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.
6/Shortstop: Marcus Semien, Oakland Athletics
Marcus Semien is an absolute warrior. He played all 162 games this past season and led the league in plate appearances. Not many players can play all 162 games. An injury comes up, a rest day is needed, a family event takes a week away from your season. None of these were the case for Semien. Not only did he play every game, he played every game well. He batted .285 with 92 RBI’s. His WAR was 8.1, which is very good. He also played terrific defense this year. He only had 12 errors in 1435 innings at shortstop. It has been the best season of his career and he is finally getting the recognition that he deserves.
Honorable Mention: Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox
All things considered it was a very disappointing year for the Boston Red Sox. One of their bright spots though, was star shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The X-Man had a WAR of 5.2 and he hit .309 with 117 RBI’s. He made his second career All-Star game this summer. It was his best year in terms of on base percentage (.384) and he was fourth in the American League in hits. He has been getting progressively better since he entered the league in 2013 and this season was no exception. While there are plenty of questions surrounding the future of the Red Sox and what they will do with trades and free agency this offseason, there are no questions about whether they will keep Bogaerts. He is under contract for a few more years and the Red Sox recognize his talent. He will be in a Red Sox uniform next year and for years to come.
Edited by Emma Moloney | ehm3gd@mail.missouri.edu