One player from each MLB team for the new Backyard Baseball game
By Asher Fair
American League West
Houston Astros: Yordan Alvarez, OF
Watching the Houston Astros’ run to the 2019 World Series, which they ultimately lost to the Washington Nationals, I couldn’t help but think that Jose Altuve is literally a real-life Pablo Sanchez. I’m not sure the Backyard Baseball world is ready for two Pablo Sanchezes, so let’s go with Yordan Alvarez, the 2022 World Series Game 6 hero who has become one of the most efficient hitters in baseball year in and year out.
Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout, OF
Though he’s probably past his prime and injuries have hampered his career production, Mike Trout is included because of the sheer number of Backyard Baseball games he would have been in had the game never been discontinued. He is still arguably this generation’s best player.
Oakland Athletics: Brent Rooker, OF
Who else is old enough to remember when fans made fun of a futuristic (TBD city) A’s graphic showing Brent Rooker hitting .303? He has proceeded to up his batting average by more than 40 percentage points, year over year, and has emerged as a top 10 overall hitter in baseball.
Seattle Mariners: Julio Rodriguez, OF
Julio Rodriguez hasn’t had the success in 2024 that he had in his first two seasons in the league, but he is still an exciting young talent whom the Seattle Mariners believe can help to elevate them to that next level as they aim to finally bring down the hated Houston Astros.
Texas Rangers: Adolis Garcia, OF
Adolis Garcia’s postseason success a year ago made him an instant Texas Rangers legend in what was an absolutely stacked lineup, and though the 2024 season hasn’t gone the team’s way, the fanbase won’t soon forget it. And given the World Series ring on his finger, neither will he.
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