Best MLB Season by Position / Team

National League

compiled by: Bruce Grossberg using the Fan Graphs version of WAR
edited by: Steve Orinick

Wins Above Replacement (WAR) is an attempt by the sabermetric baseball community to summarize a player’s total contributions to their team in one statistic. You should always use more than one metric at a time when evaluating players, but WAR is all-inclusive and provides a useful reference point for comparing players. WAR offers an estimate to answer the question, “If this player got injured and their team had to replace them with a freely available minor leaguer or a AAA player from their bench, how much value would the team be losing?” This value is expressed in a wins format, so we could say that Player X is worth +6.3 wins to their team while Player Y is only worth +3.5 wins, which means it is highly likely that Player X has been more valuable than Player Y.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

ANGELS
C - 1979 Brian Downing - 5.0
1B - 1967 Don Mincher - 4.4
2B - 1979 Bobby Grich - 5.6
SS - 1964 Jim Fregosi - 7.0
3B - 2000 Troy Glaus - 8.2
LF - 2000 Darin Erstad - 8.7
CF - 2013 Mike Trout - 10.5
RF - 2004 Vladimir Guerrero - 5.9
DH - 1973 Frank Robinson - 4.2
SP - 1973 Nolan Ryan - 8.7
SP - 1964 Dean Chance - 7.6
RP - 2004 Francisco Rodriguez - 3.7

ASTROS
C - 1977 Joe Ferguson - 4.6
1B - 1997 Jeff Bagwell - 8.0
2B - 1997 Craig Biggio - 9.3
SS - 1983 Dickie Thon - 7.2
3B - 2005 Morgan Ensberg - 6.1
LF - 2001 Lance Berkman - 6.8
CF - 1972 Cesar Cedeno - 7.8
RF - 2004 Lance Berkman - 6.2
DH - 2016 Evan Gattis - 2.6
SP - 1979 J.R. Richard - 8.9
SP - 1986 Mike Scott - 8.6
RP - 2004 Brad Lidge - 3.7

ATHLETICS
C - 1933 Mickey Cochrane - 6.2
1B - 1932 Jimmie Foxx - 11.3
2B - 1909 Eddie Collins - 10.0
SS - 1949 Eddie Joost - 7.0
3B - 1912 Home Run Baker - 9.1
LF - 1990 Rickey Henderson - 10.2
CF - 1925 Al Simmons - 6.8
RF - 1969 Reggie Jackson - 8.9
DH - 1999 John Jaha - 4.1
SP - 1904 Rube Waddell - 9.2
SP - 1971 Vida Blue - 8.8
RP - 1976 Rollie Fingers - 4.1

BLUE JAYS
C - 1983 Ernie Whitt - 3.6
1B - 1993 John Olerud - 8.1
2B - 1992 Roberto Alomar - 6.1
SS - 1990 Tony Fernandez - 4.9
3B - 2015 Josh Donaldson - 8.8
LF - 1987 George Bell - 5.3
CF - 1984 Lloyd Moseby - 6.9
RF - 2011 Jose Bautista - 8.1
DH - 1993 Paul Molitor - 4.8
SP - 1997 Roger Clemens - 10.7
SP - 2002 Roy Halladay - 7.0
RP - 1986 Mark Eichhorn - 4.9

GUARDIANS / INDIANS
C - 2007 Victor Martinez - 5.4
1B - 2002 Jim Thome - 7.3
2B - 1906 Nap Lajoie - 9.4
SS - 1948 Lou Boudreau - 10.9
3B - 1953 Al Rosen - 9.1
LF - 1995 Albert Belle - 7.2
CF - 1920 Tris Speaker - 8.7
RF - 1911 Joe Jackson - 9.3
DH - 2006 Travis Hafner - 6.0
SP - 1946 Bob Feller - 10.0
SP - 1969 Sam McDowell - 9.4
RP - 1988 Doug Jones - 3.7

MARINERS
C - 2017 Mike Zunino - 3.6
1B - 1984 Alvin Davis - 5.3
2B - 2001 Bret Boone - 7.8
SS - 2000 Alex Rodriguez - 9.5
3B - 1992 Edgar Martinez - 6.0
LF - 1985 Phil Bradley - 4.8
CF - 1996 Ken Griffey Jr. - 9.7
RF - 2004 Ichiro Suzuki - 7.1
DH - 1995 Edgar Martinez - 7.0
SP - 1995 Randy Johnson - 9.5
SP - 1990 Erik Hanson - 6.6
RP - 2006 J.J. Putz - 3.4

ORIOLES / BROWNS
C - 1993 Chris Hoiles - 7.0
1B - 1920 George Sisler - 9.9
2B - 1973 Bobby Grich - 7.8
SS - 1991 Cal Ripken - 10.6
3B - 1964 Brooks Robinson - 8.1
LF - 1906 George Stone - 8.9
CF - 1969 Paul Blair - 7.1
RF - 1966 Frank Robinson - 8.2
DH - 2008 Aubrey Huff - 3.9
SP - 1975 Jim Palmer - 6.9
SP - 1922 Urban Shocker - 6.9
RP - 2004 B.J. Ryan - 3.3

RANGERS / SENATORS 2
C -1999 Ivan Rodriguez - 6.8
1B - 1993 Rafael Palmeiro - 6.3
2B - 2011 Ian Kinsler - 7.2
SS - 2002 Alex Rodriguez - 10.0
3B - 1979 Buddy Bell - 6.7
LF - 2010 Josh Hamilton - 8.4
CF - 2012 Josh Hamilton - 4.4
RF - 1989 Ruben Sierra - 5.6
DH - 1999 Rafael Palmeiro - 5.4
SP - 1974 Fergie Jenkins - 7.8
SP - 1989 Nolan Ryan - 7.0
RP - 1979 Jim Kern - 4.7

RAYS
C - 2010 John Jaso - 2.3
1B - 2007 Carlos Pena - 5.9
2B - 2009 Ben Zobrist - 8.6
SS - 2009 Jason Bartlett - 5.2
3B - 2010 Evan Longoria - 7.5
LF - 2010 Carl Crawford - 7.7
CF - 2015 Kevin Kiermaier - 5.4
RF - 2012 Ben Zobrist - 5.8
DH - 1999 Jose Canseco - 2.4
SP - 2015 Chris Archer - 5.2
SP - 2012 David Price - 5.0
RP - 2014 Jake McGee - 2.6

RED SOX
C - 1977 Carlton Fisk - 7.6
1B - 1970 Carl Yastrzemski - 8.9
2B - 2011 Dustin Pedroia - 7.8
SS - 1969 Rico Petrocelli - 9.6
3B - 1987 Wade Boggs - 8.9
LF - 1946 Ted Williams - 11.8
CF - 1912 Tris Speaker - 10.6
RF - 2016 Mookie Betts - 7.9
DH - 2007 David "Big Papi" Ortiz - 6.3
SP - 1999 Pedro Martinez - 11.6
SP - 1988 Roger Clemens - 9.2
RP - 2017 Craig Kimbrel - 3.3

ROYALS
C - 1979 Darrell Porter - 7.5
1B - 1975 John Mayberry - 7.3
2B - 1998 Jose Offerman - 4.6
SS - 1997 Jay Bell - 5.4
3B - 1980 George Brett - 9.1
LF - 1980 Willie Wilson - 7.0
CF - 1978 Amos Otis - 7.2
RF - 1977 Al Cowens - 5.1
DH - 1976 Hal McRae - 4.4
SP - 2009 Zack Greinke - 8.6
SP - 1977 Dennis Leonard - 7.9
RP - 2014 Wade Davis - 3.1

TIGERS
C - 1968 Bill Freehan - 7.0
1B - 1961 Norm Cash - 10.2
2B - 1934 Charlie Gehringer - 8.5
SS - 1987 Alan Trammell - 7.7
3B - 2013 Miguel Cabrera - 7.5
LF - 1961 Rocky Colavito - 8.0
CF - 1917 Ty Cobb - 11.5
RF - 1909 Ty Cobb - 9.7
DH - 2014 Victor Martinez - 4.3
SP - 1946 Hal Newhouser - 9.5
SP - 1971 Mickey Lolich - 8.3
RP - 1984 Willie Hernandez - 3.2

TWINS / SENATORS 1
C - 2009 Joe Mauer - 7.6
1B - 1977 Rod Carew - 8.6
2B - 1996 Chuck Knoblauch - 8.1
SS - 1930 Joe Cronin - 8.3
3B - 1969 Harmon Killebrew - 7.1
LF - 1928 Goose Goslin - 7.3
CF - 1988 Kirby Puckett - 7.1
RF - 1963 Bob Allison - 6.9
DH - 1991 Chili Davis - 3.3
SP - 1973 Bert Blyleven - 10.8
SP - 1910 Walter Johnson - 9.6
RP - 2006 Joe Nathan - 3.1

WHITE SOX
C - 1990 Carlton Fisk - 5.0
1B - 1972 Dick Allen - 8.0
2B - 1915 Eddie Collins - 9.3
SS - 1943 Luke Appling - 7.8
3B - 1964 Pete Ward - 6.1
LF - 1954 Minnie Minoso - 7.8
CF - 1966 Tommie Agee - 6.4
RF - 2016 Adam Eaton - 6.2
DH - 1991 Frank Thomas - 7.3
SP - 1908 Ed Walsh - 9.1
SP - 1971 Wilbur Wood - 8.7
RP - 1975 Rich Gossage - 4.0

YANKEES
C - 1937 Bill Dickey - 6.7
1B - 1927 Lou Gehrig - 12.5
2B - 1944 Snuffy Stirnweiss - 9.0
SS - 1999 Derek Jeter - 7.4
3B - 2007 Alex Rodriguez - 9.6
LF - 1921 Babe Ruth - 13.9
CF - 1956 Mickey Mantle - 11.5
RF - 1923 Babe Ruth - 15.0
DH - 1983 Don Baylor - 3.1
SP - 1978 Ron Guidry - 9.1
SP - 1904 Jack Chesbro - 8.5
RP - 1996 Mariano Rivera - 4.3

NATIONAL LEAGUE

BRAVES
C - 1966 Joe Torre - 6.9
1B - 1971 Hank Aaron - 7.1
2B - 1928 Rogers Hornsby - 9.0
SS - 1964 Denis Menke - 6.1
3B - 1973 Darrell Evans - 9.7
LF - 1989 Lonnie Smith - 8.1
CF - 1962 Hank Aaron - 8.1
RF - 1961 Hank Aaron - 8.9
SP - 1889 John Clarkson - 10.9
SP - 1884 Charlie Buffinton - 9.9
RP - 2012 Craig Kimbrel - 3.3

BREWERS
C - 2014 Jonathan Lucroy - 6.2
1B - 1980 Cecil Cooper - 6.6
2B - 2010 Ricky Weeks Jr. - 6.0
SS - 1982 Robin Yount - 9.8
3B - 1970 Tommy Harper - 6.8
LF - 2012 Ryan Braun - 7.3
CF - 2013 Carlos Gomez - 7.4
RF - 1979 Sixto Lezcano - 5.2
DH - 1991 Paul Molitor - 5.2
SP - 2004 Ben Sheets - 8.0
SP - 1987 Teddy Higuera - 6.7
RP - 2017 Corey Knebel - 2,8

CARDINALS
C - 2012 Yadier Molina - 6.7
1B - 1946 Stan Musial - 8.8
2B - 1924 Rogers Hornsby - 9.5
SS - 1917 Rogers Hornsby - 9.5
3B - 2004 Scott Rolen - 9.0
LF - 2003 Albert Pujols - 9.5
CF - 2004 Jim Edmonds - 8.3
RF - 1948 Stan Musial - 11.1
SP - 1888 Silver King - 11.1
SP - 1968 Bob Gibson - 9.8
RP - 1960 Lindy McDaniel - 2.6

CUBS
C - 1993 Rick Wilkins - 6.7
1B - 1906 Frank Chance - 7.7
2B - 1929 Rogers Hornsby - 11.1
SS - 1959 Ernie Banks - 9.7
3B - 1967 Ron Santo - 9.5
LF - 1972 Billy Williams - 6.5
CF - 1930 Hack Wilson - 8.0
RF - 2001 Sammy Sosa - 9.9
SP - 1887 John Clarkson - 10.9
SP - 1892 Bill Hutchison - 10.7
RP - 1977 Bruce Sutter - 5.2

DIAMONDBACKS
C - 2012 Miguel Montero - 4.5
1B - 2015 Paul Goldschmidt - 7.3
2B - 2010 Kelly Johnson - 5.4
SS - 2010 Stephen Drew - 4.8
3B - 1999 Matt Williams - 4.0
LF - 2001 Luis Gonzalez - 8.9
CF - 2015 A.J. Pollock - 6.5
RF - 2011 Justin Upton - 6.3
SP - 2001 Randy Johnson - 10.4
SP - 2002 Curt Schilling - 9.3
RP - 2002 Byung-Hyun Kim - 2.5

DODGERS
C - 1997 Mike Piazza - 9.1
1B - 1892 Dan Brouthers - 9.2
2B - 1949 Jackie Robinson - 9.6
SS - 2016 Corey Seager - 7.4
3B - 2004 Adrian Beltre - 9.7
LF - 1985 Pedro Geurrero - 7.8
CF - 1953 Duke Snider - 8.8
RF - 1930 Babe Herman - 7.7
SP - 1965 Sandy Koufax - 10.0
SP - 2015 Clayton Kershaw - 8.5
RP - 2003 Eric Gagne - 4.7

GIANTS
C - 2012 Buster Posey - 7.7
1B - 1885 Roger Connor - 8.2
2B - 1927 Rogers Hornsby - 10.4
SS - 1921 Dave Bancroft - 7.6
3B - 1938 Mel Ott - 8.7
LF - 2002 Barry Bonds - 12.7
CF - 1965 Willie Mays - 10.7
RF - 1932 Mel Ott - 8.1
SP - 1908 Christy Mathewson - 10.8
SP - 1885 Tim Keefe - 8.5
RP - 1998 Robb Nen - 3.6

MARLINS
C - 1997 Charles Johnson - 4.8
1B - 2003 Derrek Lee - 3.8
2B - 2003 Luis Castillo - 4.9
SS - 2008 Hanley Ramirez - 7.5
3B - 2006 Miguel Cabrera - 6.3
LF - 2001 Cliff Floyd - 6.5
CF - 2017 Christian Yelich - 4.5
RF - 2017 Giancarlo Stanton - 6.9
SP - 1996 Kevin Brown - 6.7
SP - 2005 Dontrelle Willis - 6.5
RP - 1996 Robb Nen - 2.8

METS
C - 1985 Gary Carter - 6.7
1B - 1998 John Olerud - 8.1
2B - 2000 Edgardo Alfonzo - 6.4
SS - 2008 Jose Reyes - 5.9
3B - 2007 David Wright - 8.4
LF - 1996 Bernard Gilkey - 7.6
CF - 2006 Carlos Beltran - 7.8
RF - 1990 Darryl Strawberry - 6.5
SP - 1971 Tom Seaver - 9.1
SP - 1985 Dwight Gooden - 8.9
RP - 1999 Armando Benitez - 3.1

NATIONALS / EXPOS
C - 1982 Gary Carter - 8.4
1B - 1988 Andres Galarraga - 5.6
2B - 2016 Daniel Murphy - 5.5
SS - 2013 Ian Desmond - 4.8
3B - 2017 Anthony Rendon - 6.9
LF - 1985 Tim Raines - 7.2
CF - 1982 Andre Dawson - 7.4
RF - 2015 Bryce Harper - 9.5
SP - 1997 Pedro Martinez - 8.5
SP - 1977 Steve Rogers - 7.0
RP - 1993 John Wettelend - 3.4

PADRES
C - 1979 Gene Tenace - 5.4
1B - 2009 Adrian Gonzalez - 5.8
2B - 2004 Mark Loretta - 5.8
SS - 1980 Ozzie Smith - 4.0
3B - 1996 Ken Caminiti - 7.5
LF - 1998 Greg Vaughn - 5.8
CF - 1970 Clarence Gaston - 5.5
RF - 1979 Dave Winfield - 7.8
SP - 1998 Kevin Brown - 9.6
SP - 2008 Jake Peavy - 6.7
RP - 1998 Trevor Hoffman - 3.1

PHILLIES
C - 1992 Darren Daulton - 7.2
1B - 1892 Roger Connor - 6.3
2B - 2009 Chase Utley - 8.2
SS - 2007 Jimmy Rollins - 6.5
3B - 1974 Mike Schmidt - 7.4
LF - 1899 Ed Delahanty - 8.3
CF - 1990 Lenny Dykstra - 9.0
RF - 1933 Chuck Klein - 7.8
SP - 1972 Steve Carlton - 11.1
SP - 1915 Pete Alexander - 9.6
RP - 1980 Tug McGraw - 2.5

PIRATES
C - 1998 Jason Kendall - 5.8
1B - 1941 Elbie Fletcher - 5.6
2B - 1909 Dots Miller - 4.8
SS - 1908 Honus Wagner - 11.8
3B - 1899 Jimmy Williams - 7.5
LF - 1990 Barry Bonds - 9.9
CF - 2013 Andrew McCutchen - 8.4
RF - 1967 Roberto Clemente - 7.7
SP - 1965 Bob Veale - 8.0
SP - 1886 Ed Cannonball Morris - 7.6
RP - 1977 Rich Gossage - 4.2

REDS
C - 1972 Johnny Bench - 9.2
1B - 2015 Joey Votto - 7.5
2B - 1975 Joe Morgan - 11.0
SS - 1996 Barry Larkin - 6.8
3B - 1970 Tony Perez - 8.2
LF - 1977 George Foster - 8.9
CF - 1905 Cy Seymour - 8.7
RF - 1962 Frank Robinson - 8.2
SP - 1947 Ewell Blackwell - 7.6
SP - 1982 Mario Soto - 7.1
RP - 1990 Rob Dibble - 4.3

ROCKIES
C - 2008 Chris Iannetta - 3.1
1B - 2000 Todd Helton - 8.3
2B - 2016 DJ LeMahieu - 4.3
SS - 2010 Troy Tulowitzki - 5.6
3B - 2017 Nolan Arenado - 5.6
LF - 1996 Ellis Burks - 7.2
CF - 2017 Charlie Blackmon - 6.5
RF - 1997 Larry Walker - 9.1
SP - 2010 Ubaldo Jimenez - 5.9
SP - 2008 Aaron Cook - 4.4

All-Star Teams by Decade 1876-2019