Get ready to dive into the ultimate baseball showdown of 2025—the All-MLB First and Second Teams are here, and they’re packed with jaw-dropping talent! But here’s where it gets controversial: Are these really the best players in the league, or are we missing some hidden gems? Let’s break it down and find out.
Now in its seventh season since launching in 2019, the All-MLB Team, presented by MGM Rewards, continues to celebrate the top performers in Major League Baseball during the regular season. The 2025 edition was unveiled on Thursday night as part of the MLB Awards extravaganza at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, broadcast live on MLB Network. Just like in previous years, the selections were determined by a 50-50 split between fan votes and a panel of experts—a process that always sparks debate. And this is the part most people miss: How much weight should fan opinions really carry in deciding who makes the cut?
The All-MLB Team is divided into First and Second Teams, each featuring a catcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, designated hitter (DH), three outfielders (regardless of position), five starting pitchers, and two relievers. Voters were instructed to focus solely on regular-season performance, but let’s be honest—isn’t postseason heroics where legends are truly made? What do you think?
This year’s 32 selections spanned 17 teams, with the Mariners and Phillies leading the pack at four picks each. The Yankees and World Series champion Dodgers followed closely with three selections, while the Blue Jays, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Mets, and Red Sox each secured two spots. But let’s not forget the teams left out—did they simply have an off year, or is there more to the story?
FIRST TEAM
C: Cal Raleigh, Mariners
Raleigh’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic. The slugger smashed 60 home runs, setting single-season records for catchers, switch-hitters, and Mariners players. As the 2025 Home Run Derby champion, he also led Seattle to its first American League Championship Series since 2001. But here’s a thought: Is one incredible season enough to cement his legacy?
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
At just 26, Guerrero Jr. had a year for the ages. He inked a massive 14-year, $500 million deal in April, earned his fifth All-Star nod, and snagged the ALCS MVP Award. His .292/.381/.467 slash line helped the Blue Jays nearly clinch a World Series title. Controversial question: Is he the face of baseball’s next generation, or is there someone else waiting in the wings?
2B: Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
Despite battling injuries, Marte delivered yet another stellar season with 28 home runs, leading all National League second basemen. This marks his fourth season with 25+ homers and his second straight First-Team selection. But let’s debate: Should consistency or peak performance matter more in these selections?
3B: José Ramírez, Guardians
Ramírez achieved his second consecutive 30-30-30 season (home runs, stolen bases, doubles), swiping a career-best 44 steals. The 33-year-old also finished in the top three for AL MVP voting for the fourth time. Here’s a counterpoint: Is his switch-hitting prowess overrated, or is it the key to his success?
SS: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
Witt Jr. solidified his status as baseball’s top shortstop with his second straight First-Team nod. His 184 hits and 47 doubles led the Majors, and he stole 38 bases. But let’s ask: At just 25, is he already the best, or is there room for improvement?
OF: Aaron Judge, Yankees; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners; Juan Soto, Mets
Judge claimed his third AL MVP Award with 53 home runs and led the league in multiple offensive categories. Soto thrived in his first year with the Mets, hitting 43 homers and leading the NL in stolen bases and on-base percentage. Rodríguez posted a career-best 6.8 bWAR with 32 homers and 30 steals. Controversial take: Is Judge’s dominance sustainable, or is Soto the future of the game?
DH: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Ohtani’s eighth All-MLB selection in five years feels almost superhuman. As a DH, he hit 55 home runs, led the NL in slugging percentage and OPS, and became the second player ever to win four MVP Awards. But here’s the debate: Is he the greatest player of his era, or is there someone else who deserves that title?
SP: Garrett Crochet, Red Sox; Max Fried, Yankees; Paul Skenes, Pirates; Tarik Skubal, Tigers; Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers
These five pitchers dominated 2025, each posting an ERA below 3.00. Skenes led MLB with a 1.97 ERA, while Crochet topped the AL in innings (205 ⅓) and strikeouts (255). Skubal won his second AL Cy Young Award, and Yamamoto allowed the fewest hits per nine innings (5.9). Thought-provoking question: Who’s the real ace among them?
RP: Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox; Jhoan Duran, Phillies
Chapman, 37, posted a career-best 1.17 ERA and 32 saves, while Duran became a Phillies standout with 32 saves of his own. But let’s discuss: Are relievers undervalued in today’s game?
SECOND TEAM
C: Will Smith, Dodgers
Smith’s .404 OBP and .497 SLG in just 110 games proved his value behind the plate. Controversial opinion: Should part-time players be eligible for these honors?
1B: Nick Kurtz, Athletics
The AL Rookie of the Year, Kurtz overcame a slow start to hit 36 home runs and post a .660 SLG in his final 101 games. But let’s ask: Is he a one-season wonder or the next big thing?
2B: Brice Turang, Brewers
Turang’s late-season surge (.835 OPS in September) helped the Brewers win the NL Central. Debate this: Should clutch performances carry more weight in these selections?
3B: Junior Caminero, Rays
Caminero’s 45 home runs in his first full season made him an elite power threat. But here’s the question: Can he maintain this level of production?
SS: Bo Bichette, Blue Jays
Bichette bounced back with a .840 OPS and 181 hits, despite a season-ending knee injury. Controversial take: Is he underrated in today’s shortstop-heavy landscape?
OF: Cody Bellinger, Yankees; Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks; Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs
Crow-Armstrong’s 31 home runs and elite defense made him an NL MVP contender. Carroll led the NL in triples (17) and matched Ramírez’s 30-30-30 feat. Bellinger’s consistency included 29 homers and 98 RBIs. But let’s discuss: Who’s the most complete player among them?
DH: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
Schwarber’s 56 home runs led the NL, and he set career highs in RBIs (132) and runs (111). Thought-provoking question: Is he the most feared hitter in baseball?
SP: Hunter Brown, Astros; Freddy Peralta, Brewers; Cristopher Sánchez, Phillies; Zack Wheeler, Phillies; Bryan Woo, Mariners
Sánchez and Wheeler combined for 351 ⅓ innings and a 2.58 ERA before Wheeler’s injury. Brown posted a 2.43 ERA, while Woo led Mariners starters with 15 wins. Peralta’s 17 wins and 2.70 ERA were NL bests. But here’s the debate: Who’s the most reliable starter in this group?
RP: Edwin Díaz, Mets; Andres Muñoz, Mariners
Díaz returned to form with a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts, while Muñoz’s 1.73 ERA helped Seattle win the AL West. Final question: Are these two the future of closing games?
Now it’s your turn—who do you think deserves a spot on these teams? Who got snubbed? Let the debate begin!
