acuña.
That’s the tricky balance when it comes to rankings like these. On paper, Acuña is a generational talent.
His tools are off the charts, and when he’s in the lineup, he’s a threat to change the game every night. But if you’re building a team to compete over a grueling 162-game season, you have to consider the risk that comes with a player who might only be available for 90 of those games.
Still, it’s hard to argue with the upside. Acuña’s ceiling is as high as anyone’s in the game.
And if you're a Braves fan, you’re probably willing to roll the dice on that potential. Because when he’s right-when he’s healthy-he’s not just one of the best right fielders in baseball.
He’s one of the best players, period.