Wow, can you believe it’s already 2025? Time really flies in the 21st century!
Here at The Athletic, we’ve come up with a fun idea: assembling an All-Quarter Century Team for baseball. And you’re invited to participate in voting for it too!
Tyler Kepner will provide the complete ballot and instructions on how to cast your vote. We anticipate you might have opinions on who the standout players of the 2000s are.
In the meantime, someone like me needs to write a column to kickstart this project. So based on 21st-century statistics, I’ve selected the starters and top pitchers, and I predict my choices might ruffle some feathers, encouraging you to make your own selections!
Here are my picks for the MLB All-Quarter Century Team. Feel free to disagree, but remember to direct your feedback to my colleague, Tyler Kepner.
First base — Albert Pujols
To kick things off, let’s start with a no-brainer: I’ve identified six Hall of Fame-worthy first basemen from the 2000s, including Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Joey Votto, Todd Helton, Freddie Freeman, and Paul Goldschmidt. If we factor in Joe Mauer, Jim Thome, and Bryce Harper, the list expands.
Second base — Jose Altuve
I’m deducting points from Robinson Canó due to his history with performance-enhancing drugs, leaving a choice between Altuve and Chase Utley. Despite Altuve’s involvement in the Astros’ scandal, he’s building a strong case for Cooperstown with three batting titles and impressive career numbers.
Shortstop — Derek Jeter
While I was tempted to consider Francisco Lindor and Jimmy Rollins, Jeter’s combination of postseason success and career milestones leads me to select him. No doubt he had legendary moments during the 2000s, further solidifying his legacy.
Third base — Adrián Beltré
This pick had me torn between Beltré and Chipper Jones, but in the end, Beltré edges out due to his incredible defensive prowess and contributions in the 2000s, even as the discussions about other outstanding third basemen continue.
Left field — Barry Bonds
Yes, I know this choice will stir debate, but Bonds’ achievement in the 2000s makes him a standout in left field despite the controversies surrounding his career. His historical significance in this position is hard to overlook.
Catcher — Yadier Molina
Though I considered Joe Mauer and Buster Posey, Molina’s undeniable impact on the Cardinals throughout his career and the intangibles he brought to the game make him my top choice for catcher.
Starting rotation — Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Roy Halladay, Max Scherzer, Randy Johnson
This rotation includes four renowned aces, but selecting the fifth was challenging. Randy Johnson’s legacy, despite being at the tail end of his career in the 2000s, grants him a spot due to his remarkable achievements and Cy Young accolades.
Closer — Mariano Rivera
Even excluding his early career, Rivera remains unmatched with his dominance throughout the 2000s, holding extraordinary postseason numbers and a remarkable ERA. Thus, he easily claims the closer position on my team.
