Is Center Field Becoming Baseball’s Ultimate Defensive Fortress?
Added defensive certainty doesn’t tamp down talent potential, but it creates a bright line of competence – Judge was one of only seven qualified center fielders (out of 40) with a negative OAA in 2024 – that will necessitate churn. A position with such stringent defensive bounds will occasionally plummet into a morass of revolving doors, like the catching position, as defense-only regulars such as Jose Siri play a barely noticed game of musical chairs.
We’ve come a long way without necessarily realizing it. But it will only become more noticeable as teams lean in. Red Sox star Jarren Duran and Diamondbacks phenom Corbin Carroll could play center field, but they will likely make way for speedier options. Judge could take up the mantle as the next legendary Yankees center fielder.



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