The 2024 MLB season has been a whirlwind of exceptional performances, with the league's top talents cementing their status as the game's elite. As the All-MLB team is set to be announced, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at the standout players who have dominated the diamond this year.

Unveiling the Crème de la Crème of Baseball

Catcher: William Contreras, Brewers

William Contreras has emerged as one of the premier catchers in the league, showcasing his offensive prowess and defensive acumen. The 26-year-old Brewers star batted .281/.365/.466 with 37 doubles, 23 home runs, 99 runs scored, and 92 RBIs. His impressive performance earned him a second consecutive Silver Slugger Award and a second All-Star selection. Contreras' advanced metrics paint an even more compelling picture, as he finished in the 92nd percentile in batting run value, the 94th percentile in average exit velocity, and the 91st percentile in hard-hit rate. His framing and pop time skills also grade out above average, making him a well-rounded backstop.

First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to cement his status as one of the game's premier power hitters. The Blue Jays slugger slashed .323/.396/.544 with 44 doubles, 30 home runs, 98 runs scored, and 103 RBIs. His dominant season earned him his second Silver Slugger Award and fourth consecutive All-Star selection. Guerrero's advanced metrics are equally impressive, as he finished in the 98th percentile in batting run value, xwOBA, xSLG, and average exit velocity, and in the 100th percentile in xBA.

Second Base: Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte was the driving force behind the Diamondbacks' resurgence, earning MVP-caliber recognition. The versatile infielder slashed .292/.372/.560 with 23 doubles, 36 home runs, 93 runs scored, 95 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. Marte's breakout campaign resulted in his second All-Star selection (first since 2019) and his first Silver Slugger Award. His advanced metrics are equally impressive, as he finished in the 96th percentile in batting run value, xBA, xSLG, and hard-hit percentage, the 97th percentile in xwOBA, and the 98th percentile in average exit velocity.

Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. solidified his status as one of the game's brightest young stars, delivering a historic season. The 24-year-old phenom slashed .332/.389/.588 with 45 doubles, 11 triples, 32 home runs, 125 runs scored, 109 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. Witt became the first shortstop in MLB history with two 30-30 seasons (home runs, steals) and earned his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award. His advanced metrics are equally staggering, as he finished in the 99th percentile in batting run value, base running value, and outs above average (defensive range), and in the 100th percentile in xBA and sprint speed.

Third Base: José Ramírez, Guardians

José Ramírez continues to cement his status as one of the game's most well-rounded players. The Guardians star batted .279/.335/.537 with 39 doubles, 39 home runs, 114 runs scored, 118 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases. Ramírez's impressive performance earned him his fourth consecutive All-Star selection (sixth overall) and his fifth Silver Slugger Award. His advanced metrics are equally impressive, as he finished in the 96th percentile in batting run value, the 98th percentile in K%, and the 83rd percentile in outs above average. Ramírez's intangibles, such as his fundamentally sound play and relentless hustle, make him a future Hall of Famer in the making.

Right Field: Juan Soto, Yankees

Juan Soto's transition to the Yankees has been seamless, as the superstar outfielder continues to dominate at the plate. Soto slashed .288/.419/.569 with 31 doubles, 41 home runs, a league-leading 128 runs scored, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks. His impressive performance earned him his fourth All-Star selection and fifth Silver Slugger Award. Soto's advanced metrics are equally staggering, as he finished in the 100th percentile in batting run value, xwOBA, and BB%, and in the 98th or 99th percentile in xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard-hit rate, and chase rate.

Center Field: Aaron Judge, Yankees

Aaron Judge cemented his status as the best overall player in MLB this year, leading the league in a multitude of offensive categories. The Yankees slugger hit .311/.425/.686 with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, 133 walks, and a league-leading 392 total bases. Judge's historic season earned him his sixth All-Star selection, fourth Silver Slugger Award, and second AL MVP Award. His advanced metrics are equally impressive, as he finished in the 100th percentile in batting run value, xwOBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard-hit rate, and walk rate.

Left Field: Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers

Teoscar Hernández enjoyed a career-best season, solidifying his status as one of the league's most productive outfielders. The Dodgers star batted .272/.339/.501 with 32 doubles, 33 home runs, 84 runs scored, 99 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. Hernández's impressive performance earned him his second All-Star selection and third Silver Slugger Award, and he even won the Home Run Derby. His advanced metrics are equally impressive, as he finished in the 90th percentile in batting run value, the 91st percentile in xSLG, and the 94th percentile in barrel rate.

Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani's historic season has cemented his status as the most dominant player in the game. The two-way superstar batted .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 134 runs scored, and 59 stolen bases, while also leading the league in several offensive categories. Ohtani's remarkable performance earned him his third MVP Award and fourth All-Star selection, as well as his third Silver Slugger Award. His advanced metrics are equally staggering, as he finished in the 99th percentile in batting run value and xBA, and in the 100th percentile in xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, and hard-hit rate.

Starting Pitcher: Tarik Skubal, Tigers

Tarik Skubal emerged as one of the American League's most dominant pitchers, leading the league in several key categories. The Tigers ace posted an 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts, earning his first All-Star selection and the AL Cy Young Award. Skubal's advanced metrics are equally impressive, as he finished in the 100th percentile in pitching run value, the 99th percentile in fastball run value, and the 93rd percentile in offspeed run value.

Closer: Emmanuel Clase, Guardians

Emmanuel Clase has solidified his status as one of the game's premier relievers, dominating the American League with his electric stuff. The Guardians closer led the AL in games finished (66) and saves (47) for the third consecutive year, earning his third straight All-Star selection. Clase posted an astounding 0.61 ERA, allowing only 39 hits in 74 1/3 innings. His advanced metrics are equally impressive, as he finished in the 98th percentile in pitching run value and the 99th percentile in fastball run value.

Front Office and Field Staff

The Dodgers' success this season can be attributed to the leadership of owner Mark Walter, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, and manager Dave Roberts. Walter provided the necessary resources to allow Friedman and Roberts to make the necessary moves, including the signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as well as the trade for Teoscar Hernández. Friedman's in-season moves, such as the three-way trade that netted shortstop/center fielder Tommy Edman and reliever Michael Kopech, and the deadline deal for starter Jack Flaherty, were pivotal to the Dodgers' success. Meanwhile, Roberts' ability to navigate a season plagued by injuries and still lead his team to the best regular-season record and an outstanding postseason run solidifies his status as one of the game's best managers.