C: J.T. Realmuto, Phillies
The Phillies made a number of big moves this offseason, but the most important may be the trade with the Marlins for J.T. Realmuto. In a time where every team is looking for a consistent catcher, having a player like Realmuto behind the plate is a big boost to the Phillies. Last season the former third-round pick had a career year hitting .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs. Leading all catchers with a 4.3 WAR, and playing at least 125 games each of the last four seasons, Realmuto will hope to build on his success in an offense that is loaded with talent.
1B: Freddie Freeman, Braves
This selection was a toss-up between Freddie Freeman and Paul Goldschmidt, as both have played at a high level for the past few seasons. While Goldschmidt adds more long ball ability, Freeman has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball in an offense that continues to get better. Freeman finished last season playing all 162 games, the second time in his career, and hit .309/.388/.505. Despite only hitting 23 home runs, Freeman did hit 98 RBIs continuing to show why he is one of the best three-hole hitters in baseball. But what might be most impressive is his fielding and last season Freeman won a gold glove and the Wilson defensive player of the year for first basemen last year indicating his all-around ability on the field.
2B: Jose Altuve, Astros
There have been few second basemen that play at the level that Jose Altuve has played at the past few seasons. At 5’6″ Altuve has defied the odds as one of the best batters in baseball, hitting over .300 each of the past five seasons and been a top-13 MVP each season as well. The Astros have been one of the top teams in baseball and Altuve is a big reason why. Altuve’s 6.4 average WAR over the past five seasons shows why he is one of the most irreplaceable players in baseball.
SS: Franciso Lindor, Indians
The shortstop position is loaded with talent with MVP Runner-up Javier Baez, Corey Seager, and Altuve’s teammate Carlos Correa. However, Lindor has been a force in the MLB since making his debut in 2015. Only 25-years old, Lindor continues to get better each season. The shortstop has a solid batting average at .288 for his career, but what is most impressive is his developing power. Lindor clobbered 38 home runs last year after hitting 33 the year before, numbers we don’t often see from the position. As long as he can stay healthy we might see Lindor top that home run number and break the 100 RBI mark this season.
3B: Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Nolan Arenado got paid this summer with an 8-year/$260 million deal, and a player of Arenado’s skill set will earn every cent of it. Everyone around baseball knows how good the 27-year old’s glove is having won a gold glove at third base each of his first six seasons in the big leagues with plays like these.
But what be more impressive his Arenado’s dominance on offense as he has hit over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs four seasons in a row, including leading the NL in home runs with 38 last season. The third baseman has also finished top-10 in MVP voting four years in a row and has a good chance to bring home the prize with a talented Rockies team this season.
LF: Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves
Ronald Acuna Jr. burst onto the scene last year captivating fans with highlight-reel catches and tape measure home runs. After the All-Star break, Acuna hit .322/.403/.625 with 19 home runs, to bring his total to 26 for the year. This surge in the second half of the season helped display the 21-year olds potential and helped him the NL rookie of the year. If Acuna can keep up with that pace for an entire season the young player will become one of the real stars of baseball. The outfielder could be the first player since Kris Bryant to win an MVP in just their second season.
CF: Mike Trout, Angels
How is it possible to be the best player in baseball and still be one of the most underrated players at the same time? Mike Trout has been the best player in baseball the past few seasons but still doesn’t garner the attention the players like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge receive. Trout is a once in a generation talent that has helped carry a struggling Angels team for years, and his efforts were finally recognized with the largest contract in MLB history at 12 years/$430 million. The former MVP gets it done on both sides dominating at the plate and making ridiculous catches look routine.
Already off to another great start this season, Trout looks primed to bring home the AL MVP for the third time in six seasons.
RF: Mookie Betts, Red Sox
The only player close enough to challenging Trout’s MVP campaign would be last year’s AL MVP Mookie Betts. Last season Betts was easily the best player in baseball, hitting .346/.438/.640 and led the MLB with 129 runs along with 32 home runs and 80 RBIs. The Red Sox won their first World Series since 2013, and Betts was the key the team’s success. With a team that is littered with talent from top to bottom, Betts has been the teams most consistent players since his arrival to the MLB.
SP: Max Scherzer, Nationals
There are a number of pitchers worthy of this spot after last season. deGrom was historic last season with a 1.70 ERA last season, and Chris Sale and Justin Verlander dominated opposing batters all season long. But Max Scherzer has been one of the most consistent pitchers in all of baseball, winning three Cy Young awards in six seasons, and would have won a fourth last year if it wasn’t for deGrom. Since 2016, Scherzer is 54-20 with a 2.67 ERA and 11.9 K/9. Scherzer is able to overpower batters with his fastball, but what’s most impressive is his off-speed pitches. There are few pitchers that are able to deceive batters with movement and placement like Scherzer.
With another Cy Young season, Scherzer could join Greg Maddux, Steve Carlton, Randy Johnson, and Rodger Clemons as the only pitchers win the award four times.
RP: Craig Kimbrel, Free Agent
A few weeks into the season and Craig Kimbrel is still yet to sign a deal with a club. It isn’t because of the closer has regressed, but more than likely the price tag that comes along with a player of Kimbrel’s status. The Red Sox already had a lot of money committed for 2019 and were willing to let Kimbrel go, but their bullpen has suffered since. Kimbrel has the most active saves in the MLB with 333 in his nine seasons. At only 30-years old Kimbrel is still in his prime and has the chance to finish with the most saves in MLB history. With a number of bullpens struggling Kimbrel may sign with a club soon, but the biggest question will be at what price?
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