Shohei Ohtani posted another unprecedented, singular, sui generis season. The first 50/50 player in history. Three hits short of the Triple Crown. The Dodgers DH hit .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 134 runs and 59 stolen bases. He is the National League Player of the Year.
Five Padres players lead this season’s All-Star team: outfielders Jackson Merrill, Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr., starting pitcher Dylan Cease and reliever Tanner Scott. Merrill edges Paul Skenes as the league’s top rookie. Atlanta’s Chris Sale (18-3, 2.38, 225 Ks) won pitching’s Triple Crown.
— Kevin Brewer
ALL-STAR TEAM
Catcher >> William Contreras, Brewers
First base >> Bryce Harper, Phillies
Second base >> Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
Third base >> Matt Chapman, Giants
Shortstop >> Francisco Lindor, Mets
Left field >> Jurickson Profar, Padres
Center field >> Jackson Merrill, Padres
Right field >> Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres
Designated hitter >> Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Starting pitchers >> Chris Sale, Atlanta
>> Zach Wheeler, Phillies
>> Paul Skenes, Pirates
>> Hunter Greene, Reds
>> Dylan Cease, Padres
Reliever >> Tanner Scott, Marlins-Padres
Toughest omission >> Elly De La Cruz, Reds