MLB All-Star Team way too early Nationals League starting lineup

The way-too-early NL MLB All-Star Team starting lineup

ATLANTA, GA MAY 15: Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits a deep fly ball during the game between Atlanta and Chicago on May 15th, 2018 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Atlanta Braves by a score of 3 -2. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MLB All-Star Team /

MLB All-Star Team Catcher

Conventional Pick: Yasmani Grandal, Los Angeles Dodgers

There are five catchers in the NL who are very close in value this year. These five are Francisco Cervelli, J.T. Realmuto, Willson Contreras, Buster Posey, and Yasmani Grandal. Posey is the big name. He’s been an all-star three years in a row and five of the last six years. Unfortunately, Posey only has two home runs and 15 RBI so far. Yasmani Grandal has been just as valuable according to WAR and he leads all NL catchers with eight homers, 23 runs scored, and 28 RBI.

Combined WAR Pick: Francisco Cervelli, Pittsburgh Pirates

The combined WAR leader among NL catchers is Pittsburgh’s Italian Stallion, Francisco Cervelli. The guy who had a “That’s Amore” bobblehead in his likeness last April is hitting .278/.399/.522 with a strong defense behind the dish. He’s also second among NL catchers in RBI and tied for second in home runs.

Last Calendar Year pick: Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs

The top three NL catches in Fangraphs WAR over the last calendar year are Willson Contreras, J.T. Realmuto, and Buster Posey. Contreras just edges out Realmuto 4.3 WAR to 4.1, with Posey coming in at 3.6.

Over that period, Contreras has hit .290/.373/.526 and launched 21 home runs. The number four guy on this list over the last calendar year is a surprise—Kurt Suzuki of the Braves, at 3.0 WAR.

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