One player from each MLB team for the new Backyard Baseball game
By Asher Fair
National League West
Arizona Diamondbacks: Ketel Marte, 2B
Ketel Marte has always been one of the more underrated stars of MLB. He changed that with a record-breaking playoff hitting streak last year to send the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first World Series in more than two decades, and aside from a guy named Shohei Ohtani, his 2024 season is probably MVP-worthy.
Colorado Rockies: Brenton Doyle, OF
In only his second season in the big leagues, Brenton Doyle has been one of the very few bright spots in a depleted Colorado Rockies roster, bringing plenty of power and speed to the table.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani, DH
There is simply nobody like Shohei Ohtani. He has top-tier power, top-tier speed, evidenced by becoming the sixth player in the 40 homer/40 steal club (and the earliest to do so in a season), and though he hasn’t pitched in 2024, he has proven his worth as an elite pitcher during his time in the league. He is the face of MLB at the moment, and that might not change until he retires.
San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr., OF
Fernando Tatis Jr. is another young star who has struggled to put together a full season, whether due to injury or suspension. But he is still the cornerstone of a San Diego Padres franchise that appears ready to win now, and he is still one of the top talents in baseball.
San Francisco Giants: Blake Snell, SP
While Logan Webb has been the steady hand on the mound for the San Francisco Giants over the years, I’m going with the ace whose first win in the Bay Area came in the form of a no-hitter. Hey, at least he wasn’t pulled in the sixth inning (sorry, Rays fans).