The MLB All-Star Game is a fun way to celebrate the best players in baseball, but here at Baseball Info Solutions, we have a particular affinity for the best defensive players in the game. As such, we wanted to recognize the players who have had some of the best defensive first halves, whether or not they made it to the actual All-Star Game. What follows is our selection of the Defensive All-Stars, one player from either league at each position.
First Base: Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals
Hosmer has disappointed offensively in the first half. His .312 on-base percentage (OBP) is 41 points lower than last season, and he has just six home runs and three steals. However, Hosmer has not allowed those problems with the bat to affect his play in the field. He is among the leaders at first base with five Defensive Runs Saved. In particular, he has picked up his teammates by handling 30 difficult throws to first, four more than Anthony Rizzo in second place.