One player from each MLB team for the new Backyard Baseball game
By Asher Fair
American League Central
Chicago White Sox: Garrett Crochet, SP
Garrett Crochet was the hot item on the market at the trade deadline, and the Chicago White Sox managed to emerge on the other side with both him and Luis Robert Jr. still on the roster. That’s about as “all in” as it gets for a team that consistently racks up double digit losing streaks.
Cleveland Guardians: Jose Ramirez, 3B
Jose Ramirez has been the face of Cleveland Indians/Guardians baseball for a decade, and he is performing at the highest level of his career, having just secured his second season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
Detroit Tigers: Tarik Skubal, SP
It’s been awhile since the Detroit Tigers made any noise in the AL Central. But this year, Tarik Skubal has emerged as the frontrunner for the Cy Young Award in the American League.
Kansas City Royals: Bobby Witt Jr., SS
The 2024 season has demonstrated why a team that has pretty much been irrelevant since their surprise run of back-to-back World Series appearances a decade ago invested so much money in Bobby Witt Jr. He may very well be the only one standing in the way of Aaron Judge’s Triple Crown, and the Kansas City Royals appear to be a surprise postseason threat once again.
Minnesota Twins: Royce Lewis, 3B
Royce Lewis flies under the radar because of how often he has been injured during his short career thus far, but his presence makes the Minnesota Twins a contender. He doesn’t get the media attention that some other guys get, but his 162-game statistical pace is MVP-worthy.