As we've seen in past years, many of the best right fielders in MLB in 2024 are also among the best players overall. These are players who can hit for power, hit for average, and can more than hold their own defensively. That's why some of the best right-handers in 2024 will one day be in the conversation as one of the greatest right-handers in MLB history.
Ranking of the best MLB right fielders in 2024
Of course that's a conversation for another day. When it comes to the best right fielders in 2024, who will decide?
And just as importantly, who belongs at the top of the list? While this is still up for debate, we have come up with our own list of the top 10 right-side players in 2024.
10. Max Kepler
To be honest, we're also a bit surprised to see Max Kepler round out our list ahead of veterans like George Springer, Nick Castellanos, and Starling Marte. But Kepler has been an underrated player with the Twins for several years while Marte and Springer appear to be over the hill. Meanwhile, Castellanos is a defensive liability.
The German-born Keppler is a more balanced player and is coming off an impressive second half in 2023, which is why he gets the nod over some familiar names.
9. Anthony Santander
Anthony Santander was an important piece of the Orioles' puzzle last year and continues to be a key to Baltimore's success.
He's probably not as well-rounded as some top-tier baseball players. But the Orioles certainly aren't complaining about the 61 home runs and 65 doubles they hit over the past two seasons.
8. Seiya Suzuki
Two years into his MLB career, everything is going well for Seiya Suzuki. He doesn't dominate the competition the same way he did in Japan.
But his .285 average and 57 extra-base hits last season are nothing to scoff at. Suzuki should continue to make big strides forward in what will be his third season in the big league, as he continues to show that he is a true five-tool player.
7. Josh Lowe
Josh Lowe, 26, is an outfielder who is still on the rise. In his breakout season in 2023, he batted .292 with an OPS of .835. Let's not overlook his 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases.
If some of his 33 doubles can turn into home runs, the 30-30 club isn't far off, which is why it's good to have high hopes and expectations for Lowe in 2024.
6. Adulis Garcia
With 39 home runs and 107 RBI, Adolis Garcia was a big part of the Rangers' World Series win last year. These great offensive numbers somewhat ignore the fact that Garcia also won a Gold Glove in 2023.
The only caveat is that Garcia did not steal as many bases last year as he has in past seasons. His numbers also took a big jump in 2023, so we'll have to see if he can repeat that success in back-to-back years.
5. Corbin Carroll
After earning Rookie of the Year honors last year, Corbin Carroll is looking to prove that he belongs among the elite right fielders in the game. His speed makes him a difference-maker, as Corbin stole 54 bases last year.
His speed also helped him rack up 30 doubles and 10 threes while covering a lot of ground on the court. Also, don't sleep on his 25 colleagues either. If he can take another step forward, Corbin could have a 30-30 lead while also hitting close to .300, which would be enough to put him in exclusive company.
4. Juan Soto
The Yankees plan to put Juan Soto in right field this season, making that the deepest position in baseball based on how low he is on our list. Based on his upside, it can be said that Soto has underperformed over the past year and a half.
But don't forget, he has six full seasons in the majors under his belt but will play the entire 2024 season at 25 years old. And with free agency on the horizon, this could be the year Soto proves he's the generational talent we thought he was. It would be early in his career.
3. Fernando Tatis Jr
It's no secret that Fernando Tatis Jr. underperformed last season, posting a mediocre OPS of .771. However, he deserves the doubt based on his skill set and the fact that he missed the entire 2022 season.
At the age of 25, he was able to return to being an elite player. Don't forget that Tatis won the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove in 2023. He may be the best defensive outfielder in baseball right now, so if Tatis can start hitting the way he did two years ago, he'll also be among the elite players in the major leagues this year .
2. Kyle Tucker
If you thought Kyle Tucker was good at the beginning of his career, he's getting better. Tucker earned his first Silver Slugger Award in 2023 while leading the American League in RBI. He also won a Gold Glove in 2022 and was a second-team all-MLB selection in three straight seasons.
In other words, Tucker is one of the most balanced players in baseball right now. Last season, he came within a home run of hitting 30 goals in three straight seasons and joining the 30-30 club. If he's at his best, Tucker could be a 30-30 player who also flirts with a .300 average. There simply aren't many players who can do that in the major leagues.
1. Ronald Acuna Jr
Forget being the best right fielder in MLB right now, Ronald Acuna Jr. could be the best player in baseball before 2024. He had a historic season in 2023, becoming the first player to hit more than 40 homers and steal more than 70 bases in a season One
On top of that, he was the consensus MVP in the National League and earned plenty of other hardware as well. However, Acuna will play the entire 2024 season at age 26, so last season may not be the best he can do. As long as the injuries that have hampered him in the past don't return, Acuna will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024 and could end up winning another MVP award.
