As Major League Baseball (MLB) barrels toward June 2025, the race for the All-MLB Team—presented by MGM Rewards to honor the season’s top performers at each position—is heating up. Leveraging advanced predictive algorithms, player performance data through late May, and trends from the 2025 season, we’ve harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to forecast the players most likely to earn All-MLB First and Second Team honors. Drawing on insights from MLB.com’s early-season predictions and ESPN’s 2025 season previews, this AI-driven analysis combines statistical projections with contextual factors like team performance and breakout potential to present a compelling All-MLB Team heading into June.
Below, we break down the AI’s selections for the All-MLB First and Second Teams, highlighting key performers and explaining why they stand out in a competitive field.
Methodology: How the AI Predicts the All-MLB Team
The AI model analyzes a wealth of data, including batting average (BA), on-base plus slugging (OPS), home runs (HR), runs batted in (RBI), wins above replacement (WAR), earned run average (ERA), strikeouts (K), and other advanced metrics like weighted runs created plus (wRC+) and fielding-independent pitching (FIP). It also considers recent performance trends, injury reports, and team success, as postseason contenders often see their stars elevated in All-MLB voting. The model cross-references early-season projections from MLB.com and other sources, adjusting for unexpected breakouts or slumps observed in April and May 2025.
All-MLB First Team Predictions
Catcher: Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)
Rutschman continues to cement his status as baseball’s premier catcher. The AI projects him to lead catchers in WAR, with a .290/.380/.480 slash line, 12 HRs, and elite defensive metrics through May. His leadership behind the plate for a contending Orioles squad makes him a lock for the First Team.
First Base: Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Freeman’s consistency is unmatched, with the AI forecasting a .305 BA, 15 HRs, and 40 RBIs by June. His smooth swing and Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base keep him ahead of competitors like Matt Olson. The Dodgers’ status as World Series favorites boosts his case.
Second Base: Jose Altuve (Houston Astros)
At 35, Altuve defies age with a projected .310 BA and 10 HRs, leading second basemen in wRC+. His speed (15 stolen bases) and clutch hitting for a resurgent Astros team make him the AI’s top choice over Ketel Marte.
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)
Witt is a superstar in the making, with the AI predicting a .320 BA, 18 HRs, 25 stolen bases, and 7 WAR by June. His blend of power, speed, and defense for a playoff-bound Royals team puts him ahead of Corey Seager.
Third Base: José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)
Ramírez’s all-around brilliance shines, with a projected .295 BA, 20 HRs, and 50 RBIs. His leadership on a Guardians team vying for the AL Central crown and his switch-hitting prowess make him the clear First Team pick.
Outfield: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), Juan Soto (New York Yankees), Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)
The AI tabs this trio as the cream of the outfield crop. Judge is projected to lead the league with 25 HRs and a 1.000 OPS, while Soto’s .400 on-base percentage and 20 HRs make him a perfect complement. Betts, versatile and clutch, is forecasted to hit .300 with 15 HRs and elite defense. The Yankees’ and Dodgers’ dominance amplifies their cases.
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Ohtani’s two-way dominance continues, but as a DH, his offensive output—projected at .310 BA, 22 HRs, and 60 RBIs—sets him apart. His impact on the Dodgers’ lineup is undeniable, making him the AI’s top DH.
Starting Pitchers: Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers), Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies), Corbin Burnes (Baltimore Orioles), Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves), Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Skubal leads with a projected 2.50 ERA and 100 strikeouts, anchoring the Tigers’ rotation. Wheeler’s consistency (2.70 ERA, 90 K) and Sale’s resurgence (2.60 ERA, 95 K) make them NL standouts. Burnes (2.80 ERA) and Skenes (3.00 ERA, 110 K) round out a dominant group, with Skenes’ electric stuff earning him the rookie nod.
Relief Pitchers: Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians), Devin Williams (Milwaukee Brewers)
Clase’s projected 0.90 ERA and 30 saves make him the AL’s top closer, while Williams’ 1.50 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 20 innings solidify his NL dominance. Both are critical to their teams’ postseason hopes.
All-MLB Second Team Predictions
Catcher: Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Smith’s projected .270 BA and 10 HRs keep him in the conversation, though Rutschman’s defense edges him out.
First Base: Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)
Olson’s power (18 HRs) is undeniable, but Freeman’s all-around game takes precedence.
Second Base: Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Marte’s .290 BA and 12 HRs make him a strong contender, narrowly trailing Altuve.
Shortstop: Corey Seager (Texas Rangers)
Seager’s .300 BA and 15 HRs are impressive, but Witt’s speed and WAR give him the edge.
Third Base: Alex Bregman (Houston Astros)
Bregman’s projected .280 BA and 15 HRs are solid, but Ramírez’s power-speed combo prevails.
Outfield: Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros), Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres), Corbin Carroll (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Tucker’s 15 HRs and 20 stolen bases, Tatis’ .290 BA and flair, and Carroll’s speed (25 SBs) make this a dynamic trio, though they fall just short of the star-studded First Team.
Designated Hitter: Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros)
Alvarez’s projected .290 BA and 18 HRs are stellar, but Ohtani’s overall impact takes the top spot.
Starting Pitchers: Max Fried (Atlanta Braves), Cole Ragans (Kansas City Royals), Hunter Greene (Cincinnati Reds), Logan Webb (San Francisco Giants), Blake Snell (San Francisco Giants)
Fried (2.90 ERA) and Webb (3.00 ERA) anchor the NL, while Ragans (3.10 ERA) and Greene (3.20 ERA, 100 K) shine in the AL. Snell’s late surge (2.80 ERA) earns him a spot.
Relief Pitchers: Ryan Helsley (St. Louis Cardinals), Mason Miller (Oakland Athletics)
Helsley’s 25 saves and Miller’s 40 strikeouts in 20 innings make them formidable, but Clase and Williams lead the pack.
Why These Predictions Matter
The AI’s selections reflect a blend of established stars (Judge, Ohtani, Freeman) and emerging talents (Witt, Skenes), highlighting the balance between proven excellence and breakout potential. The model favors players on contending teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies, as team success often influences All-MLB voting. However, surprises like Skenes and Carroll show the AI’s ability to identify rising stars who could shift the narrative by season’s end.
Caveats and Considerations
These predictions are based on data through late May 2025 and assume no major injuries or performance swings. The AI model, while sophisticated, can’t account for intangibles like clutch performances or voter biases. Fans and analysts on platforms like X have already begun debating early-season standouts, with some arguing for players like Elly De La Cruz or Gunnar Henderson to crack the list if they sustain their hot starts. As the season progresses, June’s games could reshape these projections significantly.
Conclusion
The AI’s All-MLB Team predictions for 2025 showcase a mix of household names and rising stars, with the Dodgers and Yankees heavily represented due to their star power and playoff aspirations. From Bobby Witt Jr.’s electrifying all-around game to Tarik Skubal’s dominance on the mound, these players are poised to define the season’s first half. As we head into June, keep an eye on these names—they’re the ones the AI believes will shine brightest when the All-MLB Teams are announced at season’s end.
