Vladimir Guerrero Jr. And The All-April Team

Eric Urbanowicz
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The first month of the 2021 MLB season is officially in the books. There have been many surprises, such as the Boston Red Sox hot start and Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts’ slow start. Those surprises don’t always stick though and things eventually fall back to reality.

Still, it’s important to recognize the best of each month. Why? Because sometimes a historic month is all it takes to cement ones legacy.

With that said, let’s take a look at the All-April team for the 2021 MLB season!

 

Catcher – Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

There were only two catchers who got off to a hot start in 2021: Perez and Philadelphia’s J.T. Realmuto. While Realmuto had a significantly higher batting average, Perez has more home runs. Perez also leads in baseball in hits and runs batted in. For all those reasons, Perez gets the nod.

First Baseman – Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

In another two person race, it came down to Guerrero Jr. vs Miami’s Jesus Aguilar. Despite Aguilar leading in RBI, Guerrero Jr. leads him in all major hitting categories, as well as leading all first basemen in batting average. He’s doing is his daddy proud!

Second baseman – Nick Solak, Texas Rangers

Probably the most diverse position group so far, there are several players that could be named here. Chicago’s Nick Madrigal currently has the highest average, Colorado’s Ryan McMahon leads in home runs, Kansas City’s Whit Merrifield has the most home RBI, and St. Louis’ Tommy Edman had the most hits.

All of that said, Solak is lurking around the top. Solak is second in hits, fifth in RBI, second in home runs and third in average. When someone can stick out in a crowd of players like that, it gets that someone the nod.

Third Baseman – Justin Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers

In a three person race, Turner beat out Boston’s Rafael Devers and Chicago’s Kris Bryant. While Devers and Bryant are tied for home runs and Devers leads in RBI, Turner is always right there behind them. Turner also leads all third baseman in batting average and hits. It’s close to call but Turner is the choice here.

Shortstop – Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

X gave it to them! Leading shortstops in average and hits, he stayed close enough in RBI to the runner up, Toronto’s Bo Bichette, to get the nod. While he didn’t have the fantastic home run numbers, 32 hits and a close to .330 average gives you an advantage.

Left Field – Jesse Winkler, Cincinnati Reds

A position leading .370 average, a position leading six home runs, a position leading 30 hits and 16 RBI which is good for second at the position. Simply put, there’s no one close to challenging Winkler, he just had too good of an April.

Center Field – Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins

In a race between Buxton and Los Angeles’ Mike Trout, the popular option didn’t win out here. Buxton’s home runs and hits put him over the edge. Trout may have two more hits than him but Buxton just had the better month.

Right Field – Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves

Not too much to say here: he had the best month amongst right fielders. Acuña Jr. lead in all major hitting categories. For that, the choice is easy.

Designated Hitter – J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox

Another run away winner, Martinez lead all designated hitters in hits, home runs and RBI. Chicago’s Yermin Mercedes led in average but even then, Martinez is in second.

Starting Pitcher – Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees

While on the other side of town, Jacob deGrom is dominating the National League, Cole is shining in the Bronx. He’s second in strike outs, tied for first in wins and fifth in earned run average. deGrom should be the winner here but when you go 2-2, then you’ve lost this battle.

Relief Pitcher – Mark Melancon, San Diego Padres

He leads all baseball in saves, and he gets the nod here. Melancon also gets some help from his sub .70 ERA, and 14 strike outs. As long as San Diego has a lead, it should be safe with him in the bullpen.

Eric Urbanowicz

Connecticut

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