Despite the Baseball Writers’ Association of America award winners already being announced earlier this month, two Phillies will have another honor to add to their resumes.
Phillies stars J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper have both been selected to ESPN‘s All-MLB team for 2019. Realmuto was awarded first-team All-MLB, while Harper was named to the third team.
Because there is no All-MLB team sanctioned by Major League Baseball like that of the NFL or NBA, Jeff Passan and ESPN decided to determine the best players of this past season by position. 68 media members came together to vote on the very first ESPN All-MLB team.
Realmuto was named the first-team All-MLB catcher, receiving 49 of 63 first-place votes. He provided the Phillies with excellent value and stability in his first season behind the plate in Philadelphia. Realmuto led all catchers in fWAR, runners caught stealing and games started this past season.
In addition to this honor, Realmuto was an All-Star in 2019, won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award and was voted a Gold Glove Award winner for the first time.
Harper was voted in as an outfielder for the All-MLB third team. 2019 was Harper’s first year in Philadelphia as well and he did not disappoint. Harper was 10th among outfielders in fWAR, top 10 in win probability added, second in outfield assists and hit 35 home runs for the first time since his National League MVP season in 2015.