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Like the stock exchange, baseball players rise and fall throughout the season. April’s heroes can quickly become May’s sloppy seconds.
As such, it’s only fitting to look at the best players every month, in addition to the year, the half way mark of the season and the post season. With that said, here’s the MLB’s All-April team!
Catcher: Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs
While not the best defensive catcher, he has a relatively high fielding percentage behind the plate. However, this month, he’s been top tier with a bat. His .301 average, 19 runs batted in and eight home runs lead the position.
First Base: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox
Despite the rise of the position, thanks to the likes of the New York Yankees’ Luke Voit, Boston Red Sox’ Mitch Moreland and New York Mets’ Pete Alonso. His .292 average and 30 RBI have made him the White Sox best player. It’s sometimes hard to not take the home run leaders but when the average is that high and the RBI is there, it’s easier.
Second Base: Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs
Chicago so far has been well represented. His 10 home runs and 24 RBIs have lead all second basemen and his average is second only to the Mets’ Jeff McNeil. While the strikeouts are very glaring, his production is still staggering.
Third Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
After receiving his new contract extension, Arenado has lived up to the price tag. His eight home runs and 25 RBI have lead third basemen. The Oakland A’s Matt Chapman is a close second but five RBI separate the two.
Shortstop: Adalberto Mondesi, Kansas City Royals
This kid has been the total package so far this season. Of all shortstops, top 10 in average and doubles, leads in triples and RBI. Mondesi has been one of the lone bright spots for the Royals season to this point.
Left Field: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
The reigning National League Most Valuable Player is off to a strong start with the Brewers. His 34 RBI, 14 home runs and .353 average is among baseball’s best. While others are close in other areas, nobody has been as much of the total package as Yelich has been.
Center Field: George Springer, Houston Astros
It’s hard not to pick the face of baseball here, but Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels isn’t off to the best start. While he’s second in batting average, his run production is a tad sluggish. Meanwhile, Springer is fifth in average, first in home runs and first in RBI. Springer’s early success has always lasted but it’s hard not to give the month of April to him.
Right Fielder: Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
Bellinger has been putting up numbers that could rival Yelich’s in the MVP race. His 38 RBI, 14 home runs and .425 average are among the best in baseball. If this trend continues, it’s going to come down to Yelich and Bellinger.
Starting Pitcher: Tyler Glasnow, Tampa Bay Rays
While he doesn’t have Arizona Diamondback’s pitcher Zack Greinke’s strike outs, Glasnow has yet to lose a game. His 1.75 earned run average combined with his 5-0 record is among baseball’s best. He and teammate Blake Snell, once he finds his footing, could be a deadly one-two punch for years to come.
Closer: Kirby Yates, San Diego Padres
Who would have thought that a member of the San Diego Padres would be on this squad? Well his 14 saves in 14 opportunities are among the best in baseball. His 0.56 ERA is among the best in baseball. Maybe this is where the Padres turn things around.
