The Best Nine
By Ethan Salm
As the 2019 MLB season winds down, it is time to look at the best performers of the season at every position. In this series of columns, I will run through all of the best players at positions 1-9, along with the DH and relief pitchers. Without further ado, I give you my All-MLB team, or The Best Nine.
4/Second Base: DJ LeMahieu, New York Yankees
It was only a matter of time before a player for the New York Yankees made an appearance in this All-MLB team. The Yankees put out one of the best lineups in baseball, even with the constant injuries to key players all season. One of the anchors of this team that did not spend extended time on the injured list was DJ LeMahieu. The All-Star second baseman came over in free agency from the Colorado Rockies and had a significantly better year in 2019. He plays Gold Glove caliber defense at second while batting a high average (.327). From a hits standpoint, he has put together his best season. He has been a key to the Yankees success, leading off and getting on base before the likes of Judge, Stanton and the other power hitters come up and blast the baseball into oblivion. This was key to the Yankees scoring so much. Hitting home runs is great. but having a guy like LeMahieu who gets on base consistently is crucial to the success of an offense.
Honorable Mention: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
Honestly, Ketel Marte probably could have made this list at two different positions this season. The young Diamondbacks stud plays well in both the outfield and at second base. At 25 years old, he is one of the best utility players in the league. He batted .329 this season with 92 RBIs and almost 200 hits. He is the best player on Arizona, and he should be for a long time. I expect Marte to be the best at some point in the next few years. He is an emerging star ,and the Diamondbacks should hold on to him for as long as they can. If they get a few more young pieces to put around Marte and put the Ketel to the metal they can be good for awhile.
Edited by Emma Moloney | ehm3gd@mail.missouri.edu