Most Valuable Player on Every MLB Team
Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts was the 2018 American League MVP.
Baseball is a unique team sport. Success involves contributions from a nine- or 10-player lineup every game. One player can’t win a World Series by himself. It requires teamwork and chemistry, although having a superstar or two helps.
Each team has a star that excites fans throughout the season. More than almost any other sport, the fan favorite is important in baseball. He becomes the face of the franchise, the guy who delivers through thick and thin.
These are the most valuable players on every major league team.
Atlanta Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr., Shortstop
Atlanta Braves shortstop Ronald Acuna Jr. hits a two-run home run against the New York Yankees in 2018.
Age: 21
Experience: 1 year
Rookie season: 2018
Career/2018 statistics
WAR: 4.1
AVG: .293
HR: 26
RBI: 64
OPS : .917
Bottom line: The 2018 Rookie of the Year is the undoubted superstar on a packed Braves roster.
Freddie Freeman has been the best player for Atlanta for years, but this is Acuña’s team now and in the foreseeable future.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Zack Greinke, Starting Pitcher
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke warms up prior to a game against the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday in 2018.
Age: 35
Experience: 15 years
Rookie season: 2004
Career statistics
WAR: 65.7
W-L: 187-118
ERA: 3.39
K/9: 8.2
2018 statistics
WAR: 4.8
W-L: 15-11
ERA: 3.21
K/9: 8.6
Bottom line: Whether Zack Greinke has been worth his massive contract is up for debate, but it isn’t debatable that he is still one of the games best pitchers even at age 35.
His pinpoint command means he rarely walks batters, and he couples his abilities on the mound with an impressive ability to field his position.
In addition to his Cy Young and five All-Star appearances, he has five Gold Gloves on his trophy shelf.
Baltimore Orioles: Trey Mancini, Left Field/First Base
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini wears a jersey that features "Orioles" in Braille during a home game against the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018.
Age: 27
Experience: 3 years
Rookie season: 2016
Career statistics
WAR: 2.5
AVG: .268
HR: 51
RBI: 141
OPS: .777
2018 statistics
WAR: -0.1
AVG: .242
HR: 24
RBI: 58
OPS: .715
Bottom line: The Orioles are in a rebuilding mode at the moment, especially after losing Manny Machado in 2018.
They hope that some of the prospects they got back in their trades will be their best players in the future, but for now, it’s the 27-year-old slugger Mancini.
Boston Red Sox: Mookie Betts, Right Field
Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts get a hit against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park in 2018.
Age: 26
Experience: 5 years
Rookie season: 2014
Career statistics
WAR: 35.2
AVG: .303
HR: 110
RBI: 390
OPS: .888
2018 statistics
WAR: 10.9
AVG .346
HR: 32
RBI: 80
OPS: 1.078
Bottom line: The 2018 AL MVP and batting champion is on top of the baseball world.
After winning a World Series title, in addition to his individual achievements, Mookie Betts is in a class of player occupied only by Mike Trout and Nolan Arenado as one of the best overall players in the game.
Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez, Infielder
Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez hits an RBI single against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018.
Age: 26
Experience: 5 years
Rookie season: 2014
Age: 26
Experience: 5 years
Rookie season: 2014
Career statistics
WAR: 11.9
AVG: .267
HR: 81
RBI: 269
OPS: .779
2018 statistics
WAR: 6.3
AVG: .290
HR: 34
RBI: 111
OPS: .881
Bottom line: This honor could have gone to Kris Bryant, but "El Mago" (Spanish for "the magician") takes the crown as the best Cubs player, based on his 2018 season in which he finished second in MVP voting to Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich.
Baez reached career highs in home runs and RBIs and played dazzling defense at every infield position.
The 26-year-old starts the 2019 season as the Cubs' starting shortstop and may remain there, even after Addison Russell returns from his suspension.
Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu, Designated Hitter/First Base
Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu throws a ball to fans during a 2019 spring training game against the Chicago Cubs in Glendale, Ariz.
Age: 32
Experience: 5 years
Rookie season: 2014
Career statistics
WAR: 18.7
AVG: .295
HR: 146
RBI: 488
OPS: .869
2018 statistics
WAR: 1.7
AVG: .265
HR: 22
RBI: 78
OPS: .798
Bottom line: Jose Abreu had his worst major league season in 2018, but the White Sox are hoping the 32-year-old Cuban is not on the decline.
Chicago is chock full of prospects like Yoan Moncada, who could take Abreu’s crown as the team's slugger as long as he doesn’t lead the majors in strikeouts like he did in 2018 with 217.
Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto, First Base
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018.
Age: 35
Experience: 12 years
Rookie season: 2007
Career statistics
WAR: 58.8
AVG: .311
HR: 269
RBI: 897
OPS: .957
2018 statistics
WAR: 3.5
AVG: .284
HR: 12
RBI: 67
OPS: .837
Bottom line: Perhaps the most underappreciated player in the game today, Joey Votto is an unbelievably disciplined hitter.
During what was a down year for him offensively in 2018, he still led the league in on-base percentage (.417), something he’s done seven times in his career.
He’s also made six All-Star teams and won the 2010 NL MVP.
Cleveland Indians: Francisco Lindor, Shortstop
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor makes a play against the Chicago White Sox in 2018.
Age: 25
Experience: 4 years
Rookie season: 2015
Career statistics
WAR: 23.9
AVG: .288
HR: 98
RBI: 310
OPS: .837
2018 statistics
WAR: 7.9
AVG .277
HR 38
RBI 92
OPS .871
Bottom line: One of the finest players in the game today, Francisco Lindor plays baseball with a giant smile plastered on his face.
And it’s easy to see why when you look at the 25-year-old’s incredibly successful first four seasons in the big leagues.
His power from both sides of the plate, and his dazzling defensive play at shortstop make him a perennial MVP candidate.
Colorado Rockies: Nolan Arenado, Third Base
Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado hits a double against the Washington Nationals in 2018.
Age: 27
Experience: 6 years
Rookie season: 2013
Career statistics
WAR: 33.1
AVG: .291
HR: 186
RBI: 616
OPS: .886
2018 statistics
WAR: 5.6
AVG: .297
HR: 38
RBI: 110
OPS: .935
Bottom line: When the Rockies locked up Nolan Arenado to an eight-year, $260 million contract that pays him $32.5 million per season, the deal was seen as a win-win for both sides. That’s a testament to Arenado’s abilities.
Arguably the second-best player in all of baseball, Arenado is a marvel to behold on defense at third base, winning a Gold Glove in all six seasons he’s played.
And at the plate he’s led the National League in home runs three times and RBI twice.
Detroit Tigers: Nicholas Castellanos, Right Field
Detroit Tigers right fielder Nicholas Castellanos catches a fly ball against the Chicago Cubs in 2018.
Age: 27
Experience: 6 years
Rookie season: 2013
Career statistics
WAR: 4.2
AVG: .274
HR: 93
RBI: 387
OPS: .782
2018 statistics
WAR: 2.9
AVG: .298
HR: 23
RBI: 89
OPS: .854
Bottom line: Miguel Cabrera is the best Tigers player over the course of his career, but he’s been injured so much recently that he can’t be the best current player.
Nicholas Castellanos has been a consistent hitter for Detroit in his six seasons with the club.
He’ll look to pair with some of the team’s younger players on a Tigers team trying to return to winning ways.
Houston Astros: Jose Altuve, Second Base
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve hits an RBI-double against the Boston Red Sox during Game 4 of a the 2018 American League Championship Series.
Age: 28
Experience: 8 years
Rookie season: 2011
Career statistics
WAR: 35.1
AVG: .316
HR: 97
RBI: 464
OPS: .818
2018 statistics
WAR: 5.2
AVG: .316
HR: 13
RBI: 61
OPS: .837
Bottom line: It’s kind of an impossible task choosing between Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Justin Verlander or Carlos Correa. The Astros are stacked.
Bregman was the team MVP last season, but Altuve is the team’s veteran leader and has won three batting titles along with the 2017 AL MVP, so he gets the edge here.
Kansas City Royals: Whit Merrifield, Second Base
Fans take a selfie with Kansas City Royal Whit Merrifield before a 2019 spring training game against the Colorado.
Age: 30
Experience: 3 years
Rookie season: 2016
Career statistics
WAR: 11.0
AVG: .293
HR: 33
RBI: 167
OPS: .780
2018 statistics
WAR: 5.5
AVG .304
HR12
RBI 60
OPS .806
Bottom line: Whit Merrifield didn’t make the majors until he was 27, but he’s been a consistent performer for the Royals ever since.
The 2018 seasons was his best, leading the majors in stolen bases with 45 and hits with 192.
The fan favorite even received some MVP votes despite playing for a team that won 58 games.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Justin Turner, Third Base
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner hits an RBI single against the Milwaukee Brewers during Game 5 of the 2018 NLCS.
Age: 34
Experience: 10 years
Rookie season: 2009
Career statistics
WAR: 24.1
AVG: .292
HR: 93
RBI: 405
OPS: .830
2018 statistics
WAR: 4.5
AVG: .312
HR: 14
RBI: 52
OPS: .924
Bottom line: On a Dodgers team stacked with high-paid talent and highly touted prospects, the best player remains the ever-consistent Justin Turner.
Hurt for much of the 2018 season, he still managed to have a great year when he was on the field.
Time and time again in the Dodgers’ National League pennant-winning runs in 2018 and 2017, Turner has been the man who's delivered a big hit.
Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout, Center Field
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout celebrates after hitting a game-winning solo home run against the Houston Astros in 2014.
Age: 27
Experience: 8 years
Rookie season: 2011
Career statistics
WAR: 64.3
AVG: .307
HR: 240
RBI: 648
OPS: .990
2018 statistics
WAR: 10.2
AVG: .312
HR: 39
RBI: 79
OPS: 1.088
Bottom line: Mike Trout has been so good for such a long time that baseball pundits are running out of ways to describe him.
He’s without a doubt the best player in the game.
And he's never finished worse than fourth in the MVP voting in his eight seasons as a big leaguer.
Miami Marlins: Jose Ureña, Starting Pitcher
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Ureña delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during an 2019 spring training game in Jupiter, Fla.
Age: 27
Experience: 4 years
Rookie season: 2015
Career statistics
WAR: 0.8
W-L: 28-33
ERA: 4.45
K/9: 6.1
2018 statistics
WAR: 1.0
W-L: 9-12
ERA: 3.98
K/9: 6.1
Bottom line: The Marlins traded away the 2017 National League MVP in Giancarlo Stanton and the future 2018 National League MVP in Christian Yelich in the 2017-18 offseason.
Then they traded their best player from 2018, J.T. Realmuto, in the 2019 offseason.
They obviously hope those trades will have netted them future superstars, but for now, the Marlins' best player is Jose Ureña, one of the only remaining solid players after the fire sale.
Milwaukee Brewers: Christian Yelich, Right Field
Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich hits a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS.
Age: 27
Experience: 6 years
Rookie season: 2013
Career statistics
WAR: 26.2
AVG: .297
HR: 95
RBI: 403
OPS: .838
2018 statistics
WAR: 7.6
AVG: .326
HR: 36
RBI: 110
OPS 1.000
Bottom line: The 2018 NL MVP had an incredible first season with the Brewers.
Christian Yelich won the NL batting title and led the league in slugging and OPS.
He also led the Brewers to the NL Central crown, hitting for the cycle twice in a span of 19 days.
Minnesota Twins: Eddie Rosario, Left Field
Minnesota Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario hits a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers in 2018.
Age: 27
Experience: 4 years
Rookie season: 2015
Career statistics
WAR: 8.8
AVG: .280
HR: 74
RBI: 237
OPS: .784
2018 statistics
WAR: 3.6
AVG .288
HR 24
RBI 77
OPS .803
Bottom line: The slugging left fielder had a breakout season in 2017 and continued that in 2018.
In both seasons he added 30-plus doubles to his 20-plus home runs, despite missing several games in the 2018 season due to injuries.
Rosario should be entering his prime in the next few seasons if he can stay healthy.
New York Mets: Jacob deGrom, Starting Pitcher
New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom delivers the ball against the Atlanta Braves in 2018.
Age: 30
Experience: 5 years
Rookie season: 2014
Career statistics
WAR: 27.2
W-L: 55-41
ERA: 2.67
K/9: 10.0
2018 statistics
WAR: 9.6
W-L: 10-9
ERA: 1.70
K/9: 11.2
Bottom line: The 2018 Cy Young winner had one of the most dominating seasons in the history of baseball, and somehow only won 10 games. He had no run support all season.
DeGrom only gave up 48 runs in 217 innings. He and the Mets hope they can produce some more runs for him in the 2018 season and beyond.
New York Yankees: Giancarlo Stanton, Outfield/Designated Hitter
New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton runs the bases after hitting a grand slam against the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Age: 29
Experience: 9 years
Rookie season: 2010
Career statistics
WAR: 39.2
AVG: .268
HR: 305
RBI: 772
OPS: .905
2018 statistics
WAR: 4.0
AVG: .266
HR: 38
RBI: 100
OPS: .852
Bottom line: Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge? Picking the best player in this stacked Yankees lineup is not easy.
Stanton gets the nod because his 2018 season was a "disappointment," and he still managed to slug 38 dingers and drive in 100 runs.
Going forward, he’ll be looking to replicate his 2017 season when he hit a whopping 59 home runs.
Oakland A’s: Matt Chapman, Third Base
Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman throws on the run to get Tampa Bay Ray runner Christian Arroyo at first base during a 2018 game in Oakland.
Age: 25
Experience: 2 years
Rookie season: 2017
Career statistics
WAR: 11.7
AVG: .263
HR: 38
RBI: 108
OPS: .837
2018 statistics
WAR: 8.2
AVG .278
HR 24
RBI 68
OPS .864
Bottom line: Matt Chapman hasn’t even played 250 career games, yet those who watch him every day already place him among the greatest defensive third basemen ever.
A wizard at the hot corner, Chapman isn’t too bad at the plate either, improving his average from .234 in his rookie season to .278 in 2018.
Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper, Outfield
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper waits his turn in the batting cage before a 2019 spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Clearwater, Fla.
Age: 26
Experience: 7 years
Rookie season: 2012
Career statistics
WAR: 27.4
AVG: .279
HR: 184
RBI: 521
OPS: .900
2018 statistics
WAR: 1.3
AVG: .249
HR: 34
RBI: 100
OPS: .889
Bottom line: The Phillies landed one of the two biggest free agents in the 2018-19 offseason in Bryce Harper (in addition to some other additions) . He instantly slots in as their best player, even after a down season for him in 2018.
Harper already has an MVP and six All-Star appearances under his belt.
The Phillies hope his 13 seasons in Philadelphia will resemble his MVP year more than his most recent effort.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Starling Marte, Outfield
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte hits a double off Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Michael Lorenzen in 2018.
Age: 30
Experience: 7 years
Rookie season: 2012
Career statistics
WAR: 26.2
AVG: .286
HR: 85
RBI: 338
OPS: .783
2018 statistics
WAR: 3.7
AVG: .277
HR: 20
RBI: 72
OPS: .787
Bottom line: A two-time Gold Glove winner in the outfield, Starling Marte was one of the leaders of the Pirates, who were surprising contenders in the 2018 season.
Marte also has some pop with the bat to go along with his excellent defense and hit a career-high 20 home runs in 2018.
San Diego Padres: Manny Machado, Third Base/Second Base
San Diego Padres star Manny Machado signs autographs prior to a 2019 spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels in Peoria, Ariz.
Age: 30
Experience: 7 years
Rookie season: 2012
Career statistics
WAR: 33.8
AVG: .282
HR: 175
RBI: 513
OPS: .822
2018 statistics
WAR: 5.7
AVG: .297
HR: 37
RBI: 107
OPS .905
Bottom line: The Padres lured the immensely talented Manny Machado out to San Diego with a huge contract and the potential of playing alongside some exciting prospects like Fernando Tatis Jr.
Machado’s defensive abilities combined with his prowess at the plate remind many of Alex Rodriguez, so it only makes sense that he got A-Rod money.
San Francisco Giants: Buster Posey, Catcher/First Base
San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey in a game against the Texas Rangers in 2018.
Age: 31
Experience: 10 years
Rookie season: 2009
Career statistics
WAR: 41.3
AVG: .306
HR: 133
RBI: 635
OPS: .840
2018 statistics
WAR: 2.9
AVG: .284
HR: 5
RBI: 41
OPS: .741
Bottom line: Buster Posey is 31 with 10 seasons under his belt, so his abilities are fading some, and he plays first base as much as he catches these days.
But he’s still the leader of the Giants and one of the best players in San Francisco history.
The six-time All-Star likely will be a Hall of Famer when he retires, for leading the team to three World Series titles and winning a batting title, Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.
Seattle Mariners: Mitch Haniger, Outfield
Seattle Mariner Mitch Haniger runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Yomiuri Giants during a 2019 preseason exhibition game at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.
Age: 28
Experience: 3 years
Rookie season: 2016
Career statistics
WAR: 9.2
AVG: .278
HR: 47
RBI: 157
OPS: .839
2018 statistics
WAR: 6.1
AVG .285
HR 26
RBI 93
OPS .859
Bottom line: The Mariners traded away several of their best players in the offseason, but Mitch Haniger remained.
It’s a good thing for Seattle since he was far and away their best performer in the 2018 season.
The right fielder is a good hitter with some pop and makes dynamic plays in the outfield.
St. Louis Cardinals: Matt Carpenter, Infielder
St. Louis Cardinal Matt Carpenter at bat during a 2019 spring training game against the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Age: 33
Experience: 8years
Rookie season: 2011
Career statistics
WAR: 25.9
AVG: .274
HR: 133
RBI: 485
OPS: .847
2018 statistics
WAR: 4.9
AVG: .257
HR: 36
RBI: 81
OPS: .897
Bottom line: Matt Carpenter’s month of July in the 2018 season got him into the NL MVP conversation after a dismal start to the season.
He hit 11 home runs with a .333 batting average in the month, including a game in which he hit three home runs and two doubles in only six innings of work.
Tampa Bay Rays: Blake Snell, Starting Pitcher
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell delivers to the Philadelphia Phillies during a 2019 spring training game in Clearwater, Fla.
Age: 26
Experience: 3 years
Rookie season: 2016
Career statistics
WAR: 9.4
W-L: 32-20
ERA: 2.95
K/9: 9.9
2018 statistics
WAR: 7.5
W-L: 21-5
ERA: 1.89
K/9: 11.0
Bottom line: One of the most surprising Cy Young winners in recent memory, Blake Snell came out of nowhere to dominate the American League in 2018.
Pitching in the daunting AL East against the Red Sox and Yankees, Snell only allowed 41 runs in 31 games.
Texas Rangers: Elvis Andrus, Shortstop
Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus barehands a grounder against the Seattle Mariners in 2018.
Age: 30
Experience: 10 years
Rookie season: 2009
Career statistics
WAR: 30.0
AVG: .275
HR: 61
RBI: 557
OPS: .704
2018 statistics
WAR: 1.7
AVG: .256
HR: 6
RBI: 33
OPS: .675
Bottom line: For the first time in his 10-year career, Andrus missed significant time in the 2018 season due to injury.
Nevertheless, the 30-year-old shortstop is the unquestioned leader for the Rangers after the retirement of Adrian Beltre, and Andrus is the last member of the team who was part of the Rangers' 2010 and 2011 American League-pennant winning teams.
He qualifies as the team’s best player for his leadership on a young squad and his overall body of work.
Toronto Blue Jays: Kevin Pillar, Outfield
Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar makes the catch against the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Age: 30
Experience: 6 years
Rookie season: 2013
Career statistics
WAR: 14.3
AVG: .261
HR: 55
RBI: 230
OPS: .696
2018 statistics
WAR: 2.5
AVG: .252
HR: 15
RBI: 59
OPS: .708
Bottom line: The Blue Jays are another rebuilding AL team, but they have retained some solid veteran pieces for now.
Kevin Pillar is the best player more for his amazing glove in center field, where he makes the spectacular look routine on a nightly basis.
Washington Nationals: Juan Soto, Outfield
Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto at bat during a 2019 exhibition spring training game in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Age: 20
Experience: 1 year
Rookie season: 2018
Career/2018 statistics
WAR: 3.0
AVG: .292
HR: 22
RBI: 70
OPS: .923
Bottom line: The loss of Bryce Harper in the offseason makes this an easy decision. the 2018 rookie phenom is the clear replacement for Harper.
Soto’s potential seems unlimited after such a great season at only 19 years old.