MLB · 3 months ago

Ranking the Top 5 MLB Free Agent Center Fielders for 2025 Offseason

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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1. Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox
Luis Robert is the biggest swing piece in this class. While the Chicago White Sox hold a $20 million club option, there’s real intrigue about whether they’ll pick it up. His 2025 season has been uneven, with a slash line of .219/.298/.360, 13 homers, and 31 steals; however, the tools remain elite. At just 28, Robert still has the ceiling of a dynamic 30/30 center fielder. If he hits the open market, he’ll be the most polarizing talent available.

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5. Michael A. Taylor, Chicago White Sox
Age in 2026: 35

2025 Stats: 105 G, .215/.282/.408, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 88 wRC+, 0.5 fWAR

2025 Salary: $1.95 million

At 35, Michael A. Taylor is the veteran stabilizer of this class. His .215/.282/.408 line won’t blow anyone away, but his defensive reliability and postseason experience still carry weight. Taylor is better suited for a fourth outfielder role at this stage, but teams looking for depth, leadership, and situational defense will find value on a short-term deal.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
4. Harrison Bader, Philadelphia Phillies
Age in 2026: 32

2025 Stats: 110 G, .247/.330/.417, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 10 SB, 109 wRC+, 1.8 fWAR

2025 Salary: $6.25 million, $10 million mutual option with $1.5 million buyout

Harrison Bader has quietly put together one of his best offensive seasons, hitting .247 with 13 homers, a .330 OBP, and a 109 wRC+. Long known for his elite glove, he now pairs it with enough offense to be more than a defensive specialist. At 32, he’s still mobile enough to handle center every day, and his veteran presence will appeal to contenders. He profiles as a strong short-term addition for playoff hopefuls.

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3. Cedric Mullins, New York Mets
Age in 2026: 31

2025 Stats: 106 G, .221/.298/.413, 16 HR, 53 RBI, 17 SB, 97 wRC+, 1.1 fWAR

2025 Salary: $8.725 million

Cedric Mullins has had an up-and-down 2025, but his track record of speed and power keeps him valuable. He's hit 16 homers with 17 steals this season, though his .221 average and .298 OBP show some warts. At 31, he’s likely no longer a franchise cornerstone, but he remains a capable everyday center fielder who can help lengthen a lineup. His 20/20 ceiling will make him a sought-after option for mid-tier clubs.

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2. Trent Grisham, New York Yankees
Age in 2026: 29

2025 Stats: 108 G, .245/.350/.446, 21 HR, 46 RBI, 125 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR

2025 Salary: $5 million

Trent Grisham is timing his breakout season perfectly. The New York Yankees center fielder has rediscovered his swing, posting 21 homers, a .350 OBP, and a 125 wRC+ across 108 games. Entering free agency at 29, he offers rare prime-age production and a defensive skill set that keeps him valuable in center. For clubs seeking an everyday starter with pop and patience, Grisham looks like one of the safest bets on the market.
1. Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox
Luis Robert is the biggest swing piece in this class. While the Chicago White Sox hold a $20 million club option, there’s real intrigue about whether they’ll pick it up. His 2025 season has been uneven, with a slash line of .219/.298/.360, 13 homers, and 31 steals; however, the tools remain elite. At just 28, Robert still has the ceiling of a dynamic 30/30 center fielder. If he hits the open market, he’ll be the most polarizing talent available.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
5. Michael A. Taylor, Chicago White Sox
Age in 2026: 35

2025 Stats: 105 G, .215/.282/.408, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 88 wRC+, 0.5 fWAR

2025 Salary: $1.95 million

At 35, Michael A. Taylor is the veteran stabilizer of this class. His .215/.282/.408 line won’t blow anyone away, but his defensive reliability and postseason experience still carry weight. Taylor is better suited for a fourth outfielder role at this stage, but teams looking for depth, leadership, and situational defense will find value on a short-term deal.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

Ranking the Top 5 MLB Free Agent Center Fielders for 2025 Offseason

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