On MLB.com, there is currently a ballot up to name the first-ever All MLB team for the 2019 season. And so with that in mind, we give our 2019 All MLB Team. And check out our picks for the 2019 MLB MVP, Cy Young, Manager, and Rookies of the Year.
J.T. REALMUTO ~ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
We begin with one of the most important positions on a baseball field, and that’s the catcher. And while I would have loved to select my catcher, Gary Sanchez, there is no denying that the best overall catcher in the game is J.T. Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies. There is nothing that is expected of a catcher that J.T. does poorly. Realmuto calls a great game, has excellent hands at framing. J.T. has a rocket of an arm and is accurate with his throws on stolen base attempts. And he can also hit for average and power. And putting personal bias aside for the sake of crafting the best All MLB team of 2019, J.T. Realmuto must be the catcher.
FREDDIE FREEMAN ~ ATLANTA BRAVES
So as we swing around the diamond, we look to first base. And when it comes to first base, people care about different aspects. For me having an all-around player is better than just an offensive player. So with that as the basis, I choose Freddie Freeman of the Braves. Freeman provides good offense and defense, as well as excellent leadership skills.
DJ LeMAHIEU ~ NEW YORK YANKEES
As we move around the infield to second base, this is a no brainer for me. It’s DJ LeMahieu. I had the pleasure of watching DJ all season long be the Yankees MVP. So he’s my selection for my 2019 All MLB team 2nd basemen.
NOLAN ARENADO ~ COLORADO ROCKIES
The third base position is a slacked list. And many choices would be a worthy option. But for me, there is one man that sticks out above the rest, and that is Nolan Arenado. The perennial gold glove and platinum glove winner is an undeniable talent that any team can build around.
FRANCISCO LINDOR ~ CLEVELAND INDIANS
The list at shortstop is quite impressive, as well. And there are several worthy candidates, but the man for the job on my team is Mr. Smiles, Francisco Lindor. The smooth fielding power hitting switch hitter is my choice.
MIKE TROUT ~ LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM, CODY BELLINGER ~LOS ANGELES DODGERS, CHRISTIAN YELICH ~ MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Now, as far as the outfield list is the most in-depth list because of the sheer number of options. And this list, more than any other, can have many different but acceptable variations. For my list, however, it begins with Mike Trout. Trout will go down as the greatest player in Major League Baseball history. After Trout for the 2019 season, Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich are flanking Mike on either side.
NELSON CRUZ ~ MINNESOTA TWINS
So when it comes to the Designated Hitter, my selection is the elder statesman Nelson Cruz. The Boomstick swung a big bat this season in a big ballpark for the Twins and deserves the recognition.
AROLDIS CHAPMAN ~ NEW YORK YANKEES, JOSH HADER ~MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The game is moving towards an all-out bullpen attack. And the reliever field is stacked. But we can only select two pitchers. So I choose two lefties in Aroldis Chapman and Josh Hader.
GERRIT COLE ~ HOUSTON ASTROS, JACOB deGROM ~ NEW YORK METS, MAX SCHERZER ~WASHINGTON NATIONALS, STEPHEN STRASBURG ~WASHINGTON NATIONALS, JUSTIN VERLANDER ~HOUSTON ASTROS
These five starters were undoubtedly some of the toughest arms in baseball. And it’s unreal to think that the 2019 World Series would play host to four of the five. This just goes to show you that while having a great bullpen is a tremendous blessing. There is no substitution for excellent starting pitching.
So that’s my list. But I want to hear from you, baseball fans. Head over to YouTube and check out our accompanying installment of the Pinstripe Plunge Report on the 2019 ALL MLB TEAM.
