One player from each MLB team for the new Backyard Baseball game
By Asher Fair
National League East
Atlanta Braves: Ronald Acuna Jr., OF
Ronald Acuna Jr. is arguably the best player in the bigs when he isn’t injured. He was on his way to an MVP season in 2021 before his ACL injury, and he became the founding member of the 40 home run/70 stolen base club in 2023 before winning the award unanimously.
Miami Marlins: Sandy Alcantara, SP
The Miami Marlins don’t have many bright spots, especially after trading Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the New York Yankees. So let’s go with the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, even though he hasn’t played a game in 2024.
New York Mets: Pete Alonso, 1B
How can you not include the Polar Bear, especially if Backyard Baseball features a Home Run Derby mode like past games have? Pete Alonso is a fan-favorite slugger who continues to produce at a high level after a 53-home run rookie season in 2019.
Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper, 1B
It took Bryce Harper 11 seasons to win a playoff series and his team’s two most recent playoff runs have come up shy of a World Series ring, but he is still the centerpiece for a team known for adding to players from other teams around the league.
Washington Nationals: Luis Garcia Jr., 2B
Five years removed from their first World Series title, the Washington Nationals are in the midst of a rebuild, and Luis Garcia Jr. is an improving young star whom they can continue to build around.