The best of the National League heading into 2019
A look at the best the National League has to offer in various categories to begin the 2019 MLB season.
BEST PLAYER
1. Javier Baez, Cubs
Baez finished second to Christian Yelich for last year’s MVP, but his breakthrough 2018 vaulted him to the top of our list. His 34 homers and 111 RBIs were more impressive when you consider the versatile, good-glove infielder was primarily a shortstop over the final five weeks. He played 160 games, and still is only 26.
2. Christian Yelich, Brewers
3. Manny Machado, Padres
4. Nolan Arenado, Rockies
5. Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals
BEST MANAGER
1. Craig Counsell, Brewers
2. Bud Black, Rockies
3. Dave Roberts, Dodgers
BEST EXECUTIVE
1. David Stearns, Brewers
2. John Mozeliak, Cardinals
3. Theo Epstein, Cubs
BEST STARTING PITCHER
1. Jacob deGrom, Mets
2. Max Scherzer, Nationals
3. Aaron Nola, Phillies
BEST CLOSER
1. Edwin Diaz, Mets
2. Kenley Jansen, Dodgers
3. Wade Davis, Rockies
BEST SET-UP MAN
1. Josh Hader, Brewers
2. Jeurys Familia, Mets
3. Joe Kelly, Dodgers
BEST FIRST BASEMAN
1. Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals
2. Joey Votto, Reds
3. Freddie Freeman, Braves
BEST SECOND BASEMAN
1. Robinson Cano, Mets
2. Ozzie Albies, Braves
3. Scooter Gennett, Reds
BEST SHORTSTOP
1. Javier Baez, Cubs
2. Trevor Story, Rockies
3. Corey Seager, Dodgers
BEST THIRD BASEMAN
1. Nolan Arenado, Rockies
2. Anthony Rendon, Nationals
3. Matt Carpenter, Cardinals
BEST CATCHER
1. Buster Posey, Giants
2. J.T. Realmuto, Phillies
3. Wilson Contreras, Cubs
BEST OUTFIELDER
1. Christian Yelich, Brewers
2. Lorenzo Cain, Brewers
3. Bryce Harper, Phillies
BEST BASESTEALER
1. Trea Turner, Nationals
2. Starling Marte, Pirates
3. Lorenzo Cain, Brewers
BEST FASTBALL
1. Jordan Hicks, Cardinals
2. Noah Syndergaard, Mets
3. Joe Kelly, Dodgers
BEST SLIDER
1. Andrew Miller, Cardinals
2. Max Scherzer, Nationals
3. Patrick Corbin, Nationals
BEST SUPER UTILITY PLAYER
1. Enrique Hernandez, Dodgers
2. Charlie Culberson, Braves
3. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
BEST EXIT VELOCITY
1. Robinson Cano, Mets
2. Christian Yelich, Brewers
3. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
BEST HOME-RUN DISTANCE
1. Trevor Story, Rockies
2. Cody Bellinger, Dodgers
3. Bryce Harper, Nationals
BEST OPEN-AIR STADIUM
1. Dodger Stadium
2. Wrigley Field
3. AT&T Park
BEST DOME STADIUM
1. Marlins Park
2. Miller Park
3. Chase Field
BEST HOME UNIFORMS
1. Dodgers
2. Cardinals
3. Cubs
BEST MASCOT
1. Phillies (Phanatic)
2. Mets (Mr. Met)
3. Cardinals (Fredbird)
BEST PLAYER UNDER AGE 25
1. Cody Bellinger, Dodgers
2. Ozzie Albies, Braves
3. Jose Peraza, Reds
BEST PROSPECTS
1. Pete Alonso, Mets
2. Victor Robles, Nationals
3. Garrett Hampson, Rockies
BEST WALK-YEAR PLAYERS
1. Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals
2. Anthony Rendon, Nationals
3. Madison Bumgarner, Giants