“Surprising All-MLB Team Nominees at Each Position Revealed”
In a season filled with standout performances, the All-MLB Team nominees have been announced, and there are some unexpected names on the list. These players may not have been on everyone’s radar at the beginning of the season, but they have proven that they belong among the game’s best.
Starting with the catcher position, Jonah Heim of the Texas Rangers has been named the most surprising nominee. Heim had a slow start to his career, but this season he showed significant improvement. Despite suffering a wrist injury, Heim carried a .282 average with 14 home runs and led American League catchers in slugging percentage and OPS.
Moving to first base, Yandy Díaz of the Tampa Bay Rays has emerged as a surprising nominee. Known for his disciplined hitting, Díaz took his game to another level this year, hitting a career-high 22 home runs and leading the Rays with 57 extra-base hits. His improvement in power numbers can be attributed to a significant increase in his barrels, which are batted balls with optimal exit velocity and launch angle.
At second base, Ha-Seong Kim of the San Diego Padres has been named the most surprising nominee. Kim recorded 5.8 wins above replacement (WAR) this season, ranking seventh in the National League. He set career highs with 17 home runs and 38 steals and also took home a Gold Glove in his first year playing second base.
Orlando Arcia of the Atlanta Braves has been named the most surprising nominee at shortstop. Arcia won the starting job after a strong performance in Spring Training, and he did not disappoint. He slashed .291/.345/.460 and hit a career-best 17 home runs. His contributions helped the Braves become one of the most powerful teams in the league.
Moving to the outfield, Nolan Jones of the Colorado Rockies has emerged as a surprising nominee. Acquired from the Cleveland Guardians, Jones displayed elite skills at the plate and in the field. He hit 20 home runs, including several with impressive distances, and recorded 19 outfield assists, a Rockies single-season record.
Finally, Kyle Bradish of the Baltimore Orioles has been named the most surprising nominee among starting pitchers. Bradish had a rocky start to his career but turned things around this season. His breaking balls were among the best in the league, and he recorded a 2.83 ERA in a breakout year.
These surprising nominees have proven that they belong among the game’s best players. Their performances this season have been nothing short of impressive, and they have earned their spots on the All-MLB Team.
Surprising All-MLB Team Nominees Prove Their Worth
Catcher: Jonah Heim, Rangers
Jonah Heim, the catcher for the Texas Rangers, may not have been on everyone’s radar at the beginning of the season, but he proved himself to be a valuable player. Despite a lackluster performance in his first two seasons, Heim stepped up his game in 2023. He carried a .282 average with 14 home runs and led American League catchers in slugging percentage and OPS. Heim’s breakout season included an All-Star Game start, a Gold Glove, and a key hit in the World Series clincher.
First baseman: Yandy Díaz, Rays
Yandy Díaz of the Tampa Bay Rays surprised many with his performance this season. Known for his disciplined hitting, Díaz showcased his power by hitting a career-high 22 home runs and leading the Rays in extra-base hits. His improvement in power numbers can be attributed to a significant increase in his barrels, which are batted balls with optimal exit velocity and launch angle. Díaz’s impressive season earned him a spot on the All-MLB Team.
Second baseman: Ha-Seong Kim, Padres
Ha-Seong Kim emerged as a star player for the San Diego Padres this season. With a WAR of 5.8, Kim ranked seventh in the National League, surpassing big names like Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. He set career highs with 17 home runs and 38 steals, earning himself a Gold Glove in his first year as a primary second baseman. Kim’s performance was a pleasant surprise and made him one of the most valuable players in the Padres’ lineup.
Shortstop: Orlando Arcia, Braves
Orlando Arcia was an unexpected choice for the Atlanta Braves’ starting shortstop this season. With competition from top prospects, Arcia won the job with an impressive preseason performance. He continued to excel throughout the season, slashing .291/.345/.460 and hitting a career-best 17 home runs. Arcia’s contributions helped the Braves become one of the most powerful teams in the league, and he proved that he was more than just a temporary solution at shortstop.
Outfielder: Nolan Jones, Rockies
Nolan Jones, acquired by the Colorado Rockies in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, showcased his skills both at the plate and in the field. Known for his raw power, Jones hit 20 home runs, including several with impressive distances. His cannon-like arm strength led to 19 outfield assists, setting a Rockies single-season record. Despite not starting in the outfield every day until mid-June, Jones made a significant impact and proved himself as a valuable outfielder.
Starting pitcher: Kyle Bradish, Orioles
Kyle Bradish had a rocky start to his career in 2022 but showed glimpses of his potential in the latter half of the season. In 2023, Bradish transformed into a legitimate ace for