2024 All-MLB Team Selections and Highlights

2024 All-MLB Team Selections

The announcement for the league’s 2024 All-MLB team is just around the corner, making it an ideal moment to share my own selections for the finest talent in baseball at each position. Over the years, I have compiled an All-MLB team, and it’s fascinating to observe the shifts in player performance from season to season. This year, only Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto made the cut from my 2023 selections. Ohtani stands out uniquely; he has been an All-MLB team member for three consecutive years. Notably, the Dodgers, Yankees, and Guardians were the sole teams to have two representatives on my All-MLB roster for this season.

As customary, I have also included my choices for the top owner, front office executive, and manager, although I anticipate my player picks will spark the most discussion and debate. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments about what you think I got right or wrong.

Note: Player selections are based solely on regular-season performance; postseason achievements were not factored in. WAR, OPS+, and ERA+ statistics are sourced from Baseball Reference, while advanced metrics and percentiles come from Statcast.

Players

Catcher: William Contreras, Brewers

WAR: 4.9 OPS+: 129

William Contreras has made a name for himself as one of the premier catchers in the league, boasting an impressive batting line of .281/.365/.466. His season highlights include 37 doubles, 23 home runs, 99 runs, and 92 RBIs. At just 26 years old, he not only secured a Silver Slugger Award for the second consecutive year but also made his second All-Star team. Defensively, he ranked well, finishing in the 92nd percentile for batting run value and the 91st percentile in hard-hit rate.

Also considered: Salvador Perez, Yainer Diaz

First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays

WAR: 6.2 OPS+: 166

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered a stellar season, hitting .323/.396/.544 with 44 doubles and 30 home runs, contributing significantly with 98 runs and 103 RBIs. He won his second Silver Slugger Award and made his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance. Guerrero excelled in several advanced metrics, ranking in the 98th percentile for various batting categories.

Also considered: Bryce Harper, Freddie Freeman, Christian Walker

Second Base: Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks

WAR: 6.8 OPS+: 155

Ketel Marte emerged as the Diamondbacks’ MVP this year, expected to secure the third spot in NL MVP voting. His remarkable stat line of .292/.372/.560 included 36 home runs and an impressive 95 RBIs. He earned his first Silver Slugger Award after making his second All-Star team and finished in the 96th percentile across multiple key offensive metrics.

Also considered: Jose Altuve

Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals

WAR: 9.4 OPS+: 171

Bobby Witt Jr. is anticipated to finish second in AL MVP voting, showcasing his exceptional ability with a .332/.389/.588 line, 45 doubles, and 32 home runs. Notably, he became the first shortstop in MLB history to achieve two 30-30 seasons. Witt’s defensive prowess and speed were evident, placing him in the 100th percentile for sprint speed and batting run value.

Also considered: Francisco Lindor

Third Base: José Ramírez, Guardians

WAR: 6.8 OPS+: 143

José Ramírez is a perennial MVP contender, expected to finish in the top five this year. He posted a .279/.335/.537 line with 39 home runs and 118 RBIs, complementing his impressive 41 stolen bases. His intangibles and hustle, along with a solid defensive rating, highlight his value as a future Hall of Famer.

Also considered: Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, Matt Chapman

Right Field: Juan Soto, Yankees

WAR: 7.9 OPS+: 178

Juan Soto, my preseason AL MVP pick, slashed .288/.419/.569, leading the league with 128 runs scored and 129 walks. He continues to demonstrate elite offensive capabilities and earned his fifth Silver Slugger Award this season. Soto’s advanced metrics place him at or near the top in several categories, reinforcing his status as a premier player.

Center Field: Aaron Judge, Yankees

WAR: 10.8 OPS+: 223

Aaron Judge was undoubtedly the best player in MLB this year, leading in multiple offensive categories including home runs and RBIs. His impressive .458 on-base percentage and .701 slugging percentage illustrate his offensive dominance. Judge’s defensive metrics also showed his value in the outfield, despite some struggles.

Left Field: Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers

WAR: 4.3 OPS+: 137

Teoscar Hernández had a standout season, achieving a .272/.339/.501 line, complemented by 33 home runs. He demonstrated versatility and energy, contributing both offensively and in the clubhouse. Hernández’s performance earned him a second All-Star nod and a third Silver Slugger Award.

Also considered: Jurickson Profar, Riley Greene, Steven Kwan, Jackson Chourio, Bryan Reynolds

Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

WAR: 9.2 OPS+: 190

Shohei Ohtani is on track to win his third MVP Award, boasting a .310/.390/.646 line with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs. His impressive speed also led to 59 stolen bases. Ohtani continues to redefine the standards for dual-threat players in MLB history.

Also considered: Marcell Ozuna

Starting Pitcher: Tarik Skubal, Tigers

WAR: 6.3 ERA+: 170

Tarik Skubal led the AL in wins and ERA, showcasing remarkable skills on the mound. His ability to limit hits and strikes was reflected in his impressive metrics, positioning him as a strong Cy Young candidate.

Also considered: Chris Sale

Closer: Emmanuel Clase, Guardians

WAR: 4.4 ERA+: 674

Emmanuel Clase dominated as a closer, leading the AL in saves and games finished. His minuscule 0.61 ERA highlights his effectiveness and consistency throughout the season.

Also considered: Ryan Helsley, Kirby Yates, Raisel Iglesias

Front Office and Field Staff

Owner: Mark Walter, Dodgers

Mark Walter has been instrumental in the Dodgers’ recent success, approving substantial payroll commitments while allowing his baseball operations team the freedom to make impactful decisions. His support has been crucial in the pursuit of championship titles.

Executive: Andrew Friedman, Dodgers

Andrew Friedman played a key role in bolstering the roster, notably acquiring Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. His strategic in-season trades further solidified the team’s playoff aspirations.

Manager: Dave Roberts, Dodgers

Dave Roberts has solidified his legacy with two World Series titles. His ability to guide the team through adversity, including injuries to key players, reflects his managerial prowess and leadership style.

My Past All-MLB Teams

2023

Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Orioles
First Base: Matt Olson, Braves
Second Base: Marcus Semien, Rangers
Shortstop: Corey Seager, Rangers
Third Base: Austin Riley, Braves
Right Field: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
Center Field: Julio Rodríguez, Mariners
Left Field: Juan Soto, Padres
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Angels
Starting Pitcher: Gerrit Cole, Yankees
Closer: Félix Bautista, Orioles
Owner: Steve Cohen, Mets
Executive: Alex Anthopoulos, Braves
Manager: Bruce Bochy, Rangers

2022

Catcher: J.T. Realmuto, Phillies
First Base: Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals
Second Base: Jose Altuve, Astros
Shortstop: Carlos Correa, Twins
Third Base: Manny Machado, Padres
Right Field: Aaron Judge, Yankees
Center Field: Mike Trout, Angels
Left Field: Steven Kwan, Guardians
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Angels
Starting Pitcher: Justin Verlander, Astros
Closer: Edwin Díaz, Mets
Owner: Peter Seidler, Padres
Executive: Andrew Friedman, Dodgers
Manager: Terry Francona, Guardians

(Top image: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: Nic Antaya / MLB Photos / Getty Images; Mary DeCicco / MLB Photos / Getty Images; Brace Hemmelgarn / Minnesota Twins / Getty Images)