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. 

5/Third Base: Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals

MVP candidate Anthony Rendon has had himself a season once again this year. The Nationals third baseman has slashed .319/.412/.598 along with a WAR of 6.3. Oh, and he is a free agent at the end of the season. Over the past 3 season Rendon has been one of the most consistently good baseball players in the game. He has been the heart and soul of the Washington Nationals, and has helped lead them to their best season ever. With other historically good third baseman, Kris Bryant and Nolan Arenado, having down years it was finally Rendon’s time to shine. It could not have come at a better time for him either, he is the most sought after player on the free agent market and every baseball general manager should do their best to go and get him. 

Honorable Mention: Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

Alex Bregman is another third baseman having an MVP caliber year. He plays incredible defense at the hot corner and has made multiple jaw dropping plays that appear on the MLB’s social media accounts. He has been the best position player on an extremely talented Astros team which includes the likes of Jose Altuve. His numbers this season back it up. He has a WAR of 8.4, along with an average of .296 and 112 RBI. He also led the league in walks and was an All Star for the second time in his young career. He has been a vital part of the Astros success in the past few years and has been one of their brightest stars this year.

View the team here

Edited by Emma Moloney | ehm3gd@mail.missouri.edu