My All-MLB First Team: My Selections For '21 Season

I have selected the following players to be on my All-MLB Team for the 2021 season. This is based on my personal opinion.

Positions used are: C,1B, 2B, 3B, SS, 3 OF, DH, 5 SP, and one Closer

Catcher: Will Smith- Dodgers

I know the majority would choose J.T Realmuto, but Will Smith has had such an impact over a short amount of time. Smith hit 15 home runs in 54 games his rookie year in 2019. Smith is in a great spot in the loaded Dodgers lineup. The only concern with Smith is playing time. Dave Roberts likes to include Austin Barnes in the lineup as well, even though Smith is the better hitting catcher. If Smith gets a lot of playing time, I expect him to hit 20 or more home runs this season.

First Base: Freddie Freeman- Braves

Coming off of an MVP season in 2020, Freeman continues to be consistent every season. A career .295 hitter, Freeman can also hit for 30 or more home runs annually. I expect Freeman to be a major piece in the Braves lineup this season.

Second Base: Ozzie Albies- Braves

This was a tough decision having to decide between LeMahieu and Albies. I expect Albies to explode this season after coming off of a wrist injury. Albies, a switch hitter, can hit for both contact and power. Hitting in between Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman, expect Albies to have his best season yet.

Third Base: Anthony Rendon- Angels

This was the toughest position for me to decide on. Having to decide between Jose Ramirez, Alex Bregman, and Nolan Arenado I finally ended up choosing Rendon. A doubles machine, Rendon has hit 44 doubles in 2018 and 2019. Rendon is always consistent and you know what type of numbers he will put up season after season.

Shortstop: Fernando Tatis Jr.- Padres

An obvious choice here. Tatis Jr. is emerging as the new face of baseball. After signing a 14-year $340 million contract that will keep him in a Padres uniform until his age 36 season, Tatis is bound to win multiple NL MVP's during his career.

Outfield: Mike Trout- Angels

What else is there to say about the best player of this generation? Trout has accomplished everything, except for winning a World Series. The 3-time MVP has 302 career home runs and a career .304 batting average entering the 2021 season. I expect Trout to be Trout this upcoming season, no worries or concerns here.

Outfield: Juan Soto- Nationals

My favorite player under 25, Soto, 22, is an emerging superstar. Soto led the National League with a .351 average in the shortened 2020 season, after missing a few games because of COVID-19. Soto led the league in OPS, OBP, and Slugging percentage. Expect Soto to push for 40 home runs this season and be the main source of offensive production in the Nationals lineup.

Outfield: Mookie Betts- Dodgers

The best leadoff hitter in the game, Betts is one of the best offensive players in the league. Betts offensive production was taken to another level in 2020 when he signed with the Dodgers. A player who will score easily over 100 runs this upcoming season in the loaded Dodger lineup, expect Betts to hit close to 30 home runs, if not more.

Designated Hitter: Yordan Alvarez- Astros

One of the best young sluggers in the game, Alvarez would be my choice for DH. After having knee problems in 2020, a healthy Alvarez could lead the league in home runs this season. Winning the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year by unanimous decision, Alvarez hit 27 home runs in 87 games after making his debut in early June of 2019. Alvarez projects to DH the majority of games because of his awful fielding ability, but could see time at first base as well.

Starting Pitcher: Jacob deGrom- Mets

The best pitcher on the planet, deGrom is one of the best pitchers that I have ever seen and would be my number one starter. deGrom being able to throw his slider at 95 MPH is so fascinating to me. As a baseball fan in general, I look forward to watching deGrom pitch every fifth day he takes the mound. Expect deGrom to be at the top of every starting pitching category this upcoming season.

Starting Pitcher: Gerrit Cole- Yankees

The 3-time All-Star, Cole, is one of the best pitchers in the game. Cole has had an ERA of less than three the past three seasons. A great source of strikeouts, Cole led the league with 326 in 2019. I expect an ERA around 3 with a lot of strikeouts. With the Yankees offense backing him up, he will get plenty of wins as well.

Starting Pitcher: Max Scherzer- Nationals

One of my personal favorites, Scherzer is still as great as ever at age 36. A first ballot Hall of Famer if he retired today, the 3-time Cy Young winner has nothing else left to prove. Mad Max will most likely get 3000 career strikeouts this upcoming season, he has 2784 entering the 2021 season. I expect Scherzer to get around 13-15 wins also.

Starting Pitcher: Walker Buehler- Dodgers

One of the best young pitchers in today's game, Buehler posted a 3.26 ERA in 2019. A pitcher who can reach high 90's with his fastball, Buehler gets plenty of strikeouts. The only concern surrounding Buehler is his innings limit. He seems to start slow to begin the season, but eventually picks it up and gets stronger as the season goes on.

Starting Pitcher: Trevor Bauer- Dodgers

This was a toss up between Bauer and Bieber. I factored in the potential amount of wins Bauer will get this season compared to Bieber. I gave the advantage to Bauer, knowing that their ERA and SO numbers will be similar. Bauer, the 2020 NL Cy Young winner looks to have a great season considering he will be backed by the Dodgers offense. I expect an ERA in the 3 range and a WHIP around 1.1.

Closer: Aroldis Chapman- Yankees

One of the best closers in the game, Chapman is known for his 100 MPH fastball. I expect a lot of save opportunities for Chapman this upcoming season. He will begin the season serving a two game suspension but should be ready to go after the suspension.

Honorable Mentions:

C: J.T Realmuto-Phillies

1B: Pete Alonso- Mets

2B: DJ LeMahieu- Yankees

3B: Jose Ramirez- Indians

SS: Francisco Lindor- Mets

OF: Ronald Acuna Jr.- Braves

OF: Cody Bellinger- Dodgers

OF: Christian Yelich- Brewers

DH: Nelson Cruz- Twins

SP: Shane Bieber- Indians

SP: Luis Castillo- Reds

SP: Jack Flaherty- Cardinals

SP: Clayton Kershaw- Dodgers

SP: Aaron Nola- Phillies

CL: Josh Hader- Brewers

Final Thoughts: This was one of my favorite posts to write. I think this team would do well against other competition. Please let me know what you think of my All- MLB First Team selections for the 2021 season!!!

See you at the ballpark!!!

Adam